Program Overview

---

Program Overview

The Master of Social Work (MSW) program with an Advanced Standing - Direct Practice specialization is designed for recent Bachelor of Social Work graduates. This program prepares students to thrive in numerous professional settings, focusing on evidence-based practice, client strengths, social justice, and client empowerment.

Program Description

The MSW program offers students four areas of practice: children, youth, and families; health; behavioral health; and child welfare. This program is designed to be completed in-person, in an accelerated and intensive, one-year format. The primary curriculum goal is to educate advanced social work practitioners who demonstrate the knowledge, skills, values, and ethics of the profession and who are competent for specialized practice.

At a Glance

• College/school: Watts College of Public Service & Community Solutions
• Location: Downtown Phoenix, ASU at Tucson
• STEM-OPT extension eligible: No

Degree Requirements

The program requires 39, 51, or 60 credit hours, including the required capstone course (SWG 621). The curriculum includes:

• Required Core (3 credit hours): SWG 510 Foundation Practice I (3) or SWG 514 Bridge Seminar I (3)
• Advanced Direct Practice Concentration (12 credit hours):
  • SWG 606 Assessment of Mental Disorders (3)
  • SWG 619 Practice-oriented Research (3)
  • SWG 641 Advanced Practicum: Direct Practice I (3)
  • SWG 642 Advanced Practicum: Direct Practice II (3)
• Specialization (6 credit hours)
• Restricted Electives (15-36 credit hours)
• Culminating Experience (3 credit hours): SWG 621 Integrative Seminar (3)

Admission Requirements

• General university admission requirements
• A BSW from a Council on Social Work Education-accredited program with a minimum GPA of 3.20 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last two years of work leading to the BSW
• Three letters of reference
• Professional resume
• Statement of educational and career goals
• Proof of English proficiency

Tuition Information

Tuition information can be found on the university's website.

Application Deadlines

• Summer: 02/01 (Final)

Program Learning Outcomes

• Plan, implement, and evaluate evidence-based interventions
• Apply knowledge of human behavior in the social environment when working with individuals, families, and groups
• Apply professional values and ethics during the advanced direct practice practicum

Career Opportunities

Graduates can work in areas such as adult and juvenile corrections, behavioral health, homeless services, mental health organizations, schools, nonprofits, and government agencies. Career examples include:

• Counselor
• Group therapy clinician
• Hospital or school social worker
• Individual counselor
• Mental health service professional
• Outreach coordinator or shelter director
• Wellness programmer

Professional Licensure

The program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education. Completion of the program may lead to professional licensure or certification in Arizona, but it may not meet educational requirements for licensure or certification in another state.