Program Overview
The University of Cincinnati's Master of Social Work program prepares students for advanced social work practice through a hybrid learning experience that combines classroom and field education. The program offers various degree options, including accelerated and part-time, and allows students to specialize in children & families, health & aging, or mental health. Graduates are equipped with the knowledge and skills to work in diverse settings and pursue licensure or further education.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
The University of Cincinnati Master of Social Work (MSW) program prepares students for a career in advanced social work practice. The program is designed to promote the integration of learning in the classroom with learning in a field practicum in an agency setting. Upon graduation, students are prepared for advanced social work practice with individuals, families, groups, communities, and organizations. They can become a licensed social worker in the state of Ohio after passing their licensing exam. Some students also choose to pursue a PhD at one of many universities across the country.
Teaching:
The program incorporates a thoughtful blend of on-campus and online coursework, giving students the best of both worlds in a hybrid learning environment. Field education is incorporated throughout into the curriculum, giving students real-world experience in one of our 200+ social service agency partners. Throughout the program, students will be assigned to an agency for 14 to 17 hours per week to work under the supervision of a qualified field instructor, who is a social worker employed at that agency.
Careers:
Social workers practice in many settings, working with people and communities to find solutions to problems. Fields where social workers provide direct service to individuals, families, and groups include:
- Children and family services in child protective services, foster care agencies, adoptions, schools, and counseling agencies.
- Health services in hospitals, clinics, rehabilitation centers, and nursing homes.
- Mental health and substance use services in treatment and case management agencies and private practice.
- Aging service in home care agencies and senior living communities.
- Legal services in correctional facilities, treatment agencies, and mediation services. Other social workers work with community members to improve conditions in their area. Still others work in leadership roles in social service organizations.
Other:
The Master of Social Work program has a variety of curriculum options:
- Accelerated part-time
- Full-time
- Part-time The program also has an accelerated full-time program for students who want to start in the summer and finish in one year. The program has a direct practice concentration and is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills needed for specialized practice. Students may specialize in three areas of study: children & families, health & aging, or mental health. Their curriculum and field placements will be tailored to fit their area of interest. Through these specialized areas, students will learn to use evidence-based interventions to assist individuals, families, and groups to make changes, solve problems, and become empowered.
