Program Overview
Social Work Program 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.
Program Details
- Duration: 2 Years
- Total Credits: 44 - 60
- Award: MSW
Flexible Program Options
The Master of Social Work program has a variety of curriculum options:
- Accelerated part-time
- Full-time
- Part-time We also have an accelerated full-time program for students who want to start in the summer and finish in one year. Each 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
Field education is incorporated throughout 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.
Career Opportunities
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.
Curriculum
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. The curriculum and field placements will be tailored to fit the student's area of interest and 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.
Admission Requirements
Please see the Admission Requirements for detailed information about what is needed to be a successful applicant.
Program Volunteer Requirement
Applicants without a degree in human services must complete volunteer experience before beginning the placement portion of the social work program.
Transferring To UC
One third (1/3) of the minimum credits needed to earn the UC MSW degree may be transfer credits. To receive transfer credits, students must have:
- Completed those courses within 5 years of being admitted to the MSW Program
- Earned a B grade or better in each class.
Accreditation
The University of Cincinnati and all regional campuses are accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. The Master of Social Work (MSW) program is fully accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).