Program Overview

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Introduction to the Master of Social Work Program

The online Master of Social Work program is designed to empower students to drive meaningful change in a variety of settings while preparing them for the licensure process. This highly sought-after degree equips graduates to elevate the well-being of children, families, adults, and communities while championing social, economic, and environmental justice.

Program Overview

The program is fully accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), and graduates are prepared to begin the licensure application process in all 50 states. Students can choose from two distinct tracks based on their previous academic experience:

• 60-credit-hour track: Designed for students who hold a bachelor’s degree in a field other than social work.
• Advanced Standing track: A 33-credit-hour program for students who earned a bachelor’s degree in social work within the past seven years.

Program Structure

The program includes a mix of asynchronous coursework and live online sessions that foster connections with faculty and peers. Field Education is the cornerstone of the program, with students completing two personalized field placements, gaining real-world experience under the guidance of licensed social workers.

Course Details

The Master of Social Work provides a strong foundation in ethical practice, social work policy, research methods, and the theory, practice, and evaluation of work with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities. Both tracks also allow 9 credit hours of electives from approved lists.

Foundation Courses (for 60-hour program only)

• Social Work Research Methods: Introduction to the design and implementation of quantitative and qualitative research methods used to evaluate the effectiveness of social work practices and policies.
• Policy Practice in Social Work: Analysis and Advocacy: A historical and descriptive review of federal and state social welfare programming, an introduction to practice skills of policy analysis, and advocacy in affecting development, change, or implementation of social welfare policy.
• Understanding Social Determinants of Health: Prepares students for generalist practice by equipping them with a systems-oriented perspective on individual and community wellbeing.
• Theory, Practice, and Evaluation with Individuals: Provides the theoretical background, practice skills, and research experience necessary for generalist social work practice and evaluation at the individual level.
• Theory, Practice, and Evaluation with Families and Groups: Addresses foundation-level components of theory, practice, and evaluation related to generalist social work practice with families and groups.
• Theory, Practice, and Evaluation with Communities and Organizations: Exploration of the generalist perspective focusing on the knowledge, values, skills, and techniques appropriate to assessment and interventions with organizations and communities.
• Professional Social Work: An overview of social work as a profession, including central concepts and theories, values, ethics, and career pathways.
• Social Work Practicum I: Professionally supervised foundation year practicum placement in an area social service agency.
• Social Work Practicum II: A professionally supervised practicum placement in an area social service agency; a continuation of Social Work Practicum I.
• Human Lifespan Development: Within a social systems framework and biopsychosocial perspective, students learn empirically based theories that deal with lifespan development and family theory.

Common Courses (for both the 60-hour and Advanced Standing programs)

• Client-Centered Direct Practice: Addresses clinical practice across the lifespan with application to individuals, families, and groups.
• Macro Systems in Practice: Utilizes an advanced generalist perspective focused on advancing the knowledge, values, skills, and techniques appropriate to engagement, assessment, and intervention with organizations and communities.
• Advanced Integrative Seminar: An advanced integrative seminar for concentration year students taken in the final semester.
• Social Work Practicum III: An educationally focused and professionally supervised practicum placement in a social service agency.
• Social Work Practicum IV: An educationally focused and professionally supervised practicum placement in a social service agency.

Advanced Standing Program Course

• Introduction to Advanced Integrative Practice (Advanced Standing program only): A seminar course designed to enhance the preparation of Advanced Standing students for graduate study in social work.

Career Opportunities

Earning your online MSW degree from the University of Oklahoma positions you for career growth across diverse areas of the social work field. This degree equips you with the advanced skills and credentials needed to lead, advocate, and make a lasting impact in your community. Potential career paths include:

• Social Worker
• Child Welfare Specialist
• Family Therapists
• Psychotherapists
• Field Representative
• Military & Family Life Consultant
• Substance Abuse Counselors
• Policy Analyst
• Triage Specialist
• Case Manager

Industry Insights

• Median Pay: $61,330
• Job Outlook: Employment for social workers is expected to grow 7 percent by 2033.
• Job Openings: 63,700 openings for social workers are projected each year, on average, over the next decade.

Program Outcomes

OU’s online Master of Social Work meets the rising demand for professionals equipped to create lasting impact in the lives of children, families, adults, and communities. Students will:

• Engage in realistic simulations with trained actors portraying clients, applying theory in a safe, supportive environment
• Review and annotate recorded sessions to deepen understanding
• Schedule and record practice exercises with simulated clients
• Build expertise in research methods, advocacy, and evaluation with individuals and families
• Gain hands-on experience through practicum placements in real-world settings

Cost and Financial Aid

Tuition and fees are $38,700 for the 60-hour program ($645 per credit hour). For the Advanced Standing program, tuition and fees total $21,285 ($645 per credit hour). Books and additional materials are not included. Financial aid, scholarships, and employer tuition assistance may be available to help reduce costs.

Admission Requirements

• Standard Track: Have a bachelor’s degree from any field with a 3.00 GPA
• Advanced Standing Program: Have a bachelor’s degree in social work with a 3.00 GPA from a CSWE-accredited program within the last seven years

Application Process

• Complete online application
• Submit a resume or CV
• Three Letters of recommendation (professional contacts, supervisors, faculty)
• Official undergraduate transcript(s) from an accredited institution
• Answers to five essay questions
• TOEFL or IELTS score (international applicants only)

Why Choose OU Online for a Master of Social Work

OU Online delivers high-quality, affordable undergraduate and graduate programs in a flexible online format—backed by the reputation of a top-tier public institution. Gain the knowledge and skills to thrive in the evolving field of social work. The program offers:

• Faculty expertise
• Robust student support
• Global alumni network
• Flexible format
• Tailored experience

Conclusion

The online Master of Social Work program from the University of Oklahoma is designed to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and credentials needed to succeed in the social work field. With its flexible online format, robust student support, and global alumni network, this program is an excellent choice for those looking to advance their careers in social work.