Program Overview

Introduction to the University of South Florida's School of Social Work

The University of South Florida's School of Social Work is part of the College of Behavioral and Community Sciences. The school offers various programs, including the Bachelor of Social Work, Master of Social Work (In-Person), Master of Social Work (Online), and Ph.D. in Social Work.

Overview of the Master of Social Work Program

The Master of Social Work (MSW) program at the University of South Florida prioritizes advanced scholarly study and hands-on field experience to equip students with the skills needed for impactful careers in social work. The program provides tailored instruction for both clinical and macro practice, with a comprehensive grasp of social work practice.

Program Details

• The program offers specialized training for clinical interventions with individuals, families, and small groups.
• It also provides opportunities to engage in macro-level initiatives aimed at policy, leadership, community, organization, and systemic change.
• Through an intensive field practicum, students apply classroom theory to real-world scenarios, benefiting from the university's extensive network of over 350 community partnerships and 1,000 field instructors.
• Guided by a placement coordinator, students gain invaluable experience working alongside seasoned professionals, leaving the program with practical skills and a robust professional network.

Affordable Tuition

The USF Online MSW program offers one of the most cost-effective tuition rates in the nation, at $550 per credit for both in-state and out-of-state students. This ensures high-quality education is accessible to everyone.

Multiple Pathways to the USF Online MSW

The university offers multiple pathways to earn the MSW, accommodating various levels of prior social work knowledge and offering flexible delivery modes: online, face-to-face, and both, with the option to study either full-time or part-time. Regardless of the chosen pathway, each option maintains the same curriculum and admission standards, ensuring consistency in education quality.

Pathway Details

• The difference lies in the mode of delivery and the time required for completion.
• Both pathways provide comprehensive training and practical experience necessary for successful social work practice, educating seasoned professionals as well as those new to the field.
• Led by esteemed faculty, USF's courses integrate real-world insights and field placements, enabling students to apply theoretical knowledge to practical scenarios.

Preparing Graduates for Professional Practice

The USF MSW program provides specialized training for clinical and macro practice in various community settings, focusing on individual, family, group, community, and organization interventions. Students learn a range of practice methodologies to address diverse client needs, guided by a commitment to social work ethics and values.

Graduate Outcomes

• With a strong emphasis on real-world application and social justice, graduates are equipped to drive meaningful societal change.
• USF MSW graduates consistently demonstrate higher-than-average pass rates on licensing exams to become Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSW), further attesting to the program's efficacy in preparing students for successful professional careers.

Job Outlook

USF's MSW graduates are highly qualified for positions in a variety of settings, including the treatment of individuals, families, and groups, and as CEOs of nonprofit organizations. Most report increases in salary and job opportunities, and some graduates even open an independent practice.

Career Opportunities

• There are varied roles in public, private, and non-profit organizations.
• USF alumni also excel as leaders of organizations, policymakers shaping social welfare agendas, community organizers driving grassroots initiatives, grant writers securing funding for critical programs, and in other highly compensated positions across sectors.
• The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a nine percent expected growth for social work jobs nationally between 2021 and 2031.

Accreditation and Recognition

The USF Online MSW program is nationally accredited by the Council on Social Work Education and is one of the top-ranked programs in the country. In 2023, USF became the first public university in Florida in nearly 40 years to be invited to join the Association of American Universities, a group of the leading 3% of universities in the United States and Canada.