Program Overview

Introduction to the Master of Social Work (MSW) Program

The Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences at Case Western Reserve University offers a Master of Social Work (MSW) program that is ranked among the top 4% of schools of social work in the nation. The program is designed to help students build the knowledge and expertise needed to transform their passion into professional action.

Program Overview

The MSW program is available in three formats: On-Campus, Online, and Weekend. The program combines research, theory, and hands-on practice to help students tackle complex social challenges. Students can also combine their social work education with a dual degree in bioethics, law, nonprofit management, or public health.

MSW Curriculum

The MSW curriculum is competency-based and approved by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). It requires 39-60 credit hours and is designed to prepare students for clinical and macro-level practice. The curriculum emphasizes proficiency in eight abilities, including:

• Identifying as a reflective professional social worker
• Advocating for social, economic, and environmental justice
• Applying social work practice methods
• Upholding social work values and ethics
• Integrating cultural, economic, and global diversity in work
• Thinking critically about theory and research knowledge
• Communicating effectively
• Developing as a social work leader

MSW Paths of Study

The program offers advanced elective coursework on a range of topics, including:

• Children, Youth and Families
• Community Practice for Social Change
• Mental Health with Adults, Children and Adolescents
• School Social Work
• Substance Use Disorders and Recovery On-campus MSW students can also pursue individualized paths of study, dual-degree options, or certificate programs.

Admissions

Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with a GPA of 2.7 or higher. No GRE or application fee is required.

Career Opportunities

Graduates of the Mandel School are prepared to effect social change at all levels of society. Career options include:

• Executive director of a nonprofit organization
• Hospital social worker
• Community organizer
• Mental health or substance abuse counselor
• Policy analyst
• Social science researcher
• Child and family therapist
• Lobbyist or policy developer
• Marriage and family counselor
• Foster care social worker
• Women's health coordinator

Research and Training

The Mandel School has a strong research focus, with $28.2 million in research and training grant awards last year. The school offers various research areas and funding opportunities, as well as workshops and presentations.

Field Education

The program offers over 1,000 field education placement options, providing students with hands-on experience in real-world settings.

Accreditation

The MSW program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) and fulfills the educational requirements for licensure in all 50 states.