Program Overview
Master of Social Work (MSW) Program
The Master of Social Work (MSW) program at Case Western Reserve University's Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences prepares students for advanced social work practice in a variety of settings. The master's curriculum is designed to address the wide range of skills and functions required of a professional social worker.
Program Overview
The MSW program is divided into two levels: generalist and specialized. The generalist curriculum includes the knowledge, values, processes, and skills essential for the general practice of social work. The specialized curriculum builds on the professional foundation and provides for specialized knowledge and practice skills in the path of study selected by the student.
Specializations
The Mandel School offers two specializations: Integrated Health & Wellness and Community Practice for Social Change. The Integrated Health & Wellness specialization includes paths of study in:
- Aging
- Children, Youth, and Families
- Health
- Mental Health with Children and Adolescents
- Mental Health with Adults
- Substance Use Disorders and Recovery
Program Requirements
The MSW program requires 60 credit hours, including generalist and specialized courses, field education, and concentration requirements.
Generalist Courses
- SASS 502: Change Agent Intensive (1 credit hour)
- SASS 503: Foundations of Social Policy and Service Delivery (2 credit hours)
- SASS 504: Theories of Human Development and Human Diversity (2 credit hours)
- SASS 507: Community Theory and Practice (2 credit hours)
- SASS 508: Individual and Family Theory and Practice (4 credit hours)
- SASS 509: Group Theory and Practice (2 credit hours)
- SASS 528: Evidence Informed Practice (2 credit hours)
Specialized Courses
- SASS 542: Evaluating Programs and Practice (3 credit hours)
- SASS 547: Problem Identification, Screening and Assessment/Diagnosis (3 credit hours)
- SASS 549: Theory/Practice Approaches in Direct Practice Social Work (3 credit hours)
- SASS 566: Assessing and Engaging Community for Community Change (3 credit hours)
Field Education
- SASS 495: Field Education: Organizational Theory and Practice Seminar (1 credit hour)
- SASS 496: Field Education: Organizational Theory and Practice Seminar II (1 credit hour)
- SASS 601: Field Education I (2 credit hours)
- SASS 602: Field Education II (3 credit hours)
- SASS 603: Field Education III (3 credit hours)
- SASS 604: Field Education IV (3 credit hours)
Concentration Requirements
Concentration requirements vary depending on the chosen specialization and path of study.
Dual Degree Options
The MSW program offers dual degree options with:
- Bioethics and Medical Humanities, MA
- Business Administration, MBA
- Nonprofit Organizations, MNO
- Public Health, MPH
- Law, JD
Learning Outcomes
The MSW program is designed to help students achieve the following competencies:
- Demonstrate Ethical and Professional Behavior
- Advance Human Rights and Social, Racial, Economic and Environmental Justice
- Engage Anti-Racism, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (ADEI) in Practice
- Engage in Practice-informed Research and Research-Informed Practice
- Engage in Policy Practice
- Engage with Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations and Communities
- Assess Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations and Communities
- Intervene with Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities
- Evaluate Practice with Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities
- Develop as an Anti-Racist and Anti-Oppressive Social Work Leader (Mandel School Specific)
Ability-Based Learning Environment (ABLE)
The MSW program incorporates an ability-based learning environment that enables students to develop and demonstrate mastery of eight core social work abilities. Classroom courses and field education are designed to help students develop each ability and continuously assess their learning throughout the educational experience. Mastery of the abilities is demonstrated in the field practicum.
- Identify as a Reflective Professional Social Worker
- Advocate for Social, Economic and Environmental Justice
- Apply Social Work Methods
- Uphold Social Work Values and Ethics
- Integrate Cultural, Economic and Global Diversity
- Think Critically About Theory and Research Knowledge
- Communicate Effectively
- Develop as an Anti-Racist and Anti-Oppressive Social Work Leader