Social Work (MSW)
The Master of Social Work degree is a two-year program offering advanced practice training in clinical, school, and community settings. Graduates of this program are well positioned for leadership roles in clinical, human services, outreach, and development settings. Learn more about course offerings for Master of Social Work students.
An alternative pathway to earning a Master of Social Work (MSW) is the Intensive Weekend Program (IWP). The key difference is structure. The IWP is a cohort-based, in-person program designed for working professionals. The IWP spans three years over eight semesters (including summers) with fall entry. Students take two courses per semester, meet in person once a month, and complete asynchronous work between sessions. Internship hours are distributed across the program, allowing for a manageable workload alongside full-time employment.
Upon completing the program, students have completed the education requirements for both the LSW and the LCSW licenses. The LSCW requires post-graduate clinical supervision hours by a Licensed Clinician and a passing score on the licensure exam, or an extended period of post-graduate supervision.
Specialization and Track Options
Students in the Master of Social Work Program can select an area of specialization in:
- Micro Practice Specialization
- Leadership, Mezzo, & Macro Practice Specialization (LMMP)
Students in the Micro Practice Specialization can choose a track from the following:
- Advanced Clinical Practice
- Certified Alcohol and other Drugs Counselor training program (CADC)
- Migration Studies
- Schools/Professional Educator License (PEL)
The Leadership, Mezzo, & Macro Practice (LMMP) area of specialization offers a track in:
Related Programs
Curriculum
Master of Social Work (MSW)
The MSW program requires the completion of 49 credit hours, including two internships totaling 1,000 hours.
The traditional program takes two years to complete for students who attend full-time or four years to complete for students who are attending part-time during the week (two classes per semester).
We also offer an Intensive Weekend program (IWP) that is part-time (two classes per semester) and takes three years to complete.
Coursework
There are no prerequisites for the MSW program. The MSW curriculum is split up by year with generalist and specialized courses.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Generalist MSW Courses | ||
| Community Immersion Program (1-Week Community Immersion Program) | 0 | |
| SOWK 500 | Life Span Development, Human Behavior, Trauma, & Theory | 3 |
| SOWK 501 | Assessment of Client Concerns in Context | 3 |
| SOWK 502 | Power, Oppression, Privilege, and Social Justice | 3 |
| SOWK 503 | Practice Skills with Individuals and Families | 3 |
| SOWK 505 | Group Work Practice in Social Work: Micro/Mezzo/Macro | 3 |
| SOWK 506 | Research and Evaluation in Social Work Practice | 3 |
| SOWK 508 | Integrated Micro, Mezzo, and Macro Practice 1 | 3 |
| or SOWK 504 | Integrated Micro/Mezzo/Macro Theory and Practice | |
| SOWK 509 | Social Work Policy and Community Intervention | 3 |
| SWII 530 | Internship I & Simulated Experience | 1 |
| SWII 531 | Internship II & Simulated Experience | 1 |
| Specialized Courses | ||
| Courses Required of All Students | ||
| SOWK 680 | Advanced Micro-Level Practice | 3 |
| SOWK 682 | Advanced Mezzo and Micro Practice 1 | 3 |
| or SOWK 681 | Advanced Mezzo & Macro Practice | |
| SWII 632 | Internship Instruction III & Simulated Experiences | 1 |
| SWII 633 | Internship Instruction IV & Simulated Experiences | 1 |
| Specializations & Tracks | 9 | |
| All students must choose a Specialization and Track. | ||
| Micro Practice Specialization | ||
| Schools/Professional Educator's License (PEL) Track | ||
| The Exceptional Child | ||
| School Social Work Policy and Practice I | ||
| School Social Work Policy and Practice II | ||
| Certified Alcohol and Other Drug Counselors (CADC) Track | ||
| Clinical Practice in Addiction | ||
| Substance Abuse Treatment in Groups | ||
| Introduction to Alcohol and Other Drug Disorders | ||
| Migration Studies Track | ||
| Immigration Dynamics and U.S. Social Policy | ||
| Social Work Practice with Refugees and Immigrants | ||
| Migration, Social Justice, and Human Rights | ||
| Advanced Clinical Practice Track | ||
3 Track Courses | ||
| See Course Options for the Advanced Clinical Track 2 | ||
| Leadership, Mezzo & Macro Practice (LMMP) Specialization | ||
| Leadership, Community, Advocacy, and Policy (LCAP) Track | ||
| Leadership & Supervision in Service Organizations | ||
| Organizations, Program Development, and Evaluation | ||
| Community Organizing and Policy Practice | ||
| Electives | ||
| All students will choose to take two electives. Any 600 or 700-level course may be considered an elective. | 6 | |
| Total Hours | 49 | |
- 1
Students who matriculated before Fall 2025 should take SOWK 504 and SOWK 681. Student who matriculated in Fall 2025 or after should take SOWK 508 and SOWK 682.
- 2
Internships
The first internship is 400 hours, performed at the rate of 16 hours per week on Tuesday and Thursday during normal business hours. The second internship is 600 hours performed at the rate of 24 hours per week on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday during normal business hours.
There are three internship timeframes: fall-spring, spring-summer, or summer block. The summer block consists of 35-40 hours per week, Monday–Friday, during normal business hours.
Specializations & Tracks Options
The Master of Social Work program have the following specialization and track options:
- Leadership, Mezzo, and Macro Practice (LMMP) Specialization (available to traditional students only)
- Micro Practice Specialization
Suggested Sequence of Courses
The below sequence of courses is meant to be used as a suggested path for completing coursework. An individual student’s completion of requirements depends on course offerings in a given term as well as the start term for a major or graduate study. Students should consult their advisor for assistance with course selection.
Traditional Master's Program
Micro Practice Specialization
Fall Start
| Year 1 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Hours | |
| SOWK 500 | Life Span Development, Human Behavior, Trauma, & Theory | 3 |
| SOWK 501 | Assessment of Client Concerns in Context | 3 |
| SOWK 502 | Power, Oppression, Privilege, and Social Justice | 3 |
| SOWK 503 | Practice Skills with Individuals and Families | 3 |
| SWII 530 | Internship I & Simulated Experience | 1 |
| Hours | 13 | |
| Spring | ||
| SOWK 504 / SOWK 508 | Integrated Micro/Mezzo/Macro Theory and Practice 1 | 3 |
| SOWK 505 | Group Work Practice in Social Work: Micro/Mezzo/Macro | 3 |
| SOWK 506 | Research and Evaluation in Social Work Practice | 3 |
| SOWK 509 | Social Work Policy and Community Intervention | 3 |
| SWII 531 | Internship II & Simulated Experience | 1 |
| Hours | 13 | |
| Year 2 | ||
| Fall | ||
| SOWK 680 | Advanced Micro-Level Practice | 3 |
| SWII 632 | Internship Instruction III & Simulated Experiences | 1 |
| Elective | 3 | |
| Track Course | 3 | |
| Track Course | 3 | |
| Hours | 13 | |
| Spring | ||
| SOWK 681 / SOWK 682 | Advanced Mezzo & Macro Practice 1 | 3 |
| SWII 633 | Internship Instruction IV & Simulated Experiences | 1 |
| Track Course | 3 | |
| Elective | 3 | |
| Hours | 10 | |
| Total Hours | 49 | |
- 1
Students who matriculated before Fall 2025 should take SOWK 504 and SOWK 681. Student who matriculated in Fall 2025 or after should take SOWK 508 and SOWK 682.
Spring Start - Spring Internship
| Year 1 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spring | Hours | |
| SOWK 500 | Life Span Development, Human Behavior, Trauma, & Theory | 3 |
| SOWK 501 | Assessment of Client Concerns in Context | 3 |
| SOWK 502 | Power, Oppression, Privilege, and Social Justice | 3 |
| SOWK 503 | Practice Skills with Individuals and Families | 3 |
| SWII 530 | Internship I & Simulated Experience | 1 |
| Hours | 13 | |
| Summer | ||
| SWII 531 | Internship II & Simulated Experience | 1 |
| Hours | 1 | |
| Fall | ||
| SOWK 504 / SOWK 508 | Integrated Micro/Mezzo/Macro Theory and Practice 1 | 3 |
| SOWK 505 | Group Work Practice in Social Work: Micro/Mezzo/Macro | 3 |
| SOWK 506 | Research and Evaluation in Social Work Practice | 3 |
| SOWK 509 | Social Work Policy and Community Intervention | 3 |
| Hours | 12 | |
| Year 2 | ||
| Spring | ||
| SOWK 680 | Advanced Micro-Level Practice | 3 |
| SWII 632 | Internship Instruction III & Simulated Experiences | 1 |
| Track Course | 3 | |
| Track Course | 3 | |
| Hours | 10 | |
| Summer | ||
| SWII 633 | Internship Instruction IV & Simulated Experiences | 1 |
| Hours | 1 | |
| Fall | ||
| SOWK 681 / SOWK 682 | Advanced Mezzo & Macro Practice 1 | 3 |
| Track Course | 3 | |
| Elective | 3 | |
| Elective | 3 | |
| Hours | 12 | |
| Total Hours | 49 | |
- 1
Students who matriculated before Fall 2025 should take SOWK 504 and SOWK 681. Student who matriculated in Fall 2025 or after should take SOWK 508 and SOWK 682.
Spring Start - Summer Internship
| Year 1 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spring | Hours | |
| SOWK 500 | Life Span Development, Human Behavior, Trauma, & Theory | 3 |
| SOWK 501 | Assessment of Client Concerns in Context | 3 |
| SOWK 502 | Power, Oppression, Privilege, and Social Justice | 3 |
| SOWK 503 | Practice Skills with Individuals and Families | 3 |
| Hours | 12 | |
| Summer | ||
| SWII 530 | Internship I & Simulated Experience | 1 |
| SWII 531 | Internship II & Simulated Experience | 1 |
| Hours | 2 | |
| Fall | ||
| SOWK 504 / SOWK 508 | Integrated Micro/Mezzo/Macro Theory and Practice 1 | 3 |
| SOWK 505 | Group Work Practice in Social Work: Micro/Mezzo/Macro | 3 |
| SOWK 506 | Research and Evaluation in Social Work Practice | 3 |
| SOWK 509 | Social Work Policy and Community Intervention | 3 |
| Hours | 12 | |
| Year 2 | ||
| Spring | ||
| SOWK 680 | Advanced Micro-Level Practice | 3 |
| SWII 632 | Internship Instruction III & Simulated Experiences | 1 |
| Track Course | 3 | |
| Track Course | 3 | |
| Hours | 10 | |
| Summer | ||
| SWII 633 | Internship Instruction IV & Simulated Experiences | 1 |
| Hours | 1 | |
| Fall | ||
| SOWK 681 / SOWK 682 | Advanced Mezzo & Macro Practice 1 | 3 |
| Track Course | 3 | |
| Elective | 3 | |
| Elective | 3 | |
| Hours | 12 | |
| Total Hours | 49 | |
- 1
Students who matriculated before Fall 2025 should take SOWK 504 and SOWK 681. Student who matriculated in Fall 2025 or after should take SOWK 508 and SOWK 682.
Summer Start
| Year 1 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Summer | Hours | |
| SOWK 502 | Power, Oppression, Privilege, and Social Justice | 3 |
| SOWK 509 | Social Work Policy and Community Intervention | 3 |
| Hours | 6 | |
| Fall | ||
| SOWK 500 | Life Span Development, Human Behavior, Trauma, & Theory | 3 |
| SOWK 501 | Assessment of Client Concerns in Context | 3 |
| SOWK 503 | Practice Skills with Individuals and Families | 3 |
| SWII 530 | Internship I & Simulated Experience | 1 |
| Hours | 10 | |
| Spring | ||
| SOWK 504 / SOWK 508 | Integrated Micro/Mezzo/Macro Theory and Practice 1 | 3 |
| SOWK 505 | Group Work Practice in Social Work: Micro/Mezzo/Macro | 3 |
| SOWK 506 | Research and Evaluation in Social Work Practice | 3 |
| SWII 531 | Internship II & Simulated Experience | 1 |
| Hours | 10 | |
| Year 2 | ||
| Fall | ||
| SOWK 680 | Advanced Micro-Level Practice | 3 |
| SWII 632 | Internship Instruction III & Simulated Experiences | 1 |
| Elective | 3 | |
| Track Course | 3 | |
| Track Course | 3 | |
| Hours | 13 | |
| Spring | ||
| SOWK 681 / SOWK 682 | Advanced Mezzo & Macro Practice 1 | 3 |
| SWII 633 | Internship Instruction IV & Simulated Experiences | 1 |
| Track Course | 3 | |
| Elective | 3 | |
| Hours | 10 | |
| Total Hours | 49 | |
- 1
Students who matriculated before Fall 2025 should take SOWK 504 and SOWK 681. Student who matriculated in Fall 2025 or after should take SOWK 508 and SOWK 682.
Leadership, Mezzo, & Macro Practice (LMMP) Specialization
Fall Start
| Year 1 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Hours | |
| SOWK 500 | Life Span Development, Human Behavior, Trauma, & Theory | 3 |
| SOWK 501 | Assessment of Client Concerns in Context | 3 |
| SOWK 502 | Power, Oppression, Privilege, and Social Justice | 3 |
| SOWK 503 | Practice Skills with Individuals and Families | 3 |
| SWII 530 | Internship I & Simulated Experience | 1 |
| Hours | 13 | |
| Spring | ||
| SOWK 504 / SOWK 508 | Integrated Micro/Mezzo/Macro Theory and Practice 1 | 3 |
| SOWK 505 | Group Work Practice in Social Work: Micro/Mezzo/Macro | 3 |
| SOWK 506 | Research and Evaluation in Social Work Practice | 3 |
| SOWK 509 | Social Work Policy and Community Intervention | 3 |
| SWII 531 | Internship II & Simulated Experience | 1 |
| Hours | 13 | |
| Year 2 | ||
| Fall | ||
| SOWK 652 | Organizations, Program Development, and Evaluation | 3 |
| SOWK 653 | Community Organizing and Policy Practice | 3 |
| SOWK 681 / SOWK 682 | Advanced Mezzo & Macro Practice 1 | 3 |
| SWII 632 | Internship Instruction III & Simulated Experiences | 1 |
| Hours | 10 | |
| Spring | ||
| SOWK 650 | Leadership & Supervision in Service Organizations | 3 |
| SOWK 680 | Advanced Micro-Level Practice | 3 |
| SWII 633 | Internship Instruction IV & Simulated Experiences | 1 |
| Elective | 3 | |
| Elective | 3 | |
| Hours | 13 | |
| Total Hours | 49 | |
- 1
Students who matriculated before Fall 2025 should take SOWK 504 and SOWK 681. Student who matriculated in Fall 2025 or after should take SOWK 508 and SOWK 682.
Spring Start - Spring Internship
| Year 1 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spring | Hours | |
| SOWK 500 | Life Span Development, Human Behavior, Trauma, & Theory | 3 |
| SOWK 501 | Assessment of Client Concerns in Context | 3 |
| SOWK 502 | Power, Oppression, Privilege, and Social Justice | 3 |
| SOWK 503 | Practice Skills with Individuals and Families | 3 |
| SWII 530 | Internship I & Simulated Experience | 1 |
| Hours | 13 | |
| Summer | ||
| SWII 531 | Internship II & Simulated Experience | 1 |
| Hours | 1 | |
| Fall | ||
| SOWK 504 / SOWK 508 | Integrated Micro/Mezzo/Macro Theory and Practice 1 | 3 |
| SOWK 505 | Group Work Practice in Social Work: Micro/Mezzo/Macro | 3 |
| SOWK 506 | Research and Evaluation in Social Work Practice | 3 |
| SOWK 509 | Social Work Policy and Community Intervention | 3 |
| Hours | 12 | |
| Year 2 | ||
| Spring | ||
| SOWK 650 | Leadership & Supervision in Service Organizations (Spring only) | 3 |
| SOWK 681 / SOWK 682 | Advanced Mezzo & Macro Practice 1 | 3 |
| SWII 632 | Internship Instruction III & Simulated Experiences | 1 |
| Elective | 3 | |
| Hours | 10 | |
| Summer | ||
| SWII 633 | Internship Instruction IV & Simulated Experiences | 1 |
| Hours | 1 | |
| Fall | ||
| SOWK 652 | Organizations, Program Development, and Evaluation (Fall only) | 3 |
| SOWK 653 | Community Organizing and Policy Practice (Fall only) | 3 |
| SOWK 680 | Advanced Micro-Level Practice | 3 |
| Elective | 3 | |
| Hours | 12 | |
| Total Hours | 49 | |
- 1
Students who matriculated before Fall 2025 should take SOWK 504 and SOWK 681. Student who matriculated in Fall 2025 or after should take SOWK 508 and SOWK 682.
Spring Start - Summer Internship
| Year 1 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spring | Hours | |
| SOWK 500 | Life Span Development, Human Behavior, Trauma, & Theory | 3 |
| SOWK 501 | Assessment of Client Concerns in Context | 3 |
| SOWK 502 | Power, Oppression, Privilege, and Social Justice | 3 |
| SOWK 503 | Practice Skills with Individuals and Families | 3 |
| Hours | 12 | |
| Summer | ||
| SWII 530 | Internship I & Simulated Experience | 1 |
| SWII 531 | Internship II & Simulated Experience | 1 |
| Hours | 2 | |
| Fall | ||
| SOWK 504 / SOWK 508 | Integrated Micro/Mezzo/Macro Theory and Practice 1 | 3 |
| SOWK 505 | Group Work Practice in Social Work: Micro/Mezzo/Macro | 3 |
| SOWK 506 | Research and Evaluation in Social Work Practice | 3 |
| SOWK 509 | Social Work Policy and Community Intervention | 3 |
| Hours | 12 | |
| Year 2 | ||
| Spring | ||
| SOWK 650 | Leadership & Supervision in Service Organizations (Spring only) | 3 |
| SOWK 681 / SOWK 682 | Advanced Mezzo & Macro Practice 1 | 3 |
| SWII 632 | Internship Instruction III & Simulated Experiences | 1 |
| Elective | 3 | |
| Hours | 10 | |
| Summer | ||
| SWII 633 | Internship Instruction IV & Simulated Experiences | 1 |
| Hours | 1 | |
| Fall | ||
| SOWK 652 | Organizations, Program Development, and Evaluation (Fall only) | 3 |
| SOWK 653 | Community Organizing and Policy Practice (Fall only) | 3 |
| SOWK 680 | Advanced Micro-Level Practice | 3 |
| Elective | 3 | |
| Hours | 12 | |
| Total Hours | 49 | |
- 1
Students who matriculated before Fall 2025 should take SOWK 504 and SOWK 681. Student who matriculated in Fall 2025 or after should take SOWK 508 and SOWK 682.
Summer Start
| Year 1 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Summer | Hours | |
| SOWK 502 | Power, Oppression, Privilege, and Social Justice | 3 |
| SOWK 509 | Social Work Policy and Community Intervention | 3 |
| Hours | 6 | |
| Fall | ||
| SOWK 500 | Life Span Development, Human Behavior, Trauma, & Theory | 3 |
| SOWK 501 | Assessment of Client Concerns in Context | 3 |
| SOWK 503 | Practice Skills with Individuals and Families | 3 |
| SWII 530 | Internship I & Simulated Experience | 1 |
| Hours | 10 | |
| Spring | ||
| SOWK 504 / SOWK 508 | Integrated Micro/Mezzo/Macro Theory and Practice 1 | 3 |
| SOWK 505 | Group Work Practice in Social Work: Micro/Mezzo/Macro | 3 |
| SOWK 506 | Research and Evaluation in Social Work Practice | 3 |
| SWII 531 | Internship II & Simulated Experience | 1 |
| Hours | 10 | |
| Year 2 | ||
| Fall | ||
| SOWK 652 | Organizations, Program Development, and Evaluation (Fall only) | 3 |
| SOWK 653 | Community Organizing and Policy Practice (Fall only) | 3 |
| SOWK 681 / SOWK 682 | Advanced Mezzo & Macro Practice 1 | 3 |
| SWII 632 | Internship Instruction III & Simulated Experiences | 1 |
| Hours | 10 | |
| Spring | ||
| SOWK 650 | Leadership & Supervision in Service Organizations (Spring only) | 3 |
| SOWK 680 | Advanced Micro-Level Practice | 3 |
| SWII 633 | Internship Instruction IV & Simulated Experiences | 1 |
| Elective | 3 | |
| Elective | 3 | |
| Hours | 13 | |
| Total Hours | 49 | |
- 1
Students who matriculated before Fall 2025 should take SOWK 504 and SOWK 681. Student who matriculated in Fall 2025 or after should take SOWK 508 and SOWK 682.
Intensive Weekend Program
Students in the Intensive Weekend Program would take the Micro Practice Specialization with the Advanced Clinical Practice Track.
| Year 1 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Hours | |
| SOWK 500 | Life Span Development, Human Behavior, Trauma, & Theory | 3 |
| SOWK 502 | Power, Oppression, Privilege, and Social Justice | 3 |
| Hours | 6 | |
| Spring | ||
| SOWK 501 | Assessment of Client Concerns in Context | 3 |
| SOWK 503 | Practice Skills with Individuals and Families | 3 |
| Hours | 6 | |
| Summer | ||
| SOWK 505 | Group Work Practice in Social Work: Micro/Mezzo/Macro | 3 |
| SOWK 508 | Integrated Micro, Mezzo, and Macro Practice | 3 |
| Hours | 6 | |
| Year 2 | ||
| Fall | ||
| SOWK 506 | Research and Evaluation in Social Work Practice | 3 |
| SOWK 509 | Social Work Policy and Community Intervention | 3 |
| SWII 530 | Internship I & Simulated Experience | 1 |
| Hours | 7 | |
| Spring | ||
| SOWK 680 | Advanced Micro-Level Practice | 3 |
| SOWK 682 | Advanced Mezzo and Macro Practice | 3 |
| SWII 531 | Internship II & Simulated Experience | 1 |
| Hours | 7 | |
| Summer | ||
| SOWK 616 | Psychotherapy with Adults | 3 |
| SOWK 620 | Clinical Social Work Practice with Children | 3 |
| Hours | 6 | |
| Year 3 | ||
| Fall | ||
| SOWK 612 | Family Assessment and Intervention | 3 |
| SWII 632 | Internship Instruction III & Simulated Experiences | 1 |
| Hours | 4 | |
| Spring | ||
| SOWK 621 | Clinical Practice in Addiction | 3 |
| SOWK 645 | Crisis Intervention | 3 |
| SWII 633 | Internship Instruction IV & Simulated Experiences | 1 |
| Hours | 7 | |
| Total Hours | 49 | |
Graduate & Professional Standards and Regulations
Students in graduate and professional programs can find their Academic Policies in Graduate and Professional Academic Standards and Regulations under their school. Any additional University Policies supersede school policies.