MSW Program Description

The Master of Social Work (MSW) degree is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). The degree prepares students for advanced clinical social work practice. The program educates students for empirically-based practice in clinical organizations and communities. The MSW program is based on a perspective that recognizes the interconnectedness between people and their environment as the source of both social problems and the appropriate interventions to ameliorate, treat, and prevent those problems.

The first year curriculum is based upon a generalist perspective based with life-span developmental foundation that emphasizes problem-solving critical thinking, empirically-based practice, economic and social justice, and the conduct of ethical practice. Students learn preventive and clinical interventions that enhance human functioning and quality of life. The program emphasizes the ability to work with clients in a variety of settings reflective of the diversity of South Florida.

Built on the generalist foundation, the second year advanced curriculum prepares students for clinical social work practice, with certificate options in Addictions, Social Work Practice with the Elderly, and Management in Social Work. In addtion, The Scholl of Social Work offers a joint degree (MSW/JD) with the College of Law.

Students may complete the MSW degree (60 credit hours) on a full-time or part-time basis. The School also offers an Advanced Standing Program for individuals with a baccalaureate degree in Social Work (BSW or BSSW) received within the past five years from a program accredited by CSWE. Students accepted into the Advanced Standing Program can receive up to 30 semester hours credit toward the MSW degree. MSW students interested in pursuing the Ph.D. in Social Welfare should contact the coordinator of the Ph.D. program.

Graduate students are eligible for student membership in the National Association of Social Work (NASW). A graduate may become a regular member of the Association. Students are also invited to join the Student Social Work Association (SSWA) and the Phi Alpha Social Work Honor Society.