The Department of Social Work which has had a fully accredited undergraduate social work program since 1974 has developed a new program of graduate study in social work that leads to the Master of Social Work (MSW) degree. The program is in candidacy status through the Council on Social Work Education and the accreditation process is expected to be finished by 2009/2010.  Graduates are fully qualified for all jobs requiring an MSW, for pursuing licensure and for membership in the National Association of Social Workers.

    The mission of the program is as follows: Using an ecological framework, the MSW curriculum at Winthrop University is aimed at producing graduates who are capable of enhancing the well- being of persons across the life span by strengthening the resilience of individuals, families, groups and communities to expand their coping skills and empowering them to improve their quality of life and to maximize their opportunities for growth and development.  In addition, the Department is committed to making ongoing contributions to the development of the greater community through practice, relevant research, scholarship and community service.

   The program provides the generalist foundation for social work practice and an advanced concentration in individual and community empowerment practice.  In addition, students select one of three field of practice tracks:  families and children; health/mental health; or aging.