The M.S.W. Program offers an advanced concentration in empowerment practice across
systems (individuals and families, small groups, and communities and organizations).
Empowerment practice utilizes advanced critical thinking skills to assess the influence
of multiple and interlocking personal, structural, and societal systems of power on
vulnerable and oppressed populations. It incorporates the use of advanced social work
theories and methodologies for culturally relevant assessment, intervention, and evaluation
at multiple levels of complexity and across systems in order to promote human and
social well-being.
The Department of Social Work offers four options for pursuing a Master of Social
Work Degree:
1. Traditional Full-Time M.S.W. Program - This is a 60 credit hour program designed for students who are able to pursue full-time
enrollment in graduate study over a period of two academic years beginning each August.
2. Traditional Weekend M.S.W. Program - This is a 60 credit hour program designed for working professionals who desire a weekend course schedule. Graduate studies consist of intensive weekend course offerings and reduced weekly required field hours. Classes meet one weekend each month. Students enroll in classes over a period of three years beginning each August.
3. Advanced Standing Full-Time M.S.W. Program - This is a 39 credit hour program designed for students who have previously earned a CSWE accredited bachelor's degree in social work. Enrollment is on a full-time basis for one calendar year beginning each May.
4. Advanced Standing Weekend MSW Program - This is a 39 credit hour program designed for working professionals who have previously earned a CSWE accredited bachelor's degree in social work and desire a weekend course schedule. Classes meet one weekend each month. Students enroll in classes over a period of two years beginning each August.
More details about the programs and class schedules can be found on the M.S.W. home page.