MSW Program Mission and Goals
Social work promotes the personal and social development of people in their communities based on the values of social, economic, and environmental justice; civil and human rights; democracy; and full access to educational, social, economic, and political participation. The Master of Social Work (MSW) program educates social workers as competent and compassionate agents of change who, guided by professional knowledge, skills, and values, practice ethically and effectively with diverse individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities. Graduates of the MSW program are prepared to translate research into practice; to provide leadership in the profession and in their communities; and to collaborate with local and global communities in building an inclusive and just society,
Goals of the MSW program are to prepare social workers who:
- Identify as social workers with a commitment to the values and goals of the profession
- Practice with integrity, cultural humility, and respect for diverse populations
- Seek innovative solutions to human and social needs
- Hold professional social work positions in public service and in private agencies
- Qualify for the State of Connecticut LMSW licensure examination.
MSW Degrees
The Department of Social Work offers the following MSW Programs:
MSW and MA in Women’s & Gender Studies, Dual Degree
MSW Concentration in Clinical Practice
MSW Concentration in Community Practice: Community Organization, Policy, and Leadership
Field Education
MSW students integrate theory with practice in two professionally supervised field placements that extend through the fall and spring semesters of two academic years. The first field placement consists of 400 hours of generalist social work practice. The second field placement consists of 550 hours of specialized social work in the student’s concentration in clinical practice or in community practice: community organization, policy, and leadership. Field placements must be arranged and approved by the Field Education Office.
Course Schedules
MSW students may schedule their coursework on evenings, on one weekday per week, or on weekends. Some courses are offered in hybrid (on campus and online) formats. Please note, however, that field placements are typically scheduled during weekdays (16 to18 hours per week) in accordance with agency needs.
Non-Matriculated and Post-Graduate Students
Non-matriculated Social Work students may take up to 9 credits in the following courses: SWK 510, 550, and 551. Social workers who hold an MSW degree may enroll in any Social Work course except field practicum (SWK 570, 571, 572, or 573) on a space-available basis with permission of the instructor.