A nurse working with a patient.

Master of Social Work in
Social Work
Online or On Campus

Program of Study

programofstudy

In the MSW program, you will build a comprehensive foundation in social work, gaining the knowledge and skills needed to make an impact with diverse populations in a variety of settings.

You’ll be prepared for all levels of practice – micro, mezzo and macro – meaning you will develop expertise to support individuals, families, small groups, communities, organizations and even shape policies.

Alongside your coursework, you’ll apply your learning through practica, working with agencies dedicated to addressing some of the most pressing social and economic challenges our communities face.

By understanding the causes and intersectionality of inequalities and oppression, you'll have the knowledge to promote diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging as well as advocate for interventions and programs that are more socially and economically just.

Most students complete the 60-credit Master of Social Work through two full years of graduate coursework and field instruction.
 

Core Courses

  • Introductory Research Methodology
  • Social Welfare Policy Practice
  • Human Behavior and Social Environment I and II
  • Micro Practice in Social Work I and II
  • Macro Practice in Social Work I and II
  • Field Instruction I and II

Social Work Practicum

Field instruction through supervised internships is a vital part of the MSW program at UAlbany. Hundreds of social and human service agencies and community organizations in and around the Capital Region partner with us to provide these field placement internships.

At UAlbany, you complete two field placement experiences where learning, training and service occur simultaneously. You become familiar with the management of social service agencies and gain first-hand experience helping individuals, families, groups and communities.  

During your first placement you participate in a broad range of social work activities allowing you to develop a foundation understanding of the context of social work practice and relational skills. Your second placement provides you with advanced professional experience and greater focus in a practice area of your choice.

In both placements, you engage in social work practice under the supervision of a trained field instructor who is an experienced and licensed social worker. 

Most students complete each 500-hour internship by working two days a week over the course of two semesters.


Additional Information

See the Graduate Bulletin for program requirement details.

For more information, contact [email protected] or 518-442-5320.

Degree Options
Full-Time MSW

Area 1: Courses designated as Advanced Practice with Individuals, Families and Groups. 

Area 2: Courses designated as Advanced Practice with Communities, Organizations and Systems. 

Area 3: Courses designated as Advanced Research.

Electives:  Select two courses from any of the 3 Areas practice areas or other graduate courses.

 

First Semester (Fall)

  • Social Justice and Social Work
  • Integrated Theory and Practice I: Foundations of Social Work
  • Integrated Theory and Practice II: Engagement and Assessment
  • Human Behavior and the Social Environment I
  • Generalist Field Practicum
  • Learning Community I

 

Second Semester (Spring)

  • Social Welfare Policy Practice
  • Integrated Theory and Practice III: Action and Accompaniment
  • Integrated Theory and Practice IV: Research and Evaluation
  • Human Behavior and the Social Environment II
  • Generalist Field Practicum
  • Learning Community II

 

Third Semester (Fall) 

  • Field Instruction III
  • SSW Advanced Practice Area 1 
  • SSW Advanced Practice Area 1
  • SSW Advanced Practice Area 3
  • SSW Advanced Practice Area 1, 3 or elective

 

Fourth Semester (Spring)

  • Field Instruction IV
  • SSW Advanced Practice Area 2
  • SSW Advanced Practice Area 1
  • SSW Advanced Practice Area 1
  • SSW Advanced Practice Area 1, Advanced Practice Area 2, or elective
Part-Time MSW

Area 1: Courses designated as Advanced Practice with Individuals, Families and Groups. 

Area 2: Courses designated as Advanced Practice with Communities, Organizations and Systems. 

Area 3: Courses designated as Advanced Research.

Electives:  Select two courses from any of the 3 Areas practice areas or other graduate courses.

 

Fall 1     

  • Social Justice and Social Work
  • Human Behavior and the Social Environment I

 

Spring 1

  • Social Welfare Policy Practice
  • Human Behavior and the Social Environment II

 

Summer 1

  • Integrated Theory and Practice I: Foundations of Social Work

 

Fall 2

  • Integrated Theory and Practice II: Engagement and Assessment
  • Generalist Field Practicum
  • Learning Community I

 

Spring 2

  • Integrated Theory and Practice III: Action and Accompaniment
  • Generalist Field Practicum
  • Learning Community II

 

Summer 2

  • Integrated Theory and Practice IV: Research and Evaluation

 

Fall 3

  • SSW Advanced Practice Area 1  
  • SSW Advanced Practice Area 3

 

Spring 3

  • SSW Advanced Practice Area 1
  • SSW Advanced Practice Area 2

 

Summer 3

  • SSW Advanced Practice Area 1

 

Fall 4

  • SSW Advanced Practice Area 1
  • Field Instruction III

 

Spring 4

  • SSW Advanced Practice Area 1, Advanced Practice Area 3, or elective
  • Field Instruction IV


Summer 4

  • SSW Advanced Practice Area 1, 2 or elective
Online MSW

The curriculum is very structured with classes building upon each other. Classes must be taken in this sequence.

Area 1: Courses designated as Advanced Practice with Individuals, Families and Groups. 

Area 2: Courses designated as Advanced Practice with Communities, Organizations and Systems. 

Area 3: Courses designated as Advanced Research.

Electives:  Select two courses from any of the 3 Areas practice areas or other graduate courses.

 

Year 1

Fall 1

  • Human Behavior in the Social Environment I
  • Social Justice & Social Work

Spring 1

  • Human Behavior in the Social Environment II
  • Social Welfare & Policy Practice

Summer 1

  • ITP I: Foundations of Social Work Practice
  • ITP IV: Introductory Research Methods


Year 2

Fall 2

  • ITP II: Engagement & Assessment  
  • Field Practicum I
  • Learning Community

Spring 2

  • ITP III: Action & Accompaniment
  • Field Practicum II
  • Learning Community

Summer 2

  • Advanced Practice Area 1
  • Advanced Practice Area 1


Year 3

Fall 3

  • Field Practicum III
  • Advanced Practice Area 3
  • Elective (May be taken in a different semester or the summer before beginning the program)

Spring 3

  • Field Practicum IV
  • Advanced Practice Area 2
  • Elective (May be taken in a different semester or the summer before beginning the program)  

Summer 3

  • Advanced Practice Area 1
  • Advanced Practice Area 1
MPH/MSW

This three-year program of full-time study is comprised of 93 total credits across the College of Integrated Health Sciences.

Area 1: Courses designated as Advanced Practice with Individuals, Families and Groups. 

Area 2: Courses designated as Advanced Practice with Communities, Organizations and Systems. 

Area 3: Courses designated as Advanced Research.

Electives:  Select two courses from any of the 3 Areas practice areas or other graduate courses.

 

Year One

Fall Semester

  • Social Justice and Social Work
  • Human Behavior and the Social Environment I
  • Professional Practice in Public Health
  • Social & Behavioral Aspects of Public Health
  • Principles of Epidemiology

Spring Semester

  • Social Welfare Policy Practice
  • Human Behavior and the Social Environment II
  • Integrated Theory and Practice IV: Research & Evaluation
  • Health Care Organization, Delivery & Finance
  • Professional Practice in Public Health (if not taken in fall)

Summer Session

  • Integrated Theory and Practice I: Foundations

 

Year Two

Fall Semester

  • Learning Community I
  • Generalist Field Practicum
  • Integrated Theory and Practice II: Engagement and Assessment
  • Health Policy Analysis
  • Principles of Statistical Inference I

Spring Semester  

  • Learning Community II
  • Generalist Field Practicum
  • Integrated Theory and Practice III: Action and Accompaniment
  • Biological Basis of Public Health

Choose one:

  • Applications in Health Policy OR  
  • SSW Area 2 Advanced Policy Class OR
  • Social Gerontology

Choose one:

  • Program Evaluation OR
  • Economic Evaluation  OR
  • Financial Management OR
  • Principles of Statistical Inference II

Summer Session

  • SSW Advanced Practice Area 1
  • SPH Internship

 

Year Three

Fall Semester

  • Field Instruction III
  • SSW Advanced Practice Area 1 (IAP students take SSW 741 Practice with Mature and Aging Adults)
  • SSW Advanced Practice Area 2
  • Principles of Health Care Organization Management
  • Intro. to Environmental Health Sciences

Spring Semester

  • Field Instruction IV
  • SSW Advanced Practice Area 1
  • SSW Advanced Practice Area 1 or approved substitute
  • SSW Advanced Practice Area 2 Leadership in Human Service
  • Strategy & Leadership Applications in Health Management
MSW/PhD

The joint MSW/PhD program allows qualified students to earn the MSW and PhD degrees with 87 credits instead of the 96 required to earn the degrees separately. Students who complete the program can potentially gain licensure as an LMSW or LCSW and provide direct service as well as pursue careers in academia or research.

The combined program is designed for students with excellent academic preparation, leadership potential, and a strong interest in conducting research on issues relevant for social work practice or social welfare policy.

See the Graduate Bulletin for details.

Non-Degree Study

With our non-degree option, you can explore the field of social work by taking some classes prior to committing to the MSW program.

If you're seeking to get a head start on coursework, demonstrate your capability to do graduate-level work, or obtain a better understanding of what will be required as a student in the program, non-degree study is an excellent option.

This program is approved for licensure or certification in New York State. 
For more information on Professional Licensure Disclosure, please see the Graduate Bulletin.

Career Paths in Social Work

Earning your Master of Social Work prepares you for a career with meaning, diversity and an abundance of options.  Social workers are employed in human services agencies, community organizations, government agencies, research centers, faith-based agencies and corporations. 

Settings include mental and behavioral health and health care, child welfare, the justice system, schools, homeless shelters and many more. Social workers can fill many roles, such as case manager, counselor, advocate, organizer, administrator, facilitator, mediator, educator, planner, program manager or evaluator.

The School of Social Welfare at UAlbany prepares MSW students to pass professional licensing exams after earning their degree and become licensed master social workers in New York and other states.

Once they gain the necessary amount of qualified casework experience, many alumni also go on to become licensed clinical social workers who provide direct services to individuals and families.



Our flexible academic program prepares you for practice and a wide range of careers in family counseling, mental health therapist, case management, community organization, advocacy and policy practice.  

Sample job titles that focus more on clinical practice: Youth Services Coordinator, School Social Worker, Addiction Recovery Specialist, Child Abuse Case Worker, Patient Advocate, Geriatric Case Manager, Child, Couples, Family, Group, or Individual Therapist, Family Resource Coordinator, Adoption Social Worker, Crisis and Trauma Counselor, Hospice Social Worker, Mobile Crisis Team Member.

Sample job titles that focus more on macro-level practice (such as community organizing, policy advocacy, and non-profit organization management and leadership): Managing Director of Homeless Services, Community Engagement Facilitator, Patient Advocacy Program Administrator, Protective Services Supervisor, Behavioral Health Care Operations Director, Harm Reduction Policy Strategist, Government Relations Officer, Senior Researcher, Community Organizer.

careerpaths
Finish Sooner with Advanced Standing

If you received a bachelor’s degree in social work from a CSWE-accredited school within the past six years, you can shorten your MSW completion time by receiving advanced standing.

This provides you with up to 21 credits upon admission to the master’s in social work program, which allows you to finish in 12 consecutive months of full-time study.

See the Graduate Bulletin for details.

Graduate Student Funding Opportunities

Content

If you have an excellent academic record and financial need, you may be eligible for employment as a graduate assistant (GA). You can indicate your interest in being considered for a GA position on the application to the MSW program. GAs work 10 hours a week at the School during the academic year.

Competitive scholarships are awarded to a diverse range of graduate social work students each year. These scholarships help defray the cost of books and other supplies.

 

advanced

Prepare for Social Work Practice with a Focus in Aging

aging

The Internships in Aging Project (IAP) is a collaborative partnership between the School of Social Welfare at UAlbany and a consortium of local agencies. The partnership provides MSW students the opportunity to specialize in macro or clinical practice with aging populations.

This competitive second-year opportunity includes a paid internship, an integrative seminar experience and courses in gerontology-focused policies, programs and treatment methods.

Learn more about our Internships in Aging Project

 

Specialization in Aging for Advanced Standing and Part-Time Students

IAP is available to both students in the MSW Advanced Standing Program and part-time students. Advanced Standing students should apply to IAP when you apply for admission. Part-time students should apply during their second year.

For more information or to apply, contact us at [email protected].

Prepare for Social Work Practice with a Focus in Mental Health

mentalhealth

The Albany Internships in Mental Health (AIMH) is a competitive internship for students seeking intensive integration of classroom and field placement experiences in advanced mental health practice.

As an AIMH student you learn to use evidenced-based mental health interventions in community-based field placements specially designated by the New York State Office of Mental Health.  You participate in a colloquium series and seminar in Evidence-Based Practice and Mental Health. Stipends are available for AIMH students who apply to the internship near the end of their generalist field placement.

For more information, email [email protected] or call 518-442-5320.

Two people reviewing a form in an office.

Becoming a Licensed Social Worker

Social work is a regulated profession, which means you need to obtain a state license to practice.

When you finish the master’s program at UAlbany, you receive a one-year limited permit to practice social work in New York State (NYS) under the supervision of a licensed master social worker (LMSW) or licensed clinical social worker (LCSW).

To become a NYS-licensed master social worker (LMSW), you must meet specific education and experience criteria and pass the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Masters Social Work Licensing Exam.

As a CSWE-accredited program, the UAlbany Master of Social Work fulfills the education requirement for the master social worker license in New York. Review all LMSW requirements for New York State.

A student studying on a laptop in the UAlbany azalea garden.
Obtaining Your Clinical Social Work License

To become a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) in New York, you must first obtain your LMSW, gain three years of experience in specific areas of practice, and take a clinical social work exam before applying for clinical licensure.

Review NYS clinical social work license requirements.

 

Acquiring a Social Work License in Other States

Social work licensing criteria vary by state and do not automatically transfer between states. While LMSW education and exam qualifications are similar across the country, supervised experience requirements vary.

Find social work license requirements in different states

 

Continuing Education Requirements

After you obtain your license to practice social work in New York, you need to renew your registration every three years. Before you can renew, you must complete 36 hours of approved continuing education units (CEUs).

The School of Social Welfare offers a variety of continuing education programs and workshops for your professional development and to help keep your knowledge and social work license registration up to date.

Browse all continuing education providers approved by the New York State Office of the Professions

 

"I love the diversity of the program. From faculty to curriculum, I truly feel this school cares about providing a well-rounded educational experience that includes cultural competency and how to keep humility and sensitivity in mind as a social worker."

- Elisa Kim, MSW student

Student Learning Objectives


Learning objectives that UAlbany students are expected to attain through their course of study within their academic program.

Master of Social Welfare
  • Demonstrate a strong sense of professional self.
  • Constructively use supervision and consultation appropriate to the area of practice.
  • Are committed to and able to identify knowledge and skills for continuing personal and professional development. Integrate professional attitudes, values, and ethics in practice.
  • Critically assessing and applying relevant practice theories and models for their differential application to varied clients and problems.
  • Differentially applying practice knowledge and skills in varied settings. Working with clients from diverse backgrounds and cultures in a nondiscriminatory manner that maximizes client strengths and counters the effects of oppression.
  • Using evidence-based practice and evaluating the effectiveness of the practice.
  • Demonstrating knowledge and proficiency in human behavior and clinical practice skills to work with a range of clients.
  • Integrating policy, organizational and community context in clinical practice that benefits the client.
  • Demonstrate leadership skills. This includes taking responsibility and proactive action appropriate to the situation and engaging others in solving problems.
  • Differentially applying practice knowledge and skills in varied settings. Continuing breadth and depth in basic interviewing, relationship building and intervention skills as applied to complex and advanced clinical practice situations.
  • Work collaboratively with other disciplines in order to benefit clients.
slo

Admissions Requirements

admissions
MSW Social Work (Advanced Standing)
Deadlines

Departmental Assistantship Consideration

Fall: Not Available
Spring: Not Available
Summer: February 28 at 11:59 p.m.

No Departmental Assistantship Consideration

Fall: Not Available
Spring: Not Available
Summer: February 28 at 11:59 p.m.


Required Application Materials
  • Transcripts from all schools attended
  • Resume/CV
  • Three letters of recommendation
    • One letter must be from a supervisor or liaison for the student's field placement experience.
    • Recommenders should have a professional relationship to you, such as a supervisor or a professor. They should NOT have a personal relationship to you, such as a friend or family member.
    • Recommenders should be able to speak to any one or more of the following areas regarding the applicant's: Potential for professional social work practice; Experience in human service (work or volunteer); or Academic ability.
  • Statement of Background and Goals
    • INSTRUCTIONS:
      Please write a 3-5 page, double spaced essay in 12-point font that incorporates your responses to the three areas listed below. Do not write three separate responses. Overall, we are looking for you to show that you understand the social work profession, are committed to its mission, and are ready for graduate-level field education and coursework.
    • Self Awareness in the Service of Others
      In the field of social work, one’s values, attitudes, and beliefs can influence our practice with clients. The experience of graduate social work education includes constant self-awareness and personal growth.  Describe a situation in which your values, attitudes, and beliefs were challenged. How did you respond?  How can challenging yourself to examine your values, attitudes, and beliefs improve your ability to provide services for clients, families, communities, and organizations as a social worker in the future?
    • Social Justice Values
      Describe how you have incorporated the social work value of social justice into an experience within one of the following areas: academic setting (e.g. classroom discussions, peer interactions); professional setting (volunteer or paid work); community setting (e.g. social group, self-identity group, family, hobby).
    • Readiness for Coursework and Field Education
      Identify your areas of strength and areas for improvement relevant to managing multiple responsibilities, receiving constructive feedback, and maintaining personal and professional boundaries. Discuss your plans for simultaneously managing the rigorous demands of graduate education and fieldwork.
    • OPTIONAL: Additional Information
      Note: This section only applies if you have any additional information that you would like to discuss in your statement of background and goals. 
      In one page or less, please include any additional information that you would believe would help us understand you as an applicant including, but not limited to: transcripts (e.g. undergraduate GPA lower than a 3.0, multiple graduate degrees, failed field internship); resume (e.g. gaps in employment, little or no paid work or volunteer experience, changes in career or major); recommendations (e.g. no academic or professional reference, use of a personal reference); goals statement (e.g. did not answer one of the questions); or any other circumstance you would like the review committee to take into consideration
Special Notes

To be eligible for the Advanced Standing program, students must have received a baccalaureate degree from a social work program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education within six years of matriculation in the MSW program. 

This program requires an internship, field experience, study abroad component, or clinical experience requirement. Students who have previously been convicted of a felony are advised that their prior criminal history may impede their ability to complete the requirements of certain academic programs and/or to meet licensure requirements for certain professions.  If applicants have concerns about this matter please contact the Dean’s Office of the intended academic program.

MSW Social Work (Full-time)
Deadlines

Departmental Assistantship Consideration

Fall: February 28 at 11:59 p.m.
Spring: Not Available
Summer: Not Available

No Departmental Assistantship Consideration

Fall: February 28 at 11:59 p.m.
Spring: Not Available
Summer: Not Available

Required Application Materials
  • Transcripts from all schools attended
  • Resume/CV
  • Three letters of recommendation
    • Recommenders should have a professional relationship to you, such as a supervisor or a professor. They should NOT have a personal relationship to you, such as a friend or family member.
    • Recommenders should be able to speak to any one or more of the following areas regarding the applicant's: Potential for professional social work practice; Experience in human service (work or volunteer); or Academic ability.
  • Statement of Background and Goals
    • INSTRUCTIONS:
      Please write a 3-5 page, double spaced essay in 12-point font that incorporates your responses to the three areas listed below. Do not write three separate responses. Overall, we are looking for you to show that you understand the social work profession, are committed to its mission, and are ready for graduate-level field education and coursework.
    • Self-Awareness in the Service of Others
      In the field of social work, one’s values, attitudes, and beliefs can influence our practice with clients. The experience of graduate social work education includes constant self-awareness and personal growth.  Describe a situation in which your values, attitudes, and beliefs were challenged. How did you respond?  How can challenging yourself to examine your values, attitudes, and beliefs improve your ability to provide services for clients, families, communities, and organizations as a social worker in the future?
    • Social Justice Values
      Describe how you have incorporated the social work value of social justice into an experience within one of the following areas: academic setting (e.g. classroom discussions, peer interactions); professional setting (volunteer or paid work); community setting (e.g. social group, self-identity group, family, hobby).
    • Readiness for Coursework and Field Education
      Identify your areas of strength and areas for improvement relevant to managing multiple responsibilities, receiving constructive feedback, and maintaining personal and professional boundaries. Discuss your plans for simultaneously managing the rigorous demands of graduate education and fieldwork.
    • OPTIONAL: Additional Information
      Note: This section only applies if you have any additional information that you would like to discuss in your statement of background and goals.
      In one page or less, please include any additional information that you would believe would help us understand you as an applicant including, but not limited to: transcripts (e.g. undergraduate GPA lower than a 3.0, multiple graduate degrees, failed field internship); resume (e.g. gaps in employment, little or no paid work or volunteer experience, changes in career or major); recommendations (e.g. no academic or professional reference, use of a personal reference); goals statement (e.g. did not answer one of the questions); or any other circumstance you would like the review committee to take into consideration.
Special Notes

This program requires an internship, field experience, study abroad component, or clinical experience requirement. Students who have previously been convicted of a felony are advised that their prior criminal history may impede their ability to complete the requirements of certain academic programs and/or to meet licensure requirements for certain professions.  If applicants have concerns about this matter please contact the Dean’s Office of the intended academic program.

MSW Social Work (Part-time)
Deadlines

Departmental Assistantship Consideration

Fall: January 31 at 11:59 p.m.
Spring: Not Available
Summer: Not Available

No Departmental Assistantship Consideration

Fall: January 31 at 11:59 p.m.
Spring: Not Available
Summer: Not Available

Required Application Materials
  • Transcripts from all schools attended
  • Resume/CV
  • Three letters of recommendation
    • Recommenders should have a professional relationship to you, such as a supervisor or a professor. They should NOT have a personal relationship to you, such as a friend or family member.
    • Recommenders should be able to speak to any one or more of the following areas regarding the applicant's: Potential for professional social work practice; Experience in human service (work or volunteer); or Academic ability.
  • Statement of Background and Goals
    • INSTRUCTIONS:
      Please write a 3-5 page, double spaced essay in 12-point font that incorporates your responses to the three areas listed below. Do not write three separate responses. Overall, we are looking for you to show that you understand the social work profession, are committed to its mission, and are ready for graduate-level field education and coursework.
    • Self-Awareness in the Service of Others
      In the field of social work, one’s values, attitudes, and beliefs can influence our practice with clients. The experience of graduate social work education includes constant self-awareness and personal growth.  Describe a situation in which your values, attitudes, and beliefs were challenged. How did you respond?  How can challenging yourself to examine your values, attitudes, and beliefs improve your ability to provide services for clients, families, communities, and organizations as a social worker in the future?
    • Social Justice Values
      Describe how you have incorporated the social work value of social justice into an experience within one of the following areas: academic setting (e.g. classroom discussions, peer interactions); professional setting (volunteer or paid work); community setting (e.g. social group, self-identity group, family, hobby).
    • Readiness for Coursework and Field Education
      Identify your areas of strength and areas for improvement relevant to managing multiple responsibilities, receiving constructive feedback, and maintaining personal and professional boundaries. Discuss your plans for simultaneously managing the rigorous demands of graduate education and fieldwork.
    • OPTIONAL: Additional Information
      Note: This section only applies if you have any additional information that you would like to discuss in your statement of background and goals.
      In one page or less, please include any additional information that you would believe would help us understand you as an applicant including, but not limited to: transcripts (e.g. undergraduate GPA lower than a 3.0, multiple graduate degrees, failed field internship); resume (e.g. gaps in employment, little or no paid work or volunteer experience, changes in career or major); recommendations (e.g. no academic or professional reference, use of a personal reference); goals statement (e.g. did not answer one of the questions); or any other circumstance you would like the review committee to take into consideration.
Special Notes

This program requires an internship, field experience, study abroad component, or clinical experience requirement. Students who have previously been convicted of a felony are advised that their prior criminal history may impede their ability to complete the requirements of certain academic programs and/or to meet licensure requirements for certain professions.  If applicants have concerns about this matter please contact the Dean’s Office of the intended academic program.

MSW Social Work (Online)
Deadlines

There is no assistantship option for online students.

Fall: January 31 at 11:59 p.m.
Spring: Not Available
Summer: Not Available
 

Required Application Materials
  • Transcripts from all schools attended
  • Resume/CV
  • Three letters of recommendation
    • Recommenders should have a professional relationship to you, such as a supervisor or a professor. They should NOT have a personal relationship to you, such as a friend or family member.
    • Recommenders should be able to speak to any one or more of the following areas regarding the applicant's: Potential for professional social work practice; Experience in human service (work or volunteer); or Academic ability.
  • Statement of Background and Goals
    • INSTRUCTIONS:
      Please write a 3-5 page, double spaced essay in 12-point font that incorporates your responses to the four areas listed below. Do not write four separate responses. Overall, we are looking for you to show that you understand the social work profession, are committed to its mission, and are ready for graduate-level field education and coursework.
    • Self-Awareness in the Service of Others
      In the field of social work, one’s values, attitudes, and beliefs can influence our practice with clients. The experience of graduate social work education includes constant self-awareness and personal growth. Describe a situation in which your values, attitudes, and beliefs were challenged. How did you respond? How can challenging yourself to examine your values, attitudes, and beliefs improve your ability to provide services for clients, families, communities, and organizations as a social worker in the future?
    • Social Justice Values
      Describe how you have incorporated the social work value of social justice into an experience within one of the following areas: academic setting (e.g. classroom discussions, peer interactions); professional setting (volunteer or paid work); community setting (e.g. social group, self-identity group, family, hobby).
    • Readiness for Coursework and Field Education
      Identify your areas of strength and areas for improvement relevant to managing multiple responsibilities, receiving constructive feedback, and maintaining personal and professional boundaries. Discuss your plans for simultaneously managing the rigorous demands of graduate education and fieldwork.
    • Online MSW Program
      If you are applying to the fully Online MSW program, please describe your experience with asynchronous learning including skills, readiness and expectations for asynchronous learning.
    • OPTIONAL: Additional Information
      Note: This section only applies if you have any additional information that you would like to discuss in your statement of background and goals.
      In one page or less, please include any additional information that you would believe would help us understand you as an applicant including, but not limited to: transcripts (e.g. undergraduate GPA lower than a 3.0, multiple graduate degrees, failed field internship); resume (e.g. gaps in employment, little or no paid work or volunteer experience, changes in career or major); recommendations (e.g. no academic or professional reference, use of a personal reference); goals statement (e.g. did not answer one of the questions); or any other circumstance you would like the review committee to take into consideration.
Special Notes

This program requires an internship, field experience, study abroad component, or clinical experience requirement. Students who have previously been convicted of a felony are advised that their prior criminal history may impede their ability to complete the requirements of certain academic programs and/or to meet licensure requirements for certain professions. If applicants have concerns about this matter please contact the Dean’s Office of the intended academic program.

MSW/PhD Social Work
Deadlines

Departmental Assistantship Consideration

Fall: January 31 at 11:59 p.m.
Spring: Not Available
Summer: Not Available

No Departmental Assistantship Consideration

Fall: January 31 at 11:59 p.m.
Spring: Not Available
Summer: Not Available


Required Application Materials
  • Transcripts from all schools attended
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • Personal statement
    The personal statement should address three areas:  (1) educational background and professional experience; (2) substantive areas of interest for research, evaluation, and/or teaching; and (3) professional goals, including how a doctorate in social welfare supports achievement of these goals. This statement should be no more than 4 double-spaced typed pages with 1 inch margins and a font of 12.
  • CV/Resume

 

Special Notes

Available information for International Applicants.

Note: GREs are not required.

Note: If you are interested in receiving funding, please complete the Graduate Assistantship/Fellowship Application, found in your application portal.

 

This program requires an internship, field experience, study abroad component, or clinical experience requirement. Students who have previously been convicted of a felony are advised that their prior criminal history may impede their ability to complete the requirements of certain academic programs and/or to meet licensure requirements for certain professions.  If applicants have concerns about this matter please contact the Dean’s Office of the intended academic program.

MSW Non-Degree Study

Deadlines

Fall: 2 weeks before start of semester
Spring: 2 weeks before start of semester
Summer: 2 weeks before start of the class

 

Required Application Materials

  • Transcripts showing receipt of BA or BS
     

Special Notes

 

Non -degree students can take a maximum of 2 courses per semester in the School of Social Welfare. Unlike our matriculated program, applicants may apply to begin courses during the Fall, Spring or Summer. 

A maximum of 12 credits of graduate coursework taken as a non-matriculated student will automatically count toward the MSW degree if the credits fulfill MSW requirements at the time you matriculate and the courses were taken within 3 years of matriculation. 

ar-msw-sw