The Master of Social Work degree offered by CSU features a nationally recognized advanced generalist curriculum that is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). Students are prepared for roles as social work practitioners in complex, diverse, and dynamic settings and learn to promote human rights and individual, community, and global health and well-being. The School of Social Work offers different program options for completing the MSW degree. There are full-time and part-time campus-based programs, part-time distance learning options, and a dual degree MSW-MPH. All of our program options utilize a cohort model.
- Full-time two year – This is the standard two year program. It follows the cohort model, starting every fall. Students attend full-time for four semesters - fall, spring, and the following fall and spring on campus, in-person instruction. (Schedule here.)
- Part-time three year – This option begins in fall and takes three years to complete, breaking down the first full-time year into two part-time years. The final year is a full-time year, as the field placement requirement cannot be reduced. The schedule for this final year is identical to the full-time program’s second year.
- Advanced Standing On Campus – This option is available only to those who have earned a BSW from a program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education within the past seven years. The BSW degree must be granted prior to the beginning of advanced standing classes. Students attend one full year consisting of three semesters, starting with the summer term. (Schedule here.)
- Distance Learning options – The School of Social Work also offers a part-time hybrid program that utilizes online and in-person instruction based at the cohort locations of Denver, Colorado Springs, and Boulder/Longmont. For additional information please visit the Distance MSW Program website.
- MSW/MPH Dual Degree – In partnership with Colorado School of Public Health, the School of Social Work will be offering a dual degree MSW/MPH program. For information visit the MSW/MPH section.
Effective Fall 2012
| First Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | |
| Foundation Curriculum: | ||
| SOWK 500 | Principles and Philosophy of Social Work | 3 |
| SOWK 511 | Generalist Practice-Small Client Systems | 3 |
| SOWK 515 | Theoretical Foundations for Social Work | 4 |
| SOWK 520 | Social Welfare Policy Analysis | 3 |
| SOWK 600 | Methods of Research I | 3 |
| Total Credits | 16 | |
| Spring | ||
| Foundation Curriculum: | ||
| SOWK 512 | Small Client Systems Skills Laboratory | 1 |
| SOWK 588 | Field Placement | 6 |
| SOWK 601 | Methods of Research II | 3 |
| SOWK 611 | Generalist Practice-Large Client Systems | 3 |
| Elective | 0-3 | |
| Total Credits | 13-16 | |
| Second Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| Concentration Curriculum: | ||
| Select one from the following: | 2-3 | |
| Macro-Level Social Work Practice Research | ||
| Direct Practice: Assessment and Evaluation | ||
| Thesis | ||
| SOWK 630 | Advanced Generalist Practice with Individuals | 2 |
| SOWK 631 | Advanced Practice with Communities | 2 |
| SOWK 633 | Advanced Practice: Social Welfare Policy | 2 |
| SOWK 688 | Field Placement | 7 |
| Total Credits | 15-16 | |
| Spring | ||
| Concentration Curriculum: | ||
| Select one from the following: | 2-3 | |
| Macro-Level Social Work Practice Research | ||
| Direct Practice: Assessment and Evaluation | ||
| Thesis | ||
| SOWK 632 | Advanced Practice: Manager/Administrator | 3 |
| SOWK 634 | Advanced Practice with Families and Groups | 3 |
| SOWK 688 | Field Placement | 8 |
| Total Credits | 16-17 | |
| Total Credits | 60-65 | |
A minimum of 60 credits are required to complete this program
.