The Master of Social Work (MSW) 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.
- Full Program – This is the standard two-year program, starting every fall, with on-campus and in-person instruction. Students in this program complete three elective courses which enables them to complete one of five graduate certificate programs offered by the School of Social Work if they choose to do so.
- Advanced Standing – 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, beginning with the summer term. (View schedule here.)
- Part-time Hybrid Learning Options – The School of Social Work also offers a part-time hybrid program and advanced standing option that utilizes online and in-person instruction based at the cohort locations of Denver, Boulder, and Fort Collins. 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 offers a dual degree MSW/MPH program. For information visit the MSW/MPH website.
Students who successfully complete this program will be prepared to pursue licensure in Colorado. Licensure requirements in other states and U.S. territories may differ. Students are encouraged to work with the department and the professional licensure board in the state in which they intend to pursue licensing to ensure all requirements are satisfactorily met.
Learn more about the Master of Social Work on the School of Social Work website.
Effective Fall 2019
| First Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | |
| SOWK 500 | Principles and Philosophy of Social Work | 3 |
| SOWK 511 | Small Systems Practice Skills | 3 |
| SOWK 515 | Theoretical Foundations for Social Work | 3 |
| SOWK 530 | Anti-Oppressive Social Work Practice | 3 |
| Elective | 3 | |
| Total Credits | 15 | |
| Spring | ||
| SOWK 520 | Social Welfare Policy and Advocacy | 3 |
| SOWK 588 | Field Placement | 6 |
| SOWK 592 | Integrative Foundation Field Seminar | 1 |
| Electives | 3-6 | |
| Total Credits | 13-16 | |
| Summer | ||
| Elective | 0-3 | |
| Total Credits | 0-3 | |
| Second Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| SOWK 600 | Methods of Research | 3 |
| SOWK 630 | Advanced Generalist Practice with Individuals | 3 |
| SOWK 633 | Contemporary Issues in Social Welfare Policy | 3 |
| SOWK 688 | Field Placement | 7 |
| Elective | 0-3 | |
| Total Credits | 16-19 | |
| Spring | ||
| SOWK 631 | Advanced Community Practice | 3 |
| SOWK 634 | Advanced Practice with Families and Groups | 3 |
| SOWK 688 | Field Placement | 8 |
| SOWK 698 | Advanced Research and Social Work Capstone | 3 |
| Total Credits | 17 | |
| Program Total Credits: | 64 | |
A minimum of 64 credits are required to complete the full M.S.W. program.
Effective Fall 2019
Advanced Standing M.S.W.
This option is available only to those who have earned a B.S.W. from a program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education and have earned that degree within the past seven years. The B.S.W. degree must be granted prior to the beginning of advanced standing classes. Applicants must have earned a minimum GPA of 3.0 for the entire B.S.W.
Students attend one full year consisting of three semesters, starting with the Summer term.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| FIRST YEAR | ||
| SUMMER (6 Credits) | ||
| SOWK 530 | Anti-Oppressive Social Work Practice | 3 |
| Required Elective | 3 | |
| FALL (16 Credits) | ||
| SOWK 600 | Methods of Research | 3 |
| SOWK 630 | Advanced Generalist Practice with Individuals | 3 |
| SOWK 633 | Contemporary Issues in Social Welfare Policy | 3 |
| SOWK 688 | Field Placement | 7 |
| SPRING (17 Credits) | ||
| SOWK 631 | Advanced Community Practice | 3 |
| SOWK 634 | Advanced Practice with Families and Groups | 3 |
| SOWK 688 | Field Placement | 8 |
| SOWK 698 | Advanced Research and Social Work Capstone | 3 |
| Program Total Credits: | 39 | |
A minimum of 39 credits are required to complete the Advanced Standing M.S.W. program.