Social Work, MSW

Contact

Jennifer C. Genovese, MSW Program Director

244H White Hall

315-443-9729

jgenoves@syr.edu

Program Description

The School of Social Work offers a concurrent program of classroom and field instruction for the master’s degree. The basic 60-credit program, pursued over two academic years, is composed of a 24-credit foundation curriculum and an advanced area of practice concentration. The foundation curriculum helps students develop the base knowledge, values, and skills necessary for effective generalist practice in all areas of social work.

The master’s degree in social work is available in two formats. A traditional on-campus format for full-time and part-time study. A part-time online format is also available.

Additional information regarding the online Master of Social Work program can be found at https://onlinegrad.syracuse.edu/social-work/

Accreditation

The program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).

Admissions

Students applying to the traditional MSW must have a bachelor’s degree in an area other than social work from a regionally accredited college or university. A minimum 3.0 GPA is preferred.

Part-time Study

Part time study is allowed in the residential MSW program. Options are available to accommodate need. The online MSW program is only offered in a part time format.

Students must meet all requirements for the master’s degree within seven years from the time the student registers for the first course to be used in the master’s degree program. If a student does not meet this requirement, the student may petition their school/college for reinstatement of credits that were completed outside the seven-year timeframe.

Transfer Credit

Graduate credit earned in another accredited graduate school and carrying a grade of B or higher may be transferred toward the M. S. W. degree, so long as it forms an integral part of the degree program and is approved by the School of Social Work. A maximum of 12 credits from other graduate study may be transferred toward the 60-credit M. S. W. degree requirement. Academic credit is not given for life experience or previous work experience.

Decisions regarding credit transfer are made independent of admissions decisions. Matriculation as a transfer student in the School of Social Work requires completion of the formal admissions process.

Student Learning Outcomes

Demonstrate Ethical and Professional Behavior
Advance Human Rights and Social, Racial, Economic, and Environmental Justice
Engage Anti-Racism, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (ADEI) in Practice
Engage in Practice-Informed Research and Research-Informed Practice
Engage in Policy Practice
Engage with Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Community
Assess Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Community
Intervene with Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Community
Evaluate Practice with Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Community

The M.S.W. foundation curriculum required of all master’s students includes:

SWK 601 - Fundamentals of Social Work Practice I 3 credit(s)
SWK 602 - Fundamentals of Social Work Practice II 3 credit(s)
SWK 611 - Social Welfare Policy and Services 3 credit(s)
SWK 626 - Persons in Social Context 3 credit(s)
SWK 628 - Human Diversity in Social Contexts 3 credit(s)
SWK 662 - Applied Research in Human Service Settings 3 credit(s)
OR
MFT 663 - Applied Research in Human Service Settings 3 credit(s)
SWK 671 - Field Instruction I 3 credit(s)
SWK 672 - Field Instruction II 3 credit(s)
SWK 675 - Field Experience Pre-Planning 0 credit(s)

M.S.W. Advanced Concentrations in Social Work

After completing the foundation curriculum, students elect an advanced concentration of 36 credits in Advanced Clinical Practice or Advanced Integrated Social Work Practice. Field placements are available in child welfare, health, mental health, gerontology, schools, substance use disorders and many other practice settings.

Advanced Clinical Practice

This concentration takes an eco-systemic perspective in understanding people and interactions. It is designed to prepare students to become clinicians who provide in-depth mental health services that are relationally focused utilizing evidence-informed interventions with a wide range of populations. There is a special emphasis on trauma-informed practice.

3 credit hours each, 36 credits total:

SWK 724 - Psychopathology 3 credit(s)
OR
MFT 724 - Psychopathology 3 credit(s)
SWK 730 - Family Systems Theory 3 credit(s)
SWK 732 - Advanced Practice with Individuals, Families and Groups 3 credit(s)
SWK 733 - Social Work Practice in Mental Health 3 credit(s)
SWK 761 - Integrated Behavioral Health Policy 3 credit(s)
SWK 771 - Field Instruction III 3 credit(s)
SWK 772 - Field Instruction IV 3 credit(s)
SWK 776 - Clinical Practice Evaluation 3 credit(s)
SWK 781 - Alcohol and Other Drugs in Human Service Settings 3 credit(s)
OR
MFT 781 - Alcohol and Other Drugs in Human Service Settings 3 credit(s)
Elective
Elective
Elective

Advanced Integrated Practice

The curriculum in this concentration offers advanced practice courses that address theory, method, and skills for integrating micro, mezzo, and macro levels of practice. It prepares students for direct practice and leadership in a wide range of increasingly complex human service organizations.

3 credit hours each, 36 credits total:

SWK 724 - Psychopathology 3 credit(s)
OR
MFT 724 - Psychopathology 3 credit(s)
SWK 730 - Family Systems Theory 3 credit(s)
SWK 743 - Advanced Integrated Social Work Practice 3 credit(s)
SWK 771 - Field Instruction III 3 credit(s)
SWK 772 - Field Instruction IV 3 credit(s)
Advanced Macro Practice (selected from approved list, see listing below)
Advanced Micro Practice (selected from approved list, see listing below)
Advanced Micro Practice from micro list or Advanced Macro Practice selected from macro list (both below)
SWK 775 - Program Evaluation 3 credit(s) or
SWK 776 - Clinical Practice Evaluation 3 credit(s)
Advanced Policy - select one:
SWK 761 - Integrated Behavioral Health Policy 3 credit(s)
SWK 763 - Health Care Policy 3 credit(s)
SWK 765 - Public Policy and Aging 3 credit(s)
SWK 768 - Family & Child Welfare Policy 3 credit(s)
Elective
Elective

Advanced Macro Practice Courses

SWK 714 - Supervision, Consultation and Staff Development 3 credit(s)
SWK 715 - Administration in Human Services 3 credit(s)
SWK 774 - Proposal Writing and Program Development 3 credit(s)
SWK 777 - Community Organization and Development 3 credit(s)
SWK 778 - Policy Practice and Advocacy 3 credit(s)
SWK 779 - Seminar in Organizational Development and Leadership 3 credit(s)

Advanced Micro Practice Courses

SWK 707 - Short Term Intervention in Social Work 3 credit(s)
SWK 709 - Practice with Children, Adolescents and Families 3 credit(s)
SWK 712 - Clinical Social Work with Groups 3 credit(s)
SWK 735 - Principles and Methods of Social Work Practice with Black Families 3 credit(s)
SWK 736 - Evidence-Based Approaches to Mental Health Treatment 3 credit(s)
SWK 738 - Core Concepts in Trauma Treatment for Children and Adolescents 3 credit(s)
SWK 740 - Treatment of Complex Trauma with Individuals 3 credit(s)
SWK 754 - Death, Dying, and Terminal Illness 3 credit(s)
SWK 781 - Alcohol and Other Drugs in Human Service Settings 3 credit(s)
OR
MFT 781 - Alcohol and Other Drugs in Human Service Settings 3 credit(s)