M.S.W. Curriculum
The Master of Social Work curriculum is comprised of generalist-year theoretical and practice courses, advanced-year practice courses, three units of electives, and four units of practicum education. Course units for earning the M.S.W. degree must total 18.
Plans of Study
The GSSWSR offers both 10-Month, 22-Month Online, 2-Year, and 3-Year plans of study to meet the individual’s life circumstances. The admissions requirements and procedures are the same for all plans of study.
2-Year Plan
The GSSWSR offers a 2-Year plan of study where students become prepared to thrive in the field of social work in less than 2 years. Social work students receive a unique education emphasizing practice and research through a trauma-informed lens.
3-Year Plan
The GSSWSR offers a 3-Year plan of study that can be completed with a combination of evening and weekend courses to meet the varying needs of our diverse student body. Social work students receive a unique education emphasizing practice and research through a trauma-informed lens.
10-Month Advanced Standing Plan
The GSSWSR's 10-Month Advanced Standing M.S.W. plan of study is designed for individuals who have completed a B.S.W. degree within the last five years from a Council on Social Work Education accredited school of social work.
Plans of Study
Students entering the 2-Year, 3-Year, and Online program begin their course of study in the fall semester. Students entering the 10-Month Advanced Standing program begin their course of study in the summer semester.
Students start with generalist coursework followed by specialization coursework. Practice courses and practicum education are taken concurrently and should be taken in consecutive years. Electives are taken after generalist coursework is completed.
Fall and Spring Semester Courses
In the fall and spring semesters, classes meet once a week over a 14-week period. Most classes are offered on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, allowing other days for practicum placements. A small number of courses are offered on Thursday and Saturdays in the fall and spring semesters. Each required practice class session is two hours and 50 minutes, and all other classes run two hours and 20 minutes.
The online cohort utilize fall, spring and summer semesters and meet virtually on Monday and Thursday evenings.
Summer Session Courses
During the five-week summer sessions, classes meet twice a week on Mondays and Thursdays. Many students take courses in the summer session as a way to spread out their course load.
Additional Information
- Some courses may require time in the computer lab.
- Students are encouraged not to schedule all courses on one day.
Calendars and Academic Information
M.S.W. Generalist COURSES M.S.W. ELECTIVES M.S.W. Advanced Specializations M.S.W. Online