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Master of Social Service (M.S.S.) Program

The Master of Social Service program is a balanced curriculum that prepares students for leadership in social work. The program emphasizes development of professional skill and in-depth practice experience. Graduates of the M.S.S. program become leaders in a variety of social work settings, such as government agencies, health care services, clinical practices, and non-profit organizations. Our curriculum is presented in the flexible format necessary for continual growth in a changing world.

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The M.S.S. program...

  • Teaches social work ethics and frameworks for applying ethical principles to social work practice
  • Promotes the use of knowledge, values, and skills for effective social work leaders across areas of social work practice at the foundation and advanced concentration levels
  • Develops strong relationship, assessment, intervention, and evaluation skills
  • Utilizes an integrated perspective on theory, practice, policy, research, and ethics
  • Encourages self-reflection 
  • Advances social and economic justice 
  • Fosters a critical awareness of diversity and the social and cultural forces that impact individuals, families, organizations, and communities locally, nationally, and globally
  • Understands and applies knowledge of human behavior in multiple social, cultural, and economic contexts 
  • Emphasizes critical and creative thinking skills 
  • Teaches strategies to engage in ethical research-informed practice and learn how practice experience can inform research for increased effectiveness of both
  • Develops students' skills for advocacy and policy practice on behalf of clients and client systems 
  • Creates a learning community that is both challenging and supportive

Field Education

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Gain Real-World, Hands-On Social Work Experience

Field education is an essential part of students' educational experience in the M.S.S. program. Students gain hands-on, real-world experience in their field placements that propels them towards successful social work careers. 

Applicants are admitted with the understanding that they must be available for field placements a minimum of fifteen hours/week during regular working hours (Monday through Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.) and that the availability of a field placement occurring only during evening and/or weekend hours is not guaranteed.

Calendars and Academic Information

Bryn Mawr's Graduate School of Social Work and Social Research Master of Social Service (M.S.S.) degree is equivalent in both licensure and use to the M.S.W. degree. The M.S.S. program is fully accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.