Master of Social Work
Department website: https://www.cuw.edu/academics/programs/social-work-masters/index.html
Concordia University Wisconsin offers the Master of Social Work (MSW) degree. The MSW is a two-year graduate program. Advanced standing is available to those with a Bachelor of Social Work. The program is available for full-time and part-time students.
Mission Statement
The mission of Concordia University Master of Social Work (MSW) program is to provide a Christian environment that prepares MSW professionals to assume leadership roles in an increasingly diverse and global society. To prepare students to be advanced generalist social workers who embrace Christian values, and support resiliency and strengthen individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities, and advocate for social and economic justice.
Accreditation
MSW programs are accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). Full accreditation was awarded in February 2020. Accreditation is retroactive to the first class who graduated in August, 2018. As of September 12, 2022, the MSW Program was approved by CSWE to become an online (asynchronous) program.
General Academic Information
The Master of Social Work degree is designed to prepare students for professional practice with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities. The MSW is a competency based degree that emphasizes the significant contribution of knowledge, values, skills, and the importance of cognitive/affective responses to practice situations. The MSW degree is a highly sought after professional degree and recognized nationally and internationally for the quality of professional practice.
Social work practitioners are found in every aspect of practice. They are licensed in every state. Social workers provide critical services at multiple levels of practice and in inter-professional settings. The Advanced Generalist Specialization prepares social workers for practice at all levels of practice. Advanced Generalist Social Workers are employed in hundreds of positions requiring the special knowledge base of the profession.
Advanced Generalist Social Work practitioners work with those who have mental health issues, domestic violence, child abuse, family problems and many others. They work in the criminal justice system as probation officers, juvenile justice social workers, court social workers, and many others positions. Social workers work in community agencies to develop programs, write grants, organize and manage community endeavors to better society. Social work practitioners are prepared for administration as CEOs, administrators, supervisors, political advocates, politicians, and many other macro level jobs.
Clinical Licensure Courses
Completing the MSW clinical licensure courses prepares you for the Wisconsin LCSW. With an LCSW you will be able to contribute to the social work profession in various settings including mental health, youth and families, and practice as an independent therapist. Below is a list of courses you will take that are recognized by W IDSPS:
- MSW 715: Advanced Practice: Diverse & Vulnerable Population
- MSW 545: Psychopathology in Social Work
- MSW 555: Social Work with Groups
Fieldwork Experiences
The MSW degree requires two field placements supervised by experienced MSW practitioners. The program has contracts with more than 200 agencies willing to provide supervised experience for MSW interns. The Department of Social Work plans for and places students in agencies supporting the student’s specified area of interest.
Credit Transfer
The MSW Program will accept up transfer credits, of previous graduate level coursework, into the MSW program based on the following criteria:
- Only transfer of a foundation level course will be considered. Foundation level courses are equivalent to MSW 600-level courses.
- The student must have earned a grade of “B” or better.
- The credit will have been earned within five years of the request.
- Prior to the student’s admission to the program, the student will provide the syllabus for the course for which they are requesting transfer. The submitted course syllabus will be reviewed by the primary faculty assigned to the CUW course the student is requesting be replaced with the transfer course. A determination will be made by the primary faculty. A decision to transfer a credit in place of a foundation level course will be agreed upon by the primary faculty and the MSW Director. The registrar’s office will be notified by the MSW Program Director via email with a copy to the student’s advisor and the student. A copy of the email will be placed in the student’s file.
The MSW Program will accept electives. The MSW Program will only transfer courses as electives course if they support social work practices. The MSW Program reserves the right to refuse to accept course credits from another university. Under no circumstances will credit be given for prior work or life experiences.
- Credits will not be transferred if they were included as a part of a previously granted degree.
- Credits must have been completed/earned no more than five years prior to the admission on the student to the MSW program.
- Credits are accepted for transfer only during the admission process.
- The agreed transfer credits will be listed on the signed graduate admission form, and returned to the graduate school at the point of admission.
- Transfer of any credit is not guaranteed.
Cost
Students pay a semester-based tuition which is posted on the Concordia University Wisconsin website.
Professional Membership
NASW student membership is highly recommended for all students. Current student membership rates are available on www.nasw. org. The department also recommends membership with the North American Association of Christians in Social Work (NACSW). Visit www.nacsw.org
Financial Aid
Federal student loans are available to graduate students seeking degrees who are US citizens or permanent residents. Students may apply online at www.fafsa.gov. Concordia’s school code is 003842. Students are eligible for Federal Student loans and Graduate PLUS loans to cover the cost of tuition, books, fees, transportation, and living expenses.
Program Learning Outcomes
The Curriculum is based on the following competencies:
1. Demonstrate Ethical and Professional Behavior
2. Advance Human Rights and Social, Racial, Economic, and Environmental Justice
3. Engage Anti-Racism, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (ADEI) in Practice
4. Engage in Practice-informed Research and Research-Informed Practice
5. Engage in Policy Practice
6. Engage with Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities
7. Assess Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities
8. Intervene with Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities
9. Evaluate Practice with Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities
Curriculum
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Generalist Student (non-BSW graduate) | ||
| Foundation / Generalist Year | 27 | |
| Advanced Generalist Year | 36 | |
| Total Hours | 63 | |
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Advanced Standing Student (BSW graduate) | ||
| Advanced Generalist | 36 | |
| Total Hours | 36 | |
Foundation/Generalist Year
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| MSW 600 | Advanced Human Behavior in Social Environment | 3 |
| MSW 610 | Advanced General Practice I | 3 |
| MSW 615 | Generalist Practice II: Groups, Organizations & Communities | 3 |
| MSW 620 | Social Policy & Advocacy | 3 |
| MSW 650 | Research Methodologies | 3 |
| MSW 670 | Advanced Field Education I | 3 |
| MSW 675 | Advanced Field Education II | 3 |
| MSW 680 | Advanced Field Seminar I | 3 |
| MSW 685 | Advanced Field Seminar II | 3 |
| Total Hours | 27 | |
Second Year Graduate Students & Advanced Standing Graduate Students (Advanced Generalist Year)
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| MSW 700 | Administration, Organization & Supervision | 3 |
| MSW 710 | Advanced Practice: Individuals & Families | 3 |
| MSW 715 | Advanced Practice: Diverse and Vulnerable Populations | 3 |
| MSW 750 | Research Project I | 3 |
| MSW 752 | Research Project II | 3 |
| MSW 770 | Advanced Field Education III | 3 |
| MSW 775 | Advanced Field Education IV | 3 |
| MSW 780 | Advanced Field Seminar III | 3 |
| MSW 785 | Advanced Field Seminar IV | 3 |
| MSW 790 | SW Ethics & Christianity | 3 |
| Electives | 6 | |
| Social Work and Social Welfare | ||
| Psychopathology in Social Work | ||
| Social Work in Groups | ||
| Advanced Trauma: Interventions for the Healing Process | ||
| Drugs, Society and Human Behavior | ||
| Total Hours | 36 | |
Entrance Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college/university.
- BSW from CSWE accredited Social Work program, if applying for advanced standing. (within 7 years)
- Minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.00 for full acceptance.
How to Apply
- Application form available at: www.cuw.edu/apply
- Non-refundable $50 application fee
- One page essay, using APA format, describing your reason for obtaining a Master of Social Work Degree
- Current resume, including your education, employment, volunteer and community involvement, and any military experience
- Three professional letters of recommendation that address your potential for success in the program and profession
- All official transcripts leading to your bachelor’s degree
- Completed criminal background check through the agency specified by CUW
- Contact the Department of Social Work with any further inquiries. 262.243.4436. Social.work@cuw.edu
- Sarah Collins, MSW Program Director (sarah.collins@cuw.edu or 262-243-2191)