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). The CUW- MSW program is working with CSWE toward full accreditation. The program has been granted Candidacy by CSWE, and is in good standing. Full accreditation was awarded in February 2020. Accreditation is retroactive to the first class who graduated in August, 2018.
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.
Fieldwork Experiences
The MSW degree requires two field placements supervised by experienced MSW practitioners. The program has contracts with more than 80 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 department will accept up to 6 transfer credits, of previous graduate level coursework, into the MSW program based on the following criteria:
- Coursework must have been completed within five years prior to admission to the program (or be approved by the MSW faculty committee).
- Courses transferred must be comparable in scope and subject matter to courses offered by the Social Work department. The student will need to provide a course description and the course syllabus for any course transfer requests.
- An earned grade of 3.0 (B) is required for all courses transferred.
- All transfer credits must be certified by the Registrar and approved for the degree by the Chair of Social Work.
- No more than 6 credits may be transferred.
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. Engage Diversity and Difference in Practice
3. Advance Human Rights and Social, Economic, and Environmental Justice
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
Note: The program may allow up to 6 transfer credits, with approval by the Program Director