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Master of Social Work (MSW)

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No residency

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No group work

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100% Online Learning

National and Northcentral have merged, and this program is now offered by NU. Learn more.

Home » Programs » Master of Social Work (MSW)

Master of Social Work (MSW)

Our CSWE-accredited Master of Social Work (MSW) degree program will prepare you for diverse career opportunities within a variety of social service settings. Using a curriculum that aligns with competencies from the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), you’ll gain knowledge, skills, and experience that you can transfer directly into the workplace. This program consists of two tracks to accommodate those with an undergraduate degree in social work and those that are new to the field.

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The Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) accredits public and private schools, colleges, and universities in the U.S.

Council on Social Work Education

Accreditation of a baccalaureate or master’s social work program by the Council on Social Work Education’s Commission on Accreditation indicates that the program meets or exceeds criteria for the assessment of program quality evaluated through a peer-review process. An accredited program has sufficient resources to meet its mission and goals and the Commission on Accreditation has verified that it demonstrates compliance with all sections of the Educational Policy and Accreditation Standards. Accreditation applies to all program sites and program delivery methods of an accredited program. Accreditation provides reasonable assurance about the quality of the program and the competence of students graduating from the program.

Course Details

Online MSW Course Listings

The Master of Social Work, Generalist track program can be completed in 60 credit hours. It requires the foundation courses to be completed prior to enrolling in the advanced courses. The program capstone will be the last course in the degree program completed.

Foundation Courses

This course presents an introduction to the practice of contemporary social work. You will review concepts and theories to better understand populations at risk and to enhance awareness of personal values. You also will examine the individual, familial and community context of social work. Finally, you will evaluate professionalism, ethics, communication, and key skills in social work practice.

In this course you will explore concepts of diversity, cultural humility, human rights, and justice. You will explore social work practices with diverse populations and assess multisystemic advocacy approaches to social and environmental justice. You also will examine multidisciplinary frameworks of social work to gain a better understanding of human behavior in social environments. You will apply specific theories relevant to diverse client systems and human development.

In this course, you will focus on the social worker-client relationship development with both individuals and families. You will investigate client assessment techniques and principles of professional client relationship building. Evidence-based practice and service delivery will be explored. Elements of justice from the social work perspective as they apply to individuals and families also will be reviewed.

In this course students will focus on the social work with organizations and communities. Students will assess the impact of diversity on these constituents and the social work roles at the mezzo level in organizations and communities. Students will evaluate usage of evidence-based practices service delivery in organizations and communities. Students will examine how economic policies impact social welfare and by extension, the types of services needed. Students will also review emerging forms of technology used for service delivery.

This course will introduce social work in behavioral health practice. Students will be introduced to laws and regulations that define mental health services and scope of practice. Students will be introduced to evidence-based practices and service delivery models used in behavioral health. Students will also explore intervention plans and strategies social workers use in behavioral health. Knowledge and skill development for multi-systems practice in mental health settings will be explored. Students will examine conceptual frameworks for practice at the micro, mezzo and macro levels.

Models of ethical decision making in social work will be discussed in this course. Students will assess the need for ethics in working with diverse populations and constituents, as well as analyze governmental policy that guides social work practice with diverse clients. Students also will examine the ethics of social workers as advocates to ensure justice for constituents.

In this generalist course, students will explore historical and current social welfare policies, programs, and institutions in the United States as well as the social, racial, economic, and environmental justice issues that shaped these responses to identified social problems. You will learn the legislative process by which social welfare policies are enacted and understand the relevance of policy to social service delivery and social work practice. The course also provides a framework for the critical analysis of social welfare policy including recognition of how such policies contribute to oppression, marginalization, and injustice.

The focus of this course is on the fundamentals of quantitative and qualitative approaches to social work research. Students will gain an understanding of the strengths and limitations of each approach and how these methods apply to social work research. This course also provides students with a foundation in research ethics, and skills, in conducting literature reviews and scholarly writing. Students will also conduct a critical analysis of existing research on diverse and oppressed populations.

This course introduces students to the process and practice of social work engagement and collaboration with other professionals as a team to deliver services to diverse populations. Students will explore communications styles that comprise interdisciplinary therapeutic interventions. Practice interventions supported by research for integrated care settings will also be examined.

In this course you will receive social work practice training through supervised experiential learning in a social work/social services agency setting. You will incorporate social work values and ethics including social justice and cultural competency. Emphasis is placed on the application of the generalist intervention model with individuals, families, groups, and communities. You will demonstrate social work competencies, theoretical integration, ethics, and personal and professional development.

In this course you will continue your social work practice training through supervised experiential learning in a social work/social services agency setting. You will incorporate social work values and ethics including social justice and cultural humility. Emphasis is placed on the application of the generalist intervention model with individuals, families, groups, and communities. You will demonstrate social work competencies, theoretical integration, ethics, and personal and professional development.

Advanced Courses

In this course, students will apply evidence-based practice in addressing client problems to gain an understanding of their personal and professional values as a social worker engaged with clients who have complex needs. Students will be exposed to unique ethical considerations regarding practice interventions with both individuals and families. The application of regulations and standards in working with diverse populations will also be assessed. Students will critique the effectiveness of specific practices and explore the adjustment of interventions based on client needs. Students will also explore various family types and dynamics, cultural factors, and other factors influencing family interaction within the family system, with organizations, and the community. Students will also integrate DSM-5 guidelines.

In this course, students will examine what is meant by marginalized populations such as those experiencing homelessness, victims of natural disasters, veterans, and those with severe and persistent mental illness. Students will learn how discrimination and oppression impacts the lives of marginal populations. Students will also gain an understanding of the needs and services of diverse populations and the problems they face in accessing social services. Additionally, students will work to advocate for oppressed populations for social, political, legal, and economic justice. Students will explore the role of research, to include the minority stress model, in understanding the needs of marginalized and oppressed populations and in increasing opportunities for oppressed populations to improve resilience and access additional options.

In this course, students will examine current and emerging health behavior theory, research, practice, and interventions specific to various health related settings used by diverse populations. Students will explore theories of behavior change, including resilience orientation, to assist the student’s continuous professional growth. Students will also gain insight into the ethics of social worker facilitation of transitions and endings in medical care. Students will develop knowledge of community resources to assist with social work consultation, advocacy, referral and networking on behalf of clients to include working with DSM-5 guidelines.

In this course students will examine DSM-5 inclusion with facets of mental health intervention needs for individuals with severe and persistent mental illness from a social work perspective. Of particular focus for students in this course will be distinguishing between evidence-based practice, best practices, and areas with emerging research knowledge. Students will also examine strategies that evaluate and monitor client progress and treatment outcomes as well as the recovery paradigm for individuals with severe and persistent mental illness. Students will also critically analyze the impact of health/mental health policies on populations-at-risk.

In this course, students will examine the core clinical skills in forensic social work practice. Students will explore contemporary and complex social problems, including health and justice disparities. Common populations and issues regarding forensic social work, including children and families, adults, and older adults as well as theories integral to forensic social work practice will be evaluated. Students will also explore the diverse roles and careers in forensic social work, along with the collaborative relationships that forensic social workers engage in with physicians, nurses, psychiatrists, legal professionals, law enforcement, and correctional officers.

In this course, students will explore the skills needed to cultivate leadership and professional behavior and work effectively with multi/interdisciplinary teams. Students will examine the delivery of supervision, leadership development, strategic planning, and transitioning from clinician to a leadership position. The role of leader at the organizational level will also be evaluated, including legislative advocacy and a review of jurisdictional regulations and requirements related to licensure and practice. Students will examine the expectations of administrative leadership for the daily operation of social work service delivery systems, including the functions of management, team-work, decision-making, use of authority, program planning, and staffing.

Advanced Practicum consists of two courses with a focus on experiential learning, offered within a community social service agency, or practice, and supervised by approved community practitioners. In this course, students will apply practice skills with families, groups, and individuals in their social contexts. The emphasis for this first advanced practicum is on developing professional roles and relationships, engaging in interactions with clients, and applying multi-systems assessment and interventions.

In this second advanced practicum course, students will implement practice skills to differentially assess the strengths and capacities of interacting with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities. Application of social work ethics in professional practice will be utilized. Students will also practice interventions and models of evidence-based therapies to evaluate and problem-solve client issues from a generalist practice perspective.

The capstone course is designed to provide students with the opportunity to consolidate what has been learned in the social work program and effectively apply concepts to real-world social work practice. Students will collaborate with their field placement to identify a project in which they will evaluate a selected aspect of the organization or agency work. Students will also evaluate their ability to integrate social work knowledge, values, and practice skills in their professional role as a social worker. The capstone is a course at the end of the MSW process that provides students the opportunity to demonstrate key social work competencies at an advanced level with the potential to engage in research-informed practice which may lead to publications.

Program at a Glance

Generalist Track

  • Total Credit Hours: 60 Credit Hours
  • Courses: 20 Courses
  • Recommended Completion Time: 38 Months
  • Next Start Date: Every Monday
  • Classroom Size: One

Advanced Standing Track

  • Total Credit Hours: 36 Credit Hours
  • Courses: 12 Courses
  • Recommended Completion Time: 24 Months
  • Next Start Date: Every Monday
  • Classroom Size: One

Help Pave the Way for Change Through Education

Admission to an NU master’s program requires a conferred bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited academic institution or an international institution that is determined to be equivalent through an approved evaluation service. Admission into MSW — Advanced Generalist requires a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree from a CSWE-accredited program.

Admissions

Admission to an NU master’s program requires a conferred bachelor’s degree from a nationally or regionally accredited academic institution or an international institution that is determined to be equivalent through an approved evaluation service.

Admission into MSW — Advanced Generalist track requires a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) or Bachelor of Science in Social Work (BSSW) degree from a CSWE-accredited program within the past five years (with some approved exceptions)

The MSW program will allow for transfer of up to six credit hours for the Advanced Generalist track and 12 credits for the Generalist track. Transfer credits for the Generalist track must be completed at a regionally accredited institution and must be awarded a “B”/3.0 or higher grade. For the Advanced Generalist track, students may apply for transfer of up to six credit hours of graduate credit hours from a CSWE-accredited MSW program (grades must be “B” or higher) under the following guidelines.

  1. Coursework which would be over five years old at the completion of the degree program (as defined by the student’s plan of study) may not be used
  2. Acceptance of transfer credits will depend upon how they fit within the MSW requirements and the student’s overall plan of study
  3. Only applicants from CSWE-accredited graduate social work programs will be considered for admission as transfer students for the Advanced Generalist track

Additional State requirements may need to be met for Basis for Admissions into a program:

  • Basis for Admissions – Washington State Students*

*National University is authorized by the Washington Student Achievement Council and meets the requirements and minimum educational standards established for degree­granting institutions under the Degree-Granting Institutions Act.

This authorization is subject to periodic review and authorizes the University to offer field placement components for specific degree programs.

The Council may be contacted for a list of currently authorized programs.

Authorization by the Council does not carry with it an endorsement by the Council of the institution or its programs.

Any person desiring information about the requirements of the act or the applicability of those requirements to the institution may contact the Council at P.O. Box 43430, Olympia, WA 98504-3430 or by email at degreeauthorization@wsac.wa.gov.

The transferability of credits earned at the University is at the discretion of the receiving college, university, or other educational institution.

Students considering transferring to any institution should not assume that credits earned in any program of study at the University will be accepted by the receiving institution.

Similarly, the ability of a degree, certificate, diploma, or other academic credential earned at the University to satisfy an admission requirement of another institution is at the discretion of the receiving institution.

Accreditation does not guarantee credentials or credits earned at the University will be accepted by or transferred to another institution.

To minimize the risk of having to repeat coursework, students should contact the receiving institution in advance for evaluation and determination of transferability of credits and acceptability of degrees, diplomas, or certificates earned.

The Master of Social Work (MSW) program provides support to students in securing quality internship placements that include, but are not limited to, the field education director and full-time faculty to help guide students through this process, speak with potential placement sites that have been identified as a possible fit for the student, a national database of potential placements sites, and training materials to help students present in a professional and appropriate manner.

The MSW program cannot require potential placement site to hire students, thus it is the responsibility of the student to present their self in a professional manner and secure a placements site and supervisor.

We encourage students to contact the Field Education Director for any additional individualized support they may need in this process.

To speak with our admissions team, call (855) 355-6288 or request information and an advisor will contact you shortly. If you’re ready to apply, start your application today.

With a Master of Social Work degree, you can join or advance in the growing field of social work. Between 2020 and 2030, the social work field is expected to grow 12%, and the national median salary for social workers is around $51,760.*

Here are just a few career opportunities**:

  • Mental health social worker and addictions social worker
  • Aging and eldercare and hospice social worker
  • Healthcare or medical rehabilitation social worker
  • Social and community agency administrator and policy specialist
  • Human services and administrator
  • Drug court, probation, victims’ assistance, or correctional treatment specialist
  • Employee assistance programs

And many more, in public and private facilities of all different sizes!

*Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, the internet, at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/community-and-social-service/social-workers.html (viewed March 3, 2022). Cited projections may not reflect local and short-term economic or job conditions and do not guarantee actual job growth.

**Positions may require additional experience, training, and other factors beyond successfully completing this degree program. Many roles may also require state licensure, and it is the responsibility of the student to ensure that all licensure requirements are met.

Please review your state MSW licensure requirements to make sure that the NU MSW program will assist you to meet those requirements.

State Supervision Requirements
Each state has rules and regulations outlining the requirements regarding the supervision experience, how many supervision hours are required, and the requirements for someone to be accepted as a supervisor in their state. In addition, some states specifically count client contact hours and supervision hours completed during the practicum experience at a CSWE-accredited program as applicable to post-graduate requirements.

Ask a Licensure Question
While each state board is the ultimate authority on their own rules and regulations governing the practice of Social Work in their state, sometimes it is difficult to know where to start or what to ask. If you are an applicant, student, or alumni and you have a question about licensure in your state do one or both of the following:

  • Each state has rules and regulations outlining the types of licenses offered, requirements for licensure, including specific educational components, post-graduation clinical experience and supervision, and examination requirements. Licensure requirements are subject to change, so you must keep up with the current licensure legislation in your state.
  • Contact our Clinical Training Administrative Team at MSWTraining@nu.edu

Click here to view licensure requirements by state.

Specializations

This track is ideal for those that have an undergraduate degree in social work from a program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). This option makes it possible for students to explore advanced topics and earn their master’s degree with fewer required credits.

Students on this track will examine topics in contemporary social work, including factors influencing the family, engaging with clients with complex needs, and assisting marginalized populations. It also covers core clinical skills in forensic social work and advanced leadership skills. The learning experience combines online coursework and in-person practicum work. In Advanced practicum, students work directly, and often independently, with clients and client groups in a local agency or facility, under the supervision of a qualified professional.

Learn More

Those new to the field of social work can prepare for a rewarding career with our Generalist Track. This is an ideal option for students who do not have an undergraduate degree in social work from a program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).

Students on this track will explore the practice of contemporary social work, including social work practices, ethics, communication, and other key skills. It combines online coursework and in-person practicum work. Practicum involves interacting directly with individuals, groups, and communities in an agency in your local area under the direction of an approved local field supervisor. This allows students to gain hands-on experience while also learning flexible, resilient strategies in the work world.

Learn More

Program Learning Outcomes

At National University, you can earn your Master of Social Work degree online, when it’s convenient for you. And although you attend class online, you still receive the personal support and guidance you deserve thanks to our one-to-one learning model. We also have no residency requirements, no GRE/GMAT requirements, and no group projects. This offers the flexibility you need to fit higher education into your busy schedule.

Learning Objectives

Upon successful completion of National University’s Master of Social Work program, you’ll be able to:

  • Demonstrate ethical and professional behavior.
  • Advance human rights and social 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 communities.
  • Assess individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities.
  • Intervene with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities.
  • Evaluate practice with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities.

Learning outcomes are derived from the Council on Social Work Education’s (CSWE) nine core competencies.

Hear From Our Faculty

Watch our video to learn more about the Master of Social Work program from Dr. James Billings.

Admissions

Enrolling in a university is a big decision. That’s why our dedicated admissions team is here to guide you through the admissions process and help you find the right program for you and your career goals.

To that end, we’ve simplified and streamlined our application process, so you can get enrolled in your program right away. Because we accept and review applications year round, you can begin class as soon as next month, depending on your program and location of choice.

Learn more about undergraduate, graduate, military, and international student admissions, plus admissions information for transfer students. You can also learn more about our tuition rates and financial aid opportunities.

To speak with our admissions team, call (855) 355-6288 or request information and an advisor will contact you shortly. If you’re ready to apply, simply start your application today.

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Weekly Course Starts
Our course structure is built to make earning your degree accessible and achievable by offering a rigorous, yet flexible program that works with your schedule.

Why Choose Master of Social Work (MSW) at National University

  • Eight and Twelve Week Courses
  • Online Delivery
  • Year-Round Enrollment
  • One-to-One Teaching and Learning
  • Courses Taught by Doctoral Faculty
  • Military Friendly

We’re proud to be a Veteran-founded, San Diego-based nonprofit. Since 1971, our mission has been to provide accessible, achievable higher education to adult learners. Today, we educate students from across the U.S. and around the globe, with over 240,000 alumni worldwide.

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“National University has impacted my career. You can immediately apply what you learn in class to your business.”

-Francisco R., Class of 2016

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FLEXIBLE SCHEDULE
We know your life may not happen on a 9-5 schedule, so we offer courses online in a flexible one-to-one teaching and learning model.
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The Key Grant Scholarship

Do you qualify for a needs-based scholarship? Learn more about the NU Key Grant Scholarship and other scholarship opportunities to unlock the door to your dreams!

Program Disclosure

Successful completion and attainment of National University degrees do not lead to automatic or immediate licensure, employment, or certification in any state/country. The University cannot guarantee that any professional organization or business will accept a graduate’s application to sit for any certification, licensure, or related exam for the purpose of professional certification.

Program availability varies by state. Many disciplines, professions, and jobs require disclosure of an individual’s criminal history, and a variety of states require background checks to apply to, or be eligible for, certain certificates, registrations, and licenses. Existence of a criminal history may also subject an individual to denial of an initial application for a certificate, registration, or license and/or result in the revocation or suspension of an existing certificate, registration, or license. Requirements can vary by state, occupation, and/or licensing authority.

NU graduates will be subject to additional requirements on a program, certification/licensure, employment, and state-by-state basis that can include one or more of the following items: internships, practicum experience, additional coursework, exams, tests, drug testing, earning an additional degree, and/or other training/education requirements.

All prospective students are advised to review employment, certification, and/or licensure requirements in their state, and to contact the certification/licensing body of the state and/or country where they intend to obtain certification/licensure to verify that these courses/programs qualify in that state/country, prior to enrolling. Prospective students are also advised to regularly review the state’s/country’s policies and procedures relating to certification/licensure, as those policies are subject to change.

National University degrees do not guarantee employment or salary of any kind. Prospective students are strongly encouraged to review desired job positions to review degrees, education, and/or training required to apply for desired positions. Prospective students should monitor these positions as requirements, salary, and other relevant factors can change over time.