Duluth campus

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Duluth Campus

Social Work M.S.W.

Social Work
College of Education and Human Service Professions
Link to a list of faculty for this program.
Contact Information
Department of Social Work, 220 Bohannon Hall, 1207 Ordean Court, Duluth, MN 55812 (218-726-7245; fax: 218-726-7185)
Email: umdsw@d.umn.edu
Website: http://www.d.umn.edu/sw
  • Program Type: Master's
  • Requirements for this program are current for Fall 2015
  • Length of program in credits: 34 to 51
  • This program does not require summer semesters for timely completion.
  • Degree: Master of Social Work
Along with the program-specific requirements listed below, please read the General Information section of this website for requirements that apply to all major fields.
The Master of Social Work (M.S.W.) program offers an advanced generalist practice curriculum that prepares students to practice in a variety of human service settings. Graduates undertake a variety of professional social work roles ranging from counselor and case manager to community organizer and administrator. The curriculum has a special focus on services to American Indians and their communities. In addition to the 51-credit standard program, a 34-credit advanced standing program is available to applicants with a bachelor of social work degree from a program accredited by the Council of Social Work Education. Students can complete additional coursework towards optional emphases in child welfare practice and clinical social work. Completion of the M.S.W. can satisfy all or a majority of clinical content hours for licensure.
Accreditation
This program is accredited by Council of Social Work Education (CSWE).
Program Delivery
  • via classroom (the majority of instruction is face-to-face)
Prerequisites for Admission
The preferred undergraduate GPA for admittance to the program is 3.00.
Applicants should have a bachelor's degree with a solid background in the liberal arts, including courses in cultural studies, and behavioral and social sciences.
Other requirements to be completed before admission:
Completion of at least 15 semester credits in two or more social science disciplines, such as sociology, psychology, economics, anthropology, or political science is required. Admitted applicants must complete a college-level biology course with content on human anatomical and physiological development and a college-level statistics course. The biology course must be completed before registering for the first semester in the M.S.W. program, and the statistics course must be completed before registering for the first research course. Interested persons can apply and be admitted before completing the enrollment prerequisites.
Special Application Requirements:
Applicants should be knowledgeable about diverse cultures; social problems; social conditions; and the social, psychological, and biological determinants of human behavior. Applicants with undergraduate degree majors in social work or a related field or discipline are given preference over applicants with other majors. Applicants should show potential to contribute to the social work profession. Preference is given to applicants with professional experience in human service settings, particularly when this experience involves working with underrepresented and protected classes. Course credits are not awarded for non-academic or professional "life experience." Applicants with a Bachelor of Social Work degree from a program accredited by the Council of Social Work Education are eligible for the Advanced Standing Program. The following must be submitted through the online application: the Department's Supplemental Application form, a personal statement, a writing sample, and a resume. Three letters of recommendation are required on department's recommendation form. Standard Program students are admitted in the fall semester only. Advanced Standing Program students have the option of starting either in the summer or fall semester.
International applicants must submit score(s) from one of the following tests:
  • TOEFL
    • Internet Based - Total Score: 79
    • Internet Based - Writing Score: 21
    • Internet Based - Reading Score: 19
    • Paper Based - Total Score: 550
  • IELTS
    • Total Score: 6.5
  • MELAB
    • Final score: 80
Key to test abbreviations (TOEFL, IELTS, MELAB).
For an online application or for more information about graduate education admissions, see the General Information section of this website.
Program Requirements
Plan C: Plan C requires 34 to 51 major credits and up to credits outside the major. There is no final exam. A capstone project is required.
Capstone Project: The capstone project is an M.S.W. Portfolio. The UMD Department of Social Work Portfolio was designed to help students meaningfully integrate, on an ongoing basis, the knowledge and skills they acquire throughout the master's curriculum. It will also help ensure that all M.S.W. graduates demonstrate competence in those learning areas that we believe are key to quality masters-level social work practice.
This program may not be completed with a minor.
Use of 4xxx courses toward program requirements is permitted under certain conditions with adviser approval.
A minimum GPA of 3.00 is required for students to remain in good standing.
At least 1 semesters must be completed before filing a Degree Program Form.
The 51-credit Standard Program and the 34-credit Advanced Standing Program both require a capstone project. The Standard Program requires two field placements in human service agencies; the Advanced Standing Program requires one field placement. A level of personal and professional competencies is demonstrated by proficiency in social work courses and field placement evaluations.
Required Courses
Foundations Curriculum --Standard Curriculum
Applicants with a bachelor of social work degree from a program accredited by the Council of Social Work Education may apply for the Advanced Standing Program.
Advanced Generalist Concentration Courses
SW 8802 must be taken for a total of 8 credits.
SW 8100 - Social Work with Diverse Populations (3.0 cr)
SW 8102 - Advanced Research (3.0 cr)
SW 8105 - MSW Portfolio and Final Oral Seminar (0.0 cr)
SW 8235 - American Indians and Social Policy (3.0 cr)
SW 8331 - Organization and Community Practice II (3.0 cr)
SW 8441 - Individual, Family and Group Practice II (3.0 cr)
SW 8802 - Field Placement II (3.0-8.0 cr)
Advanced Practice Course
Take 1 or more course(s) totaling 3 or more credit(s) from the following:
· SW 8031 - Advanced Practice in Child Welfare (3.0 cr)
· SW 8332 - Advanced Practice in Administration and Community Development (3.0 cr)
· SW 8443 - Advanced Practice in Mental Health (3.0 cr)
· SW 8544 {Inactive} (2.0-3.0 cr)
Advanced American Indian Content Course
Take 1 or more course(s) totaling 2 or more credit(s) from the following:
· SW 8771 - Health in American Indian Communities (2.0 cr)
· SW 8881 - Dynamics of American Indian Families (2.0 cr)
or Standard Requirements (48 credits)
Foundation Courses
SW 8801 must be taken for 6 credits.
SW 5101 - Human Behavior in the Social Environment (3.0 cr)
SW 5201 - Social Welfare Policy (3.0 cr)
SW 5990 {Inactive} (0.0 cr)
SW 8101 - Introduction to Research (2.0 cr)
SW 8111 - Individual, Family and Group Practice I (3.0 cr)
SW 8112 - Organization and Community Practice I (3.0 cr)
SW 8801 - Field Placement I (3.0-6.0 cr)
Advanced Generalist Concentration Courses
SW 8802 must be taken for 8 credits.
SW 8100 - Social Work with Diverse Populations (3.0 cr)
SW 8102 - Advanced Research (3.0 cr)
SW 8105 - MSW Portfolio and Final Oral Seminar (0.0 cr)
SW 8235 - American Indians and Social Policy (3.0 cr)
SW 8331 - Organization and Community Practice II (3.0 cr)
SW 8441 - Individual, Family and Group Practice II (3.0 cr)
SW 8802 - Field Placement II (3.0-8.0 cr)
Advanced Practice Course
Take 1 or more course(s) totaling 3 or more credit(s) from the following:
· SW 8031 - Advanced Practice in Child Welfare (3.0 cr)
· SW 8332 - Advanced Practice in Administration and Community Development (3.0 cr)
· SW 8443 - Advanced Practice in Mental Health (3.0 cr)
· SW 8544 {Inactive} (2.0-3.0 cr)
Advanced American Indian Content Course
Take 1 or more course(s) totaling 2 or more credit(s) from the following:
· SW 8771 - Health in American Indian Communities (2.0 cr)
· SW 8881 - Dynamics of American Indian Families (2.0 cr)
Emphases
Only students with a bachelor of social work degree from a program accredited by the Council of Social Work Education who completed the Advanced Standing Required courses listed above may apply for the Advance Standing Program. They may also apply for the Child Welfare or ICWA Scholars Program. Students who complete the Standard requirements listed above may apply for the Standard Program, Child Welfare or ICWA Scholars Program.
Advanced Standing Program (6 cr)
With adviser approval students may take courses outside the Social Work department.
Electives
Take 6 or more credit(s) from the following:
· SW 5xxx
· SW 8xxx
-OR-
Standard Program (3 cr)
With adviser approval students may take courses outside the Social Work department.
Elective
Take 3 or more credit(s) from the following:
· SW 5xxx
· SW 8xxx
-OR-
Child Welfare Program (9 cr)
Students chosing this option are advised to take SW 8031 and SW 8771 which will also fulfill the Advance Practice Course and Advance American Indian Content Course.
SW 5032 - Child Welfare Practice, Policy and Profession (2.0 cr)
SW 8031 - Advanced Practice in Child Welfare (3.0 cr)
SW 8106 {Inactive} (2.0 cr)
SW 8771 - Health in American Indian Communities (2.0 cr)
or SW 8881 - Dynamics of American Indian Families (2.0 cr)
-OR-
Clinical Plan (9 cr)
Students choosing this option are advised to take SW 8443 and SW 8771 which will also fulfill the Advance Practice Course and Advance American Indian Content Course.
SW 5095 - Special Topics: (Various Titles to be Assigned) (3.0 cr)
SW 8070 - Evidence-Based Practice in Clinical Social Work (3.0 cr)
SW 8443 - Advanced Practice in Mental Health (3.0 cr)
SW 8771 - Health in American Indian Communities (2.0 cr)
 
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· College of Education and Human Service Professions

View future requirement(s):
· Spring 2023
· Fall 2022
· Fall 2021
· Fall 2020
· Fall 2019
· Fall 2018


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· Social Work M.S.W.
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SW 8100 - Social Work with Diverse Populations
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
Examines societal issues generated by systemic discrimination and explores methods for reducing discrimination. Particular focus on advanced social work practice with diverse populations. prereq: MSW students or instructor consent
SW 8102 - Advanced Research
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Fall & Summer
Application of social science knowledge and skills to evaluate practice and to conduct community-based research and program evaluation projects. Develop a research proposal. prereq: 8101 or admission to advanced standing MSW program
SW 8105 - MSW Portfolio and Final Oral Seminar
Credits: 0.0 [max 0.0]
Grading Basis: S-N or Aud
Typically offered: Every Spring & Summer
Seminar provides support for completing MSW portfolio and final oral exam. prereq: 8102
SW 8235 - American Indians and Social Policy
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall, Spring & Summer
Informs human service providers of policies affecting American Indians, including relationships of tribal governments with the United States and Minnesota governments, the interface between Indian and non-Indian service delivery systems, and Indian culture and politics. prereq: 5201 or advanced standing MSW program or instructor consent; credit will not be granted if already received for 5235.
SW 8331 - Organization and Community Practice II
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Fall
Prepares students for advanced practice in organizations and communities. It provides a framework for assessing and intervening in organizations and communities using an asset-based and problem-solving approach. Specific strategies and tactics for strengthening organizations and communities are addressed. prereq: 5101, 8112 or Advanced Standing in MSW program
SW 8441 - Individual, Family and Group Practice II
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Fall
Examines a range of social work practice theories and their application to practice with individuals, families, and groups. Advanced skills in assessment and intervention in addressing complex problems with a focus on micro practice. Application to diverse populations and settings. prereq: 5101, 8112 or advanced standing MSW student
SW 8802 - Field Placement II
Credits: 3.0 -8.0 [max 8.0]
Grading Basis: S-N only
Typically offered: Every Fall, Spring & Summer
Developing knowledge and skill base for "advanced generalist" practice in a community agency. Concurrent seminar focuses on integrating classroom theories and intervention methodologies with experiences with client systems at micro, mezzo, and macro levels of practice. Attention to vulnerable/minority issues. prereq: concurrent registration in 8031 or 8332 or 8443 or 8544, SW Grad Student and instructor consent
SW 8031 - Advanced Practice in Child Welfare
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Spring
Advanced skill development in assessment, intervention, and evaluation in relationship to direct child welfare social work practice. prereq: 5032, 8441
SW 8332 - Advanced Practice in Administration and Community Development
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Spring
This course focuses on application of advanced knowledge and skills essential for understanding macro practice. Analysis of organizations and communities is required. Emphasis will be on analysis of complex social problems and the development of organizational and community solutions. prereq: 8331
SW 8443 - Advanced Practice in Mental Health
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Spring
Advanced skill development in direct practice social work assessment, intervention, and evaluation in relationship to mental health issues. prereq: 8441 concurrent registration is required
SW 8771 - Health in American Indian Communities
Credits: 2.0 [max 2.0]
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Spring
Introduction to historical and contemporary concepts of American Indian health. Policy issues, cultural and sensitivity knowledge, and practice methods with American Indian clients and communities at micro, mezzo, and macro levels of intervention. prereq: 8235
SW 8881 - Dynamics of American Indian Families
Credits: 2.0 [max 2.0]
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
Introduction to traditional and contemporary concepts relating to American Indian families. Public policy, social problems, cultural strengths, conflicts, and culturally competent social work practice. prereq: 8235 or concurrent with SW 8235 or instructor consent
SW 5101 - Human Behavior in the Social Environment
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Fall
Overview of social psychological and social systems concepts. Applications of concepts to social work and human service issues. Focus on individuals, human development, families, groups, organizations, communities, and society/culture. prereq: MSW student or instructor consent
SW 5201 - Social Welfare Policy
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Fall
Historical development of field of social welfare in the United States and emergence of social work profession. Social policy analysis techniques and ways to influence social policy and vulnerable/minority issues. prereq: MSW student or instructor consent
SW 8101 - Introduction to Research
Credits: 2.0 [max 2.0]
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Spring
Introduction to social science research and its applications to social work and social welfare. prereq: SW Grad student or instructor consent
SW 8111 - Individual, Family and Group Practice I
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Fall
Overview of generalist social work practice, ethics, ecological perspective, and problem-solving model. Application to individuals, families, and groups and to diverse populations. Development of counseling skills. prereq: SW grad student or instructor consent
SW 8112 - Organization and Community Practice I
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Spring
Using a problem-solving model and the ecological and strengths perspectives, students develop assessment and interventions skills for effective practice with organizations and community. Topics include using supervision, facilitating meetings, advocacy, cultural competence, and promoting organizational and community change. prereq: 8111
SW 8801 - Field Placement I
Credits: 3.0 -6.0 [max 6.0]
Grading Basis: S-N only
Typically offered: Every Fall, Spring & Summer
Practicum experience with emphasis on developing knowledge and skill base for "beginning generalist" practice in a community agency. Concurrent seminar assists students in integrating classroom theories and intervention methodologies with field experiences. Application to diverse populations. prereq: 8111, 8112; SW Grad student, instructor consent
SW 8100 - Social Work with Diverse Populations
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
Examines societal issues generated by systemic discrimination and explores methods for reducing discrimination. Particular focus on advanced social work practice with diverse populations. prereq: MSW students or instructor consent
SW 8102 - Advanced Research
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Fall & Summer
Application of social science knowledge and skills to evaluate practice and to conduct community-based research and program evaluation projects. Develop a research proposal. prereq: 8101 or admission to advanced standing MSW program
SW 8105 - MSW Portfolio and Final Oral Seminar
Credits: 0.0 [max 0.0]
Grading Basis: S-N or Aud
Typically offered: Every Spring & Summer
Seminar provides support for completing MSW portfolio and final oral exam. prereq: 8102
SW 8235 - American Indians and Social Policy
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall, Spring & Summer
Informs human service providers of policies affecting American Indians, including relationships of tribal governments with the United States and Minnesota governments, the interface between Indian and non-Indian service delivery systems, and Indian culture and politics. prereq: 5201 or advanced standing MSW program or instructor consent; credit will not be granted if already received for 5235.
SW 8331 - Organization and Community Practice II
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Fall
Prepares students for advanced practice in organizations and communities. It provides a framework for assessing and intervening in organizations and communities using an asset-based and problem-solving approach. Specific strategies and tactics for strengthening organizations and communities are addressed. prereq: 5101, 8112 or Advanced Standing in MSW program
SW 8441 - Individual, Family and Group Practice II
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Fall
Examines a range of social work practice theories and their application to practice with individuals, families, and groups. Advanced skills in assessment and intervention in addressing complex problems with a focus on micro practice. Application to diverse populations and settings. prereq: 5101, 8112 or advanced standing MSW student
SW 8802 - Field Placement II
Credits: 3.0 -8.0 [max 8.0]
Grading Basis: S-N only
Typically offered: Every Fall, Spring & Summer
Developing knowledge and skill base for "advanced generalist" practice in a community agency. Concurrent seminar focuses on integrating classroom theories and intervention methodologies with experiences with client systems at micro, mezzo, and macro levels of practice. Attention to vulnerable/minority issues. prereq: concurrent registration in 8031 or 8332 or 8443 or 8544, SW Grad Student and instructor consent
SW 8031 - Advanced Practice in Child Welfare
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Spring
Advanced skill development in assessment, intervention, and evaluation in relationship to direct child welfare social work practice. prereq: 5032, 8441
SW 8332 - Advanced Practice in Administration and Community Development
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Spring
This course focuses on application of advanced knowledge and skills essential for understanding macro practice. Analysis of organizations and communities is required. Emphasis will be on analysis of complex social problems and the development of organizational and community solutions. prereq: 8331
SW 8443 - Advanced Practice in Mental Health
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Spring
Advanced skill development in direct practice social work assessment, intervention, and evaluation in relationship to mental health issues. prereq: 8441 concurrent registration is required
SW 8771 - Health in American Indian Communities
Credits: 2.0 [max 2.0]
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Spring
Introduction to historical and contemporary concepts of American Indian health. Policy issues, cultural and sensitivity knowledge, and practice methods with American Indian clients and communities at micro, mezzo, and macro levels of intervention. prereq: 8235
SW 8881 - Dynamics of American Indian Families
Credits: 2.0 [max 2.0]
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
Introduction to traditional and contemporary concepts relating to American Indian families. Public policy, social problems, cultural strengths, conflicts, and culturally competent social work practice. prereq: 8235 or concurrent with SW 8235 or instructor consent
SW 5032 - Child Welfare Practice, Policy and Profession
Credits: 2.0 [max 2.0]
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Fall, Spring & Summer
Intensive advanced course in the federal, state, and tribal laws and court processes regulating child welfare practice. Includes laws and procedures and the role of the social worker in legal proceedings. prereq: BSW or MSW student or instructor consent
SW 8031 - Advanced Practice in Child Welfare
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Spring
Advanced skill development in assessment, intervention, and evaluation in relationship to direct child welfare social work practice. prereq: 5032, 8441
SW 8771 - Health in American Indian Communities
Credits: 2.0 [max 2.0]
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Spring
Introduction to historical and contemporary concepts of American Indian health. Policy issues, cultural and sensitivity knowledge, and practice methods with American Indian clients and communities at micro, mezzo, and macro levels of intervention. prereq: 8235
SW 8881 - Dynamics of American Indian Families
Credits: 2.0 [max 2.0]
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
Introduction to traditional and contemporary concepts relating to American Indian families. Public policy, social problems, cultural strengths, conflicts, and culturally competent social work practice. prereq: 8235 or concurrent with SW 8235 or instructor consent
SW 5095 - Special Topics: (Various Titles to be Assigned)
Credits: 3.0 [max 36.0]
Typically offered: Periodic Fall, Spring & Summer
Proseminar on contemporary topics of concern to students and faculty. Topics announced in Class Schedule.
SW 8070 - Evidence-Based Practice in Clinical Social Work
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Typically offered: Every Spring & Summer
Students will be presented with complex case situations and asked to draw on knowledge and skills to best address these situations from initial assessment through intervention and termination. Students will gain knowledge of specific modalities in evidence-based interventions and best practice research, with a focus on cultural context and appropriate practice behaviors for skilled practice. pre-req: 8441
SW 8443 - Advanced Practice in Mental Health
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Spring
Advanced skill development in direct practice social work assessment, intervention, and evaluation in relationship to mental health issues. prereq: 8441 concurrent registration is required
SW 8771 - Health in American Indian Communities
Credits: 2.0 [max 2.0]
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Spring
Introduction to historical and contemporary concepts of American Indian health. Policy issues, cultural and sensitivity knowledge, and practice methods with American Indian clients and communities at micro, mezzo, and macro levels of intervention. prereq: 8235