Campuses:
This is archival data. This system was retired as of August 21, 2023 and the information on this page has not been updated since then. For current information, visit catalogs.umn.edu.
Twin Cities Campus
Social Work M.S.W.School of Social Work
College of Education and Human Development
Link to a list of faculty for this program.
Contact Information
School of Social Work
105 Peters Hall
1404 Gortner Avenue
St. Paul, MN 55108
612-625-1220
Email:
sswadmin@umn.edu
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 MSW prepares students for advanced social work practice. A 53 credit program and a 34 credit advanced standing program are available. The curriculum offers specializations in clinical mental health; community practice; families and children; and health, disabilities and aging.
Accreditation
This program is accredited by Council on Social Work Education
Program Delivery
Prerequisites for Admission
An undergraduate degree with liberal arts background that includes course work in history and social sciences, the humanities and the arts, physical and biological sciences, and mathematics.
Other requirements to be completed before admission:
One year of work experience in human services that has provided the applicant with opportunities to gain skills used in direct work with clients. Work experience may include paid, volunteer, and intern positions.
Please see the School of Social Work website for more information.
Special Application Requirements:
Applicants are required to submit a specified personal statement, writing sample, resume, transcripts, and three letters of recommendation. Applicants to the advanced standing MSW program who do not have at least one year of post-BSW full-time practice must submit the following as part of their application:
- BSW practicum evaluation OR
- Letter of reference from BSW practicum supervisor OR
- Letter of reference from BSW Field Faculty OR
- Letter of explanation as to why one of the above cannot be submitted
Important information for advanced standing applicants who choose the clinical mental health specialization:
The advanced standing curriculum is designed to be completed in three semesters (summer-fall-spring or fall-spring-summer). Advanced standing students in the clinical mental health specialization (CMH) have the option to start the program in summer, depending on when they want to complete the MSW field practicum.
- Advanced standing CMH students who want to do their field practicum during the fall and spring semesters must start taking classes in the summer semester so they can complete the pre-requisites for field. They should plan to complete about six to seven credits in the summer session. (Summer-fall-spring)
- Advanced standing CMH students who want to do a summer field practicum can begin taking classes in either the summer or the fall semester. Their final semester will be summer field practicum of 9 credits.(Fall-spring-summer)
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 53
major credits and
up to
credits outside the
major.
There is no final exam.
This program may be completed with a minor.
Use of 4xxx courses towards program requirements is not permitted.
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 MSW requires 53 credits; a 34 credit advanced standing program is available to graduates of undergraduate social work programs accredited by the Council on Social Work Education. All credits for the MSW can be completed in two years of full-time study, or three years to four years of part-time study, and must be completed within five years of the date of the earliest coursework taken for the degree.
The 53 credit program includes a set of required foundation courses (19 cr), courses from a selected specialization, two field internships, and social work electives.
A maximum of 21 credits may be transferred from the following sources with School of Social Work approval: up to 8 credits as a non-degree-seeking student registered for social work graduate credit at the University of Minnesota; up to 21 credits from another regionally and professionally accredited school of social work if the student was registered as a graduate student in the program.
The 34 credit advanced standing program includes courses from a selected specialization, one field internship, and social work electives. A maximum of 13 credits may be transferred from the following sources with School of Social Work approval: 13 credits completed as a graduate student in another accredited MSW program; up to 6 credits as a non-degree-seeking student registered for social work graduate credit at the University of Minnesota.
Foundation Curriculum for Full Program Students
The 19 cr foundation curriculum is required for full program students. The foundation curriculum is waived for advanced standing students, unless required in a student's conditions of admission. Advanced standing students who receive a grade of B- or less in a BSW class that is comparable to one of our foundation classes may be asked to repeat that content in our MSW program. Students should take 8010 for 3 cr in fall; 3 cr in spring or 6 cr in summer.
Take exactly 19 credit(s) from the following:
·
SW 5051 - Human Behavior and the Social Environment
(2.0 cr)
·
SW 5101 - Historical Origins and Contemporary Policies in Social Welfare
(3.0 cr)
·
SW 8151 - Social Work Methods: Practice With Individuals and Systems
(2.0 cr)
·
SW 8152 - Social Work Practice Methods: Families and Groups
(2.0 cr)
·
SW 8153 - Social Work Practice Methods: Macro Practice and Organizations
(2.0 cr)
·
SW 8841 - Social Work Research Methods
(2.0 cr)
·
SW 8010 - Seminar: Field Practicum I
(1.0-6.0 cr)
Specialization Areas
Clinical Mental Health Specialization
Prepares students for advanced clinical social work practice with children, adults and families across diverse settings and populations. Students learn contextually based approaches to mental health diagnostic assessment, treatment and practice evaluation, with a strong focus on client systems experiencing significant mental health risk.
Anchor and Boost
SW 8451 - Assessment and Engagement in Clinical Social Work Practice
(3.0 cr)
SW 8452 - Core Concepts in Clinical Social Work Practice
(3.0 cr)
Specialization Electives
Take 2 or more course(s) totaling 6 or more credit(s) from the following:
·
SW 8352 - Intervention Methods with Families
(3.0 cr)
·
SW 8461 - Advanced Clinical Social Work Practice with Adults
(3.0 cr)
·
SW 8462 - Advanced Clinical Practice With Children and Adolescents
(3.0 cr)
·
SW 8463 - Practice Interventions with Persons Who Experience Serious Mental Illness
(3.0 cr)
Diversity
SW 8821 - Social Work and Difference, Diversity and Privilege
(2.0 cr)
Advanced Policy
SW 8806 - Health and Mental Health Policy
(3.0 cr)
or
SW 8807 - International and Comparative Social Welfare Policy
(3.0 cr)
2nd Focus Anchor
Students must choose one course from this list. Dual degree students may substitute a course from their other degree program with approval from the MSW program director.
SW 8251 - Social Work Practice in Health, Disabilities, and Aging
(3.0 cr)
or
SW 8351 - Assessment and Engagement with Families and Children
(3.0 cr)
or
SW 8551 - Advanced Community Practice: Assessment, Organizing, and Advocacy
(3.0 cr)
Specialization Field Practicum and Seminar
Students complete 6 credits of SW 8020. The credits are either split between fall and spring semesters, or 6 credits are taken during summer. Advanced Standing students take SW 8030.
Take exactly 6 credit(s) from the following:
·
SW 8020 - Field Practicum II
(1.0-6.0 cr)
Advanced Research
Students must complete 3 credits of SW 8842. The credits are split between fall and spring semesters, or 3 credits are taken during the summer. Dual degree program students may substitute PA 5311 or PUBH 6034. This course must be taken concurrently with SW 8020 or 8030.
Take exactly 3 credit(s) from the following:
·
SW 8842 - Advanced Social Work Evaluation
(1.0-3.0 cr)
·
PA 5311 - Program Evaluation
(3.0 cr)
·
PUBH 6034 - Evaluation I: Concepts
(3.0 cr)
Free Electives
Students must complete at least 5 credits of 5000-level or 8000-level courses not used for another program requirement.
-OR-
Community Practice Specialization
Specialization of human service systems to mobilize groups for social change, and to serve as catalysts for sustainable development and social justice. Students are prepared to fill a variety of community practice roles-leaders, planners, policy advocates, community organizers, mediators, evaluators, and agency administrators in a range of settings.
Anchor and Boost
SW 8551 - Advanced Community Practice: Assessment, Organizing, and Advocacy
(3.0 cr)
SW 8552 - Advanced Community Practice: Leadership, Planning, and Program Development
(3.0 cr)
Specialization Electives
Take 2 or more course(s) totaling 6 or more credit(s) from the following:
·
PA 5101 - Management and Governance of Nonprofit Organizations
(3.0 cr)
·
SW 5562 - Global Social Work and Social Development
(3.0 cr)
·
SW 8563 - Advanced Policy Advocacy
(3.0 cr)
Diversity
SW 8821 - Social Work and Difference, Diversity and Privilege
(2.0 cr)
Advanced Policy
SW 8804 - Child Welfare Policy
(3.0 cr)
or
SW 8805 - Aging and Disability Policy
(3.0 cr)
or
SW 8806 - Health and Mental Health Policy
(3.0 cr)
or
SW 8807 - International and Comparative Social Welfare Policy
(3.0 cr)
2nd Focus Anchor
Students must choose one course from this list. Dual degree students may substitute a course from their other program with approval of the MSW Program Director.
SW 8251 - Social Work Practice in Health, Disabilities, and Aging
(3.0 cr)
or
SW 8351 - Assessment and Engagement with Families and Children
(3.0 cr)
or
SW 8451 - Assessment and Engagement in Clinical Social Work Practice
(3.0 cr)
Specialization Field Practicum and Seminar
Students complete 6 credits of SW 8020. The credits are split between fall and spring semesters, or 6 credits are taken during summer. Advanced standing students take SW 8030.
Take exactly 6 credit(s) from the following:
·
SW 8020 - Field Practicum II
(1.0-6.0 cr)
Advanced Research
Students must complete 3 cr of SW 8843. The credits are split between fall and spring semesters. Dual degree students may substitute PA 5311 or PUBH 6034.
Take 3 or more credit(s) from the following:
·
SW 8843 - Social Work Program Evaluation
(1.0-2.0 cr)
·
PA 5311 - Program Evaluation
(3.0 cr)
·
PUBH 6034 - Evaluation I: Concepts
(3.0 cr)
Free Electives
Students must complete at least 5 credits of 5000-level or 8000-level courses not used for another program requirement.
-OR-
Families and Children Specialization
Prepares students to work with families and children in a range of settings and organizations, as well as influence relevant organizational structures and policies. Students will be able to identify protective supports and develop interventions that mediate risk and promote resilience.
Anchor and Boost
SW 8351 - Assessment and Engagement with Families and Children
(3.0 cr)
SW 8352 - Intervention Methods with Families
(3.0 cr)
Specialization Electives
Students must take two courses (6 cr) from the list of specialization electives.
Take 6 or more credit(s) from the following:
·
SW 8361 - Identification and Assessment of Family Violence
(3.0 cr)
·
SW 8363 - Social Work in Child Welfare
(3.0 cr)
·
SW 8462 - Advanced Clinical Practice With Children and Adolescents
(3.0 cr)
Diversity
SW 8821 - Social Work and Difference, Diversity and Privilege
(2.0 cr)
Advanced Policy
SW 8804 - Child Welfare Policy
(3.0 cr)
or
SW 8805 - Aging and Disability Policy
(3.0 cr)
or
SW 8806 - Health and Mental Health Policy
(3.0 cr)
or
SW 8807 - International and Comparative Social Welfare Policy
(3.0 cr)
2nd Focus Anchor
Students must complete one course from this list. Dual degree students may substitute a course from their other degree program with approval from the MSW program director.
SW 8251 - Social Work Practice in Health, Disabilities, and Aging
(3.0 cr)
or
SW 8451 - Assessment and Engagement in Clinical Social Work Practice
(3.0 cr)
or
SW 8551 - Advanced Community Practice: Assessment, Organizing, and Advocacy
(3.0 cr)
Specialization Field Practicum and Seminar
Students complete 6 credits of 8020. The credits are either split between fall and spring semesters or 6 credits are taken during summer. Advanced standing students take SW 8030
Take exactly 6 credit(s) from the following:
·
SW 8020 - Field Practicum II
(1.0-6.0 cr)
Advanced Research
Students must complete 3 credits of SW 8842. The credits are split between fall and spring semesters, or all 3 credits are taken during summer. Dual degree program students may substitute PA 5311 or PUBH 6034. This course must be taken concurrently with SW 8020 or 8030.
Take exactly 3 credit(s) from the following:
·
SW 8842 - Advanced Social Work Evaluation
(1.0-3.0 cr)
·
PA 5311 - Program Evaluation
(3.0 cr)
·
PUBH 6034 - Evaluation I: Concepts
(3.0 cr)
Free Electives
Students must take at least 5 credits of 5000-level or 8000-level courses not used for another program requirement.
-OR-
Health, Disability and Aging Specialization
Prepares students to work with people affected by distinct and interconnected issues related to health, disability and aging. Students are prepared to work in a variety of settings such as hospitals, primary care clinics, residential care facilities, hospice, community-based programs, and in policy and advocacy organizations.
Anchor and Boost
SW 8251 - Social Work Practice in Health, Disabilities, and Aging
(3.0 cr)
SW 8261 - Advanced Social Work Practice in Health Care
(3.0 cr)
Specialization Electives
Students must take two courses (6 cr) from this list.
Take 6 or more credit(s) from the following:
·
SW 8262 - Empowerment Practice With Persons With Disabilities
(3.0 cr)
·
SW 8263 - Essential Skills and Perspectives for Working with Older Adults
(3.0 cr)
·
SW 8463 - Practice Interventions with Persons Who Experience Serious Mental Illness
(3.0 cr)
Diversity
SW 8821 - Social Work and Difference, Diversity and Privilege
(2.0 cr)
Advanced Policy
SW 8805 - Aging and Disability Policy
(3.0 cr)
or
SW 8806 - Health and Mental Health Policy
(3.0 cr)
or
SW 8807 - International and Comparative Social Welfare Policy
(3.0 cr)
2nd Focus Anchor
Students should choose one course from this list. Dual degree students may substitute a course from their other degree program with approval from the MSW program director.
SW 8351 - Assessment and Engagement with Families and Children
(3.0 cr)
or
SW 8451 - Assessment and Engagement in Clinical Social Work Practice
(3.0 cr)
or
SW 8551 - Advanced Community Practice: Assessment, Organizing, and Advocacy
(3.0 cr)
Specialization Field Practicum and Seminar
Students complete 6 credits of SW 8020. These credits are either split between fall and spring, or 6 credits are taken during summer.
Advanced Standing students will take SW 8030.
Take 6 or more credit(s) from the following:
·
SW 8020 - Field Practicum II
(1.0-6.0 cr)
Advanced Research
Students must complete 3 credits of SW 8842. The credits are split between fall and spring, or all 3 credits are taken during summer. Dual degree students may substitute PA 5311 or PUBH 6034.
This course must be taken concurrently with SW 8020 or 8030.
Take 3 or more credit(s) from the following:
·
SW 8842 - Advanced Social Work Evaluation
(1.0-3.0 cr)
·
PA 5311 - Program Evaluation
(3.0 cr)
·
PUBH 6034 - Evaluation I: Concepts
(3.0 cr)
Free Electives
Students must complete at least 5 credits of 5000-level or 8000-level courses not used for another degree requirement.
Joint- or Dual-degree Coursework:
Master of Social Work/Master of Public HeathMaster of Social Work/Master of Public PolicyMaster of Social Work/Master of Urban & Regional Planning
Students may take a total of 22 credits in common
among the academic programs.
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Grading Basis: | A-F or Aud |
Typically offered: | Every Fall & Spring |
Credits: | 3.0 [max 3.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F or Aud |
Typically offered: | Every Spring |
Credits: | 1.0 -6.0 [max 6.0] |
Grading Basis: | S-N or Aud |
Typically offered: | Every Fall, Spring & Summer |
Credits: | 1.0 -3.0 [max 6.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F or Aud |
Typically offered: | Every Fall, Spring & Summer |
Credits: | 3.0 [max 3.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F only |
Typically offered: | Periodic Fall & Spring |
Credits: | 3.0 [max 3.0] |
Course Equivalencies: | PubH 6034/PubH 6852 |
Typically offered: | Every Spring |
Credits: | 3.0 [max 3.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F or Aud |
Typically offered: | Every Spring |
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Grading Basis: | A-F or Aud |
Typically offered: | Every Spring |
Credits: | 2.0 [max 2.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F only |
Typically offered: | Every Spring & Summer |
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Grading Basis: | A-F or Aud |
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Typically offered: | Every Fall |
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Grading Basis: | A-F or Aud |
Typically offered: | Every Fall & Spring |
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Grading Basis: | A-F or Aud |
Typically offered: | Every Fall, Spring & Summer |
Credits: | 1.0 -6.0 [max 6.0] |
Grading Basis: | S-N or Aud |
Typically offered: | Every Fall, Spring & Summer |
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Grading Basis: | A-F only |
Typically offered: | Every Fall & Spring |
Credits: | 3.0 [max 3.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F only |
Typically offered: | Periodic Fall & Spring |
Credits: | 3.0 [max 3.0] |
Course Equivalencies: | PubH 6034/PubH 6852 |
Typically offered: | Every Spring |
Credits: | 3.0 [max 3.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F or Aud |
Typically offered: | Every Fall & Spring |
Credits: | 3.0 [max 3.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F or Aud |
Typically offered: | Every Fall & Spring |
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Grading Basis: | A-F or Aud |
Typically offered: | Every Fall |
Credits: | 3.0 [max 3.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F or Aud |
Typically offered: | Every Spring |
Credits: | 3.0 [max 3.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F or Aud |
Typically offered: | Every Fall & Spring |
Credits: | 2.0 [max 2.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F only |
Typically offered: | Every Spring & Summer |
Credits: | 3.0 [max 3.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F or Aud |
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Grading Basis: | A-F or Aud |
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Grading Basis: | A-F or Aud |
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Grading Basis: | A-F or Aud |
Typically offered: | Every Spring |
Credits: | 3.0 [max 3.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F or Aud |
Typically offered: | Every Fall |
Credits: | 3.0 [max 3.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F or Aud |
Typically offered: | Every Fall, Spring & Summer |
Credits: | 3.0 [max 3.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F or Aud |
Typically offered: | Every Spring |
Credits: | 1.0 -6.0 [max 6.0] |
Grading Basis: | S-N or Aud |
Typically offered: | Every Fall, Spring & Summer |
Credits: | 1.0 -3.0 [max 6.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F or Aud |
Typically offered: | Every Fall, Spring & Summer |
Credits: | 3.0 [max 3.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F only |
Typically offered: | Periodic Fall & Spring |
Credits: | 3.0 [max 3.0] |
Course Equivalencies: | PubH 6034/PubH 6852 |
Typically offered: | Every Spring |
Credits: | 3.0 [max 3.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F or Aud |
Typically offered: | Every Fall |
Credits: | 3.0 [max 3.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F only |
Typically offered: | Every Fall, Spring & Summer |
Credits: | 3.0 [max 3.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F or Aud |
Typically offered: | Every Spring |
Credits: | 3.0 [max 3.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F or Aud |
Typically offered: | Every Fall |
Credits: | 3.0 [max 3.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F or Aud |
Typically offered: | Every Spring |
Credits: | 2.0 [max 2.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F only |
Typically offered: | Every Spring & Summer |
Credits: | 3.0 [max 3.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F or Aud |
Typically offered: | Every Spring |
Credits: | 3.0 [max 3.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F or Aud |
Typically offered: | Every Spring |
Credits: | 3.0 [max 3.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F or Aud |
Typically offered: | Every Spring |
Credits: | 3.0 [max 3.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F or Aud |
Typically offered: | Every Fall & Spring |
Credits: | 3.0 [max 3.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F or Aud |
Typically offered: | Every Fall, Spring & Summer |
Credits: | 3.0 [max 3.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F or Aud |
Typically offered: | Every Spring |
Credits: | 1.0 -6.0 [max 6.0] |
Grading Basis: | S-N or Aud |
Typically offered: | Every Fall, Spring & Summer |
Credits: | 1.0 -3.0 [max 6.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F or Aud |
Typically offered: | Every Fall, Spring & Summer |
Credits: | 3.0 [max 3.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F only |
Typically offered: | Periodic Fall & Spring |
Credits: | 3.0 [max 3.0] |
Course Equivalencies: | PubH 6034/PubH 6852 |
Typically offered: | Every Spring |