The Catholic University of America's Master of Science in Social Work program equips students with the skills and knowledge to excel in various social work settings. This comprehensive program emphasizes clinical practice, social justice, and leadership, preparing graduates to make a meaningful impact in their communities. With flexible learning options, including both online and on-campus classes, students can tailor their education to fit their personal and professional needs. Join us to advance your career in social work and become a leader in promoting positive social change.
Master's
Social Work (MSW)
Degrees
The M.S. in Social Work program is a 60-credit-hour degree program.
The curriculum for The Catholic University of America's Master of Social Work (MSW) on-campus program includes 60 credits divided into foundation and advanced courses. The program spans a minimum of two years for full-time students and up to five years for part-time students.
Foundation Year (30 credits):
- Human Behavior and the Social Environment
- Social Welfare Policy and Services
- Research Methods
- Generalist Practice with Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities
Advanced Year (30 credits):
- Advanced Clinical Social Work Practice
- Advanced Policy Analysis, Planning, and Management
- Elective courses tailored to the student's chosen concentration
- Field Education: two internships over four semesters, totaling 12 credits
The MSW program offers two concentrations:
- Clinical Social Work: Focuses on strengths-based practice in various clinical settings, preparing students for licensed independent practice.
- Community, Administration, and Policy Practice (CAPP): Prepares students to contribute to structural changes at organizational, community, and societal levels.
Students are required to complete field internships, providing practical experience in real-world settings.
$1,200 / credit hour
More information about this degree is available on the School website or by request from our Admissions team.
The M.S. in Social Work program is a 60-credit-hour degree program.
The curriculum for The Catholic University of America's Master of Science in Social Work (MSW) online program includes both foundational and advanced coursework designed to prepare students for clinical social work practice.
Foundation Curriculum (30 credits):
- Human Behavior and the Social Environment
- Human Development and Psychopathology
- Diversity in a Multicultural Society
- Social Welfare Policy and Services I & II
- Social Work Research Methods
- Generalist Practice with Individuals, Families, and Groups
- Generalist Practice with Groups, Communities, and Organizations
- Field Education and Integrative Seminars I & II
Advanced Curriculum (30 credits): Students select a concentration in either clinical social work or social change and complete advanced courses such as:
- Ethical Issues in Contemporary Social Work
- Evaluation of Social Work Practice
- Clinical Social Work with Adults, Children, and Families
- Psychodynamic and Cognitive-Behavioral Theories
- Clinical Field Instruction and Integrative Seminars I & II
The primary difference between the online and on-campus formats is the mode of delivery. The online program offers asynchronous learning, allowing students to complete coursework at their own pace with no required online presence at specific times. Both formats provide small class sizes, personalized faculty mentorship, and extensive field placement support.
$1,200 / credit hour
More information about this degree is available on the School website or by request from our Admissions team.