| Code | Course Name | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| SOWK 502 | Social Work Practice with Individuals and Families |
3 |
| SOWK 503 | Social Work Practice with Groups, Communities, and Organizations |
3 |
| SOWK 504 | Diversity and Social Justice |
3 |
| SOWK 507 | Social Work Research |
3 |
| SOWK 509 | Social Welfare Policy | 3 |
| SOWK 511 | Human Behavior and the Social Environment I | 3 |
| SOWK 512 | Human Behavior and the Social Environment II | 3 |
| SOWK 593 | Social Work Practicum Seminar l |
3 |
| SOWK 594 | Social Work Practicum Seminar ll |
3 |
| *SOWK 595 | Social Work Practicum Seminar lll |
3 |
| Foundational Core Subtotal |
30 |
|
| * If a student does not complete the required 400 practicum hours during the SOWK 593, 594, 595 course series, or the 600 required practicum hours during the SOWK 693-696 course series, s/he will be enrolled in a required SOWK 597 or SOWK 697 Practicum Continuation course (0 credits) and required to pay a Graduate Practicum Continuation Fee until the student completes the total required hours. Students will accumulate hours toward their practicum requirements only when enrolled in SOWK 593, 594, 595, or 597 or SOWK 693, 694, 695 696 or 697. |
|
|
MSW, Master of Social Work
Put your compassion to work for those who need it with a CSWE-accredited online MSW degree. Learn by doing through hands-on field work at a service agency in your area as you prepare to become a licensed social worker.
An MSW Degree Made for Advocates Pursuing Licensure
UMass Global's CSWE-accredited online Master of Social Work degree equips you with the knowledge and experience you need to succeed in this rewarding field. This flexible, affordable program is designed for working professionals. Our expert faculty consists of scholar practitioners with many years of practical social work experience. Outside your coursework, you’ll gain practical experience through hands-on field work at a service agency in your community.
Prepare to make a difference across a spectrum of settings, including:
- Child protective services agencies
- Criminal justice, legal service and military organizations
- Local, state and federal agencies
- Home- and school-based programs
- Hospitals and other health care settings
- Mental health and substance abuse treatment programs
- Nonprofit, human rights and advocacy organizations
Got Questions?
Do you want to go back to school, but don't know where to start? Attend a 30-minute online info session to find out how UMass Global can help.
Next Session
Spring II (Mar 3, 2025)
Estimated Tuition
$730/Credit
Help me estimate my costWays to Learn
Online
Curious about our Social Work program?
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Imagine Your Future In Social Work
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Data source: Lightcast™ 2022 www.lightcast.io
The pathway information provided through this website is based partly on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data licensed by the University of Massachusetts Global from Lightcast. While the University of Massachusetts Global believes this data to be reliable, some of the data is based on estimates made by Lightcast when actual data is unavailable. Those estimates and the corresponding data may need to be corrected.
1. Change in employment projections 2022 - 2032
2. Based on BLS Occupational Employment Statistics and updated quarterly
3. The University of Massachusetts Global does not guarantee a job to graduates upon completion of any program
Discover Affordable Education
At UMass Global, our goal is to change your life through affordable education. We work with you to find grants, scholarships, tuition discounts, and low interest loans to keep your costs down.
Master of Social Work Admission Requirements
You do not need to hold a BSW degree in order to apply, and there is also no GRE requirement. Applicants to the MSW degree program must complete the formal application process with all required documents, which include:
- Completed application
- 3.0 grade point average (GPA)
- Written personal narrative that speaks to your motivations for choosing social work as an academic and career goal
- Official transcripts from all regionally accredited institutions where coursework was completed or attempted
- For more information please view the MSW Program Introduction Video
Attend MSW Info Sessions
Residency Restrictions
This program is not available to residents of all states. Please contact a University Enrollment Coach for details.
School Social Work Credential
Master of Social Work students can add a Pupil Personnel Services Credential in School Social Work to expand their career options. Three courses, combined with fieldwork, will fulfill the requirements for your PPSC-SSW.
Graduate Level Exams
This Master’s degree program does not require applicants to take costly exams like the GRE.
HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT THE MSW REQUIREMENTS? Request more information>
Two MSW Degree Paths
Finish your MSW degree in as little as one year.
Choose from six start times per year to fit your busy schedule. Classes are available fully online with two pathways to complete the Master of Social Work degree: advanced standing and standard. If you qualify for the advanced standing pathway, you may complete the MSW degree in as little as a year. If you take the standard path, you may complete your program in two years.* The majority of our students are working adults with busy lives, so University of Massachusetts Global ’s courses are designed to be both flexible and affordable.
Find the best fit for you:
Advanced Generalist/Advanced Standing Option (AG/AS)
Time to Completion: One year*
Total Credit Hours: 39 credits
Practicum: 600 hours of field placement practicum
Prior Degree:CSWE-accredited BSW/BASW/BSSW degree
Standard Advanced Generalist Option (SAG)
Time to Completion: Two years*
Total Credit Hours: 69 credits
Practicum: 1,000 hours of field placement practicum
Prior Degree:Prior Degree: Non-Social Work Bachelor's Degree
Advanced Generalist/Advanced Standing Option (AG/AS)
Time to Completion: One year*
Total Credit Hours: 39 credits
Practicum: 600 hours of field placement practicum
Prior Degree:CSWE-accredited BSW/BASW/BSSW degree
Standard Advanced Generalist Option (SAG)
Time to Completion: Two years*
Total Credit Hours: 69 credits
Practicum: 1,000 hours of field placement practicum
Prior Degree:Prior Degree: Non-Social Work Bachelor's Degree
*Based on the average full-time, advanced-standing and regular-program students who successfully progress through the program.
**Subject to approval.
Ways to Get Started
Curriculum Designed to Prepare You for Licensure
The online Master of Social Work degree curriculum is built to equip you with everything you need to pass the LCSW exam, integrating the required California pre-licensure course content into our second-year curriculum. As a CSWE accredited program, most states accept licensure eligibility with some states specifying required courses.
Courses prepare you to understand the issues, services and policies that will be most relevant to the people you serve. Select three courses from a variety of electives to customize your Master of Social Work degree with the topics that you are most passionate about.
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Course List Code Course Name Credits SOWK 601 Family Violence 3
SOWK 602 Social Work Law and Ethics 3
SOWK 603 Social Work and Human Sexuality 3
SOWK 622 Advanced Generalist Practice I 3
SOWK 623 Advanced Generalist Practice II 3 SOWK 625 Practice Evaluation 3
SOWK 693 Advanced Social Work Practicum Seminar I* 3
SOWK 694 Advanced Social Work Practicum Seminar II* 3
SOWK 695 Advanced Social Work Practicum Seminar III* 3
*SOWK 696 Advanced Social Work Practicum Seminar IV* 3
Advanced Generalist Core Subtotal 30
* If a student does not complete the required 600 practicum hours during the SOWK 693, 694, 695, 696 course series, s/he will be enrolled in a required SOWK 697 Advanced Practicum Continuation course (0 credits) and required to pay a Practicum Continuation fee, per each course and session, until the student completes the total required hours and receives a P in the SOWK 693, 694, 695, 696 courses. Students will accumulate hours toward their advanced practicum requirements only when enrolled in SOWK 693, 694, 695, 696, or 597. -
Choose 9 credits from the following: SOWK 630Child Welfare 3
SOWK 631Social Work Practice with Adolescents 3
SOWK 632Prevention and Intervention in Child Abuse and Neglect 3
SOWK 650Crisis Intervention and Trauma Response 3
SOWK 651Social Work Response to Disasters 3
SOWK 652Military/Veteran (SMVF) Social Work 3
SOWK 653Social Work Practice with SMVF populations 3
SOWK 654Death, Loss, & Grief 3
SOWK 655Substance Abuse 3
SOWK 656Sexual Abuse 3
SOWK 657Mental Health and Mental Illness 3
SOWK 658Healthcare Social Work I: Integrated Health Care Policy and Services 3
SOWK 659Healthcare Social Work II: Social Work Practice in Integrated Health 3
SOWK 660 Social Work Policy in School Settings 3 SOWK 661 Social Work Practice in School Settings 3 SOWK 662 Child and Family Policy 3 SOWK 663 Social Work Management and Leadership 3 SOWK 664 Psychopathology and Clinical Practice 3
University of Massachusetts Global is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)
UMass Global's Master of Social Work is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)
Assessment of Student Learning Outcomes
All Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) programs measure and report student learning outcomes. Students are assessed on their mastery of the competencies that comprise the accreditation standards of the Council on Social Work Education. All social work students are expected to master these competencies of social work practice during their professional training. A measurement benchmark is set by the social work program for each competency. An assessment score at or above that benchmark is considered by the program to represent mastery of a competency. This form is used to assist the CSWE in the evaluation of the program's compliance with the accreditation standards below:
5.0.1(d) The program posts its assessment plan and summary outcomes publicly on its webpage using Form AS
5.0.1(d). The findings are updated every two years, at minimum.
a. The program submits Form AS M5.0.1(d) to report its assessment plan and most recent assessment summary outcomes.
b. The program provides a hyperlink to the program’s webpage where the assessment plan and summary outcomes are publicly displayed.
c. The program provides outcomes for each program option and in aggregate.
Licensure
To provide a pathway to licensure the MSW Program integrated the required California pre-licensure course content into our second-year curriculum. As a CSWE accredited program, most states accept licensure eligibility with some states specifying required courses. However, because licensure requirements vary by state and are subject to change, students should confirm eligibility and verify course requirements for the state they intend to pursue licensure.
This program is fully accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) and meets licensure degree requirements in all states and territories in the U.S. However, certain states require specific courses for Licensure. See those requirements below:
California
- SOWK 601: Family Violence – 7 hours of Child Abuse Assessment and Reporting in California; 10 hours of Aging, Long Term Care and Elder/Dependent Adult Abuse; and 15 hours of Spousal/Partner Abuse Assessment, Detection, and Intervention
- SOWK 602: Social Work Law and Ethics – CA Law and Ethics
- SOWK 603: Social Work and Human Sexuality – 10 hours of Human Sexuality
- SOWK 622: Advanced General Practice I – 15 hours of Alcoholism and Chemical Substance Abuse & Dependency; and 6 hours of Suicide Risk Assessment and Intervention Training
- SOWK 623: Advanced General Practice II – 3 hours of Provision of Mental Health Services via Telehealth
Florida
- SOWK 664: Psychopathology
Indiana
- SOWK 664: Psychopathology
- SOWK 502: Individual and Family Practice
- SOWK 503: Group, Communities, and Organization Practice
New Hampshire
- SOWK 664: Psychopathology SOWK
- 655: Substance Abuse elective
New Mexico
Students will need to take a course in New Mexico cultures to meet the coursework requirement for licensure
New York
Students will need to take a course in child abuse provided by a NY provider to meet the coursework requirement for licensure
Washington
Students will need to take an HIV training course to meet the coursework requirement for licensure
Learn from seasoned social workers.
Our faculty and leadership are scholar practitioners with many years of field work under their belts. While learning in an online setting, you’ll get the benefit of practicum experiences that prepare you to serve your community. University of Massachusetts Global’s program also includes supportive staff who will help you find and secure field placements in your area that align with your career interests.
Want More Information about Social Work?
Dig deeper into this helping profession and explore its different career paths.
Frequently Asked Questions
Browse through frequently asked questions about the social work profession.
How long does it take to become a social worker?
What degree do you need to be a licensed social worker?
In the United States and Canada, the requirements to become a licensed social worker vary by state, province, and territory. However, a common prerequisite is obtaining a degree in social work from an accredited institution. Typically, a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) is the minimum requirement for entry-level positions, while a Master of Social Work (MSW) is often necessary for advanced clinical roles.
According to the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB), licensure requirements can differ significantly depending on your location. You can find specific licensing requirements by state or province on their website: ASWB Licensing Requirements.
For further insight into the requirements and pathways to becoming a social worker, you can refer to the article: Social Worker Requirements: What You Will Need. This article may provide additional details and considerations for individuals pursuing a career in social work.