Social Work M.S.W.

The SSW measures MSW student progress toward mastering competencies that have been identified by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), which provides language for nine competencies for generalist social work education. Accredited MSW programs are required to develop language for advanced practice competencies that are related to the nine generalist social work competencies for each specialization a program offers. There are two specializations. In total, there are 27 competencies for MSW students.  There are two measures for each competency, resulting in a total of 54 measures for the MSW program. Per CSWE requirements, half of the measures are based on in-class/course learning, and half are based on learning completed as part of the practicum experience.

MSW programs also must develop overall program goals as part of CSWE accreditation; the program goals are tied to competencies.

Goals:

The SSW faculty have identified the following four goals for the MSW Program, which have been derived from the Program’s mission. The MSW Program will:

1. Prepare graduate students for entry into advanced social work practice and leadership for the profession;

2. Prepare professionals who can evaluate social work practice & programs critically and empirically, and who are able to apply evidence-based best-practice knowledge and skills effectively with diverse populations in practice settings;

3. Support and promote the public good by expanding access to graduate social work education throughout the state, with emphasis on practice in the arena of public-sector social services and policy;

4. Create opportunities for graduate SW education for populations who have historically been denied access to professional graduate education for reasons related to bias, oppression, and economic disparity.        

 Competencies:

1. Demonstrate Ethical and Professional Behavior

2. Advance Human Rights and Social, Racial, Economic, and Environmental Justice

3. Engage Anti-Racism, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (ADEI) in Practice

4. Engage In Practice-informed Research & Research-informed Practice

5. Engage in Policy Practice

6. Engage with Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations,and Communities

7. Assess Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations and Communities

8. Intervene with Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities

9. Evaluate Practice with Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities