Social Work, MSW

Sharon Milligan, Chair, Master of Social Work Program
mandelschool@case.edu

Degree: Master of Social Work (MSW)

Program Overview

The Master of Social Work (MSW) program prepares students for advanced social work practice in a variety of settings. The master’s curriculum is designed to address the wide range of skills and functions required of a professional social worker. Mandel School students are instructed on the various theories of individual, family and group behavior as well as community systems theory. The application of this knowledge, along with the appropriate use of practice principles and techniques, is a major educational objective.

The curriculum is divided into two levels: generalist and specialized. The generalist curriculum (21 credit hours) includes the knowledge, values, processes, and skills essential for the general practice of social work. It consists of generalist courses including an introduction to the social work profession, social work theory and practice at the individual, family, group, organization, and community levels, theories of human development and human diversity, social policy, research methods, and a practicum placement. The specialized curriculum (39 credit hours) builds on the professional foundation and provides for specialized knowledge and practice skills in the path of study selected by the student. The Mandel School offers two Specializations (Integrated Health & Wellness and Community Practice for Social Change). The Integrated Health & Wellness specialization includes these paths of study: *aging; substance use disorders and recovery; children, youth and families; *health; mental health with children and adolescents; mental health with adults. School social work is available as a special emphasis.

*The Health and Aging specialized paths of studies will no longer be offered for Non-Advanced Standing students entering the program in the Fall of 2025. Admitted Advanced Standing Fall 2025 students in the Aging and Health specialized paths of studies will be able to meet their degree requirements. Students who entered the program in one of these paths prior to fall 2025 will be provided the opportunity to meet their degree requirements in consultation with the Associate Dean of Academic Affairs.

On-Campus Weekly Program

The Campus-Based Weekly Program takes four semesters to complete. Students enroll for fall and spring semesters and are scheduled concurrently for classes and fieldwork on a full-time basis. This program is demanding in depth and scope of experience. It is not advisable for students to assume extensive employment during their semesters of enrollment.

Advanced standing is awarded only to those with a(n): CSWE-accredited baccalaureate social work degree, a CASWE-accredited baccalaureate social work degree, or an internationally earned ISWDRES-evaluated degree comparable to a baccalaureate social work degree.  (CASWE=Canadian Association for Social Work Education; ISWDRES=International Social Work Degree Recognition and Evaluation Service.) 

Eligible students will automatically receive 21 advanced standing credit hours (listed below). This ensures that students with a baccalaureate social work degree do not repeat generalist content and achievements. Advanced standing students will be required to complete 39 credit hours, including 500 field education hours, to earn the MSW. (Please note field education and seminar course numbers may vary by format).

Part-Time Degree Program

The part-time program may be completed in four years. Students granted advanced standing may complete the program in fewer semesters. Part-time students are required to register for a minimum of 6 credit hours per semester. 

Part-time students select classes from the scheduled classes available. Employed professionals may participate in this program if they can arrange a flexible work schedule.

Non-Degree Study

Some designated courses may be taken on a non-degree basis with the permission of the Assistant Dean of Academic Affairs and the course instructor. A maximum of 12 credit hours earned on a non-degree basis may be counted toward requirements for the master's degree if the student is subsequently admitted as a degree-seeking candidate. A bachelor's degree is required for enrollment.

Learning Outcomes

  • Competency 1: Demonstrate Ethical and Professional Behavior
  • Competency 2: Advance Human Rights and Social, Racial, Economic and Environmental Justice
  • Competency 3: Engage Anti-Racism, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (ADEI) in Practice
  • Competency 4: Engage in Practice-informed Research and Research-Informed Practice
  • Competency 5: Engage in Policy Practice
  • Competency 6: Engage with Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations and Communities
  • Competency 7: Assess Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations and Communities
  • Competency 8: Intervene with Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities
  • Competency 9: Evaluate Practice with Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities
  • Competency 10: Develop as an Anti-Racist and Anti-Oppressive Social Work Leader (Mandel School Specific)
  • *Competencies 1-9 are prescribed directly by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) in their 2022 Education and Policy and Accreditation Standards (EPAS). Competency 10 is the "Signature" competency of the Mandel School.

Ability Based Learning Environment (ABLE)

The MSW program incorporates an ability-based learning environment that enables students to develop and demonstrate mastery of eight core social work abilities. Classroom courses and field education are designed to help students develop each ability and continuously assess their learning throughout the educational experience. Mastery of the abilities is demonstrated in the field practicum.

  • Identify as a Reflective Professional Social Worker: Students will demonstrate an awareness of the potential influence of their actions and words as a professional social worker upon individuals, families, groups, organizations and communities. Students will demonstrate the ability to reflect on practice decisions and activities, using self-correction to assure continual professional development.
  • Advocate for Social, Economic and Environmental Justice: Graduates will advocate for human rights and social and economic justice as one of their primary responsibilities.
  • Apply Social Work Methods: Graduates of the Mandel School's master's program are prepared to function as advanced practitioners in a changing arena of social work and social welfare. They are able to engage clients and client systems, assess client needs and strengths, provide or help arrange needed services and support, weigh intervention alternatives, implement change strategies, and evaluate results.
  • Uphold Social Work Values and Ethics: Students will integrate social work values and ethics into their learning and professional practice.
  • Integrate Cultural, Economic and Global Diversity: Students will integrate into their practice the knowledge, skills, and values needed for understanding and appreciation of a diverse world, and for ongoing development of competence in working with diverse populations and settings.
  • Think Critically About Theory and Research Knowledge: Graduating students will be able to think critically about their practice and its knowledge base, and about the social problems and situations they encounter. Critical thinking in social work includes selecting appropriate theoretical approaches and strategies to apply in practice, using research findings to improve practice, evaluating one's own practice, and making contributions to knowledge in the field.
  • Communicate Effectively: Graduating students will have the oral, written, nonverbal, and information technology skills that will enable them to communicate effectively and appropriately in professional roles and settings.
  • Develop as an Anti-Racist and Anti-Oppressive Social Work Leader