Social Work, MSW (Online)

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. Concentrations (Integrated Health & Wellness and Community Practice) include Paths of Study in children, youth and families; mental health with adults; and community practice for social change.

Online Program

The online social work master’s experience at the Mandel School includes weekly live classes, in-person field education and continuous student support. We designed our online social work master’s program to fit seamlessly into a variety of lifestyles. The rigor of the program is the same as our on-campus and weekend options—the only difference is that the program is delivered entirely online, with no campus visits required.

The Online MSW Program option is designed to provide online graduate social work education for employed professionals who plan to maintain full-time employment. Classes meet online to complete all program requirements in two years for advanced standing, and three years for non-advanced standing.

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).

Learning Outcomes

  • Demonstrate Ethical and Professional Behavior
  • Engage Diversity and Difference in Practice
  • Advance Human Rights and Social, Economic and Environmental Justice
  • Engage in Practice-informed Research and Research-Informed Practice
  • Engage in Policy Practice
  • Engage with Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations and Communities
  • Assess Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations and Communities
  • Intervene with Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities
  • Evaluate Practice with Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities
  • Develop as an Anti-Racist and Anti-Oppressive Social Work Leader

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 and documented in a cumulative learning portfolio.

  • 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 Leader