Social Work, MSW (Weekend)

Sharon Milligan, Chair, Master of Social Work Program
sharon.milligan@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 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 in social work methods, human development theory, social policy, research methods, and an introductory semester of field education. The specialized curriculum (39 credit hours) builds on the professional foundation and provides for advanced knowledge and practice skills in the specialization selected by the student. The Integrated Health & Wellness specialization includes paths of study in substance use disorders and recovery; children, youth and families; and mental health with adults.

Weekend Programa

The Weekend Program is designed to provide graduate-level education toward the Master of Social Work (MSW) for human service professionals who are employed full-time. Classes meet one weekend per month throughout the calendar year and students are required to attend all classes. Students complete three-four courses (including Field Education) every semester and complete all program requirements in three years. Those who have graduated from an accredited BSW program in the last seven years can complete the Weekend Program in two years.

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).

Courses consist of three distinct components:

  • A two-day weekend of classes once per month (Saturday and Sunday, 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.; may vary by course). Some courses may include an online component scheduled between the weekend classes. The online sessions may last up to four hours in total. 

  • A four-week study period, during which additional readings and written assignments are completed.

  • A final study period of approximately ten days-two weeks, during which the final course assignment is completed and materials for the next course are received.

aProgram formerly known as Intensive Weekend.

Learning Outcomes

  • Competency 1: Demonstrate Ethical and Professional Behavior
  • Competency 2: Advance Human Rights and Social, Racial, Economic, and Environmental Justice
  • Competency 3: Advance Human Rights and Social, Economic and Environmental Justice
  • 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
  • *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 Leader