Social Work
The Master of Social Work (M.S.W.) program with a Clinical Social Work Concentration at Marymount University offers students a comprehensive and rigorous education in the field of social work, preparing them for advanced practice in clinical settings. Rooted in the values of social justice, empowerment, and ethical practice, our program equips students with the knowledge, skills, and competencies necessary to address the complex needs of diverse individuals, families, and communities. The innovative approach to practice and scholarship in this program will allow graduates to advance the field of social work upon completion of their education. The program prepares graduates to practice across the spectrum of the field of social work at the macro level by understanding policy and advocacy, the mezzo level with opportunities to study and work with communities as well as the micro level with graduates being prepared to be licensed as a clinical practitioner.
Program Highlights:
Clinical Focus: Our program emphasizes clinical social work practice, providing students with a clinical lens in their coursework to learn assessment, diagnosis, intervention, and evaluation within diverse clinical settings, including mental health agencies, hospitals, schools, and private practice settings.
Expert Faculty: Students learn from experienced faculty who are active practitioners and scholars in the field of clinical social work, bringing real-world insights and research informed practice into the classroom.
Field Education: Through extensive field education experiences, students have the opportunity to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world practice under the supervision of seasoned practitioners, gaining valuable hands-on experience and building professional networks.
Interdisciplinary Approach: Our curriculum integrates interdisciplinary perspectives, encouraging collaboration with professionals from other disciplines to enhance holistic client care and address complex social problems.
Upon successful completion of the social work (M.S.W.) program, student will be able to
- Demonstrate ethical and professional behavior in practice when working with a diverse client population;
- Engage with diversity and difference in professional practice;
- Promote human rights and social, economic, and environmental justice through both policy and practice;
- Integrate practice-informed research and research-informed practice to drive meaningful social change and enhance client outcomes;
- Contribute to the development and advancement of relevant policy practices; and
- Engage with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities to foster social well-being and support positive social change.
Admission Requirements: In addition to the university's requirements for graduate admission, the following are required:
- a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA
- developed critical thinking skills, and such undergraduate courses as human biology, sociology, psychology, and statistics (can take statistics in summer before entering program)
- social work or comparable experience, paid or volunteer, is advantageous, but not required
- a personal statement
- two letters of recommendation
- a writing sample
Degree Requirements
60 credits
Degree Required Courses
| SW 500 | Social Work and Social Welfare | 3 |
| SW 501 | Theory and Practice of Social Work I: Individuals and Families | 3 |
| SW 502 | Human Behavior in the Social Environment | 3 |
| SW 503 | Theory and Practice of Social Work II: Groups, Organizations and Communities | 3 |
| SW 504 | Methods for Social Work Research | 3 |
| SW 506 | Social Work in a Multicultural Society | 3 |
| SW 591 | Field Education I and Field Seminar | 3 |
| SW 592 | Field Education II and Field Seminar | 3 |
| SW 593 | Field Education III and Field Seminar | 6 |
| SW 601 | Advanced Clinical Practice I: Children and Families | 3 |
| SW 602 | Social Work Evaluation and Policy | 3 |
| SW 603 | Advanced Practice I: Groups, Organizations, and Communities | 3 |
| SW 604 | Social Work Administration and Clinical Supervision | 3 |
| SW 607 | Clinical Assessment and Diagnosis: Across the Lifespan | 3 |
| SW 651 | Child Maltreatment and Neglect | 3 |
| SW 691 | Advanced Field Education I and Field Seminar | 3 |
| SW 692 | Advanced Field Education II and Field Seminar | 3 |
| SW 693 | Advanced Field Education III and Integrative Seminar | 6 |