MSW Curriculum
Our Master of Social Work (MSW) curriculum prepares students who are passionate about helping others to promote social, racial and economic justice, and to advocate for improved social policies and services. Our curriculum is rich and varied, allowing students explore their areas of interest and prepare for the workforce.
Program Pathways
We understand that students have full-time jobs and families, and we make every effort to make your busy life easier. To meet students' needs, our MSW program offers the following options:Online
On Campus, Full Time
On Campus, Part Time (2-4 years)
Advanced Standing, Full Time or Part Time
Summer Block
Non-degree program
The Stamford Cohort
Concentrations
Students in the MSW program choose one of three specialized concentrations to match interests and career goals. These career-focused concentrations include:
Special Programs
For students accepted into the MSW program, we also offer programs that prepare students to serve specific populations and gain specialized skills for future work. In most programs, students who qualify may also receive a scholarship. These programs include:
Focused Areas of Study
In addition to areas of concentration and special programs, students can focus on a current social work issue through our Focused Areas of Study option. Using elective credits, you can focus your study on a particular population or social problem that complements your concentration, such as:
- Health and Wellness through the Lifespan
- International Issues in Social Work
- Intersectionality, Human Agency, and Social Justice
- Violence Prevention in Families and Communities
- Urban Services Track
Students with a record of academic accomplishment completing all requirements in a Focused Area of Study will receive a letter of recognition.
Coursework
MSW students have the opportunity to gain foundational and specialized knowledge from a wide range of innovative courses, taught by our expert faculty.
Explore our course descriptions
Dual and Joint Degree Programs
Reflecting the School’s commitment to interdisciplinary teaching, practice and research, dual and joint degree programs offer students an opportunity to seek degrees in two professions simultaneously. Dual and Joint Degree Options include: Public Health (MPH)/Social Work (MSW); Juris Doctor (JD)/Social Work (MSW) Dual Degree Program Public Administration (MPA) and Social Work (MSW) Joint Program ; Divinity (M.Div.) and Social Work (MSW) Joint Program with Yale Divinity School (MSW/M.Div.).
Special Programs
For students accepted into the MSW program, we also offer programs that prepare students to serve specific populations and gain specialized skills for future work. Students who qualify may also receive a scholarship. These programs include:
Connecticut Adelante!
This new MSW scholarship program is designed to increase the number of bilingual social workers trained to meet the mental health needs of Latino families in Connecticut.
School Social Work
The School Social Work Program aims to increase the number of MSW students prepared to enter the field of school social work.
Department of Children and Families (DCF)
This program is designed to increase the DCF workforce with professionally trained MSW-level staff. DCF employees will be able to complete their program in a five-semester, work-friendly format.
Scholars in Aging
This stipend-based internship program prepares MSW students with specialized classroom and practicum training to serve the growing number of adults aged 65 and older within diverse communities and institutional settings.
Pathway to Alcohol and Drug Counselor Licensure
Students in this pathway will complete all the coursework requirements for Alcohol and Drug Counselor licensure in the state of CT and receive credit for one year toward their required three years of supervised paid work experience or unpaid internship in alcohol and drug counseling.
International Social Work Studies
The School of Social Work recognizes the growing importance of social work’s involvement in international problem solving and policy development. Students engages in global studies coursework with a practicum that addresses global issues