Social Work, MSW

Overview

The Master of Social Work curriculum, anchored in an Ecological and Systems perspective, is organized to conform to the Educational Policy and Accreditation Standards (2022) of the Commission on Accreditation of the Council on Social Work Education. During the first year of study, students complete a year-long generalist practice course, other related courses and a 600-hour supervised field placement, which serve as the foundation of their professional practice, In the second year, students select one of three specializations in an area of social work practice: Clinical Practice with Individuals and Families, Social Group Work, or Community Social Work Practice. They complete advanced level courses and 600 hours in a supervised field placement.

Wurzweiler’s MSW program is designed to develop skilled, advanced-level practitioners equipped to address complex social issues through both direct practice and policy work. The curriculum combines academic rigor with practical experience, empowering students to take on leadership roles across diverse professional settings. Through a values-driven education, students gain a deep understanding of the knowledge, ethics, and competencies essential to the social work profession, preparing them to make meaningful, lasting contributions in their communities.

Students choose from On-campus, Live virtual classroom (synchronous), or Online (asynchronous) program options. No matter which format students choose, the MSW program supports diverse learning styles and life commitments, empowering future social workers to thrive academically and professionally.

Requirements (60 credits)

To earn an MSW degree, students must complete Generalist Courses, Advanced Courses, and Electives as outlined below. Generalist Courses must be completed before moving onto Advanced Courses. Additionally, students must complete the mandated child abuse reporter training, as required by the State of New York.

Generalist Courses (27 credits)

SWK 6003Generalist Social Work Practice I

3

SWK 6004Generalist Social Work Practice II

3

SWK 6100Human Behavior and the Social Environment

3

SWK 6133Philosophical Foundations of Social Work

3

SWK 6135Cultural Diversity

3

SWK 6201Social Welfare and Social Change

3

SWK 6402Applied Methods in Social Work Research

3

SWK 6531Generalist Practicum I

3

SWK 6532Generalist Practicum II

3

Sara Schenirer and BA/MSW students will take SWK 6132 Philosophical and Ethical Foundations of Social Work as well as a 4th elective in lieu of SWK 6133 and SWK 6134.

Advanced Courses (24 credits)

Choose an advanced year practice course.

SWK 6013Advanced Clinical Practice with Individuals and Families I

3

Or

SWK 6023Advanced Groupwork Practice I

3

Or

SWK 6033Advanced Community Practice I

3

 

SWK 6535Advanced Practicum I

3

SWK 6403Social Work Practice and Evaluation Research

3

 

SWK 6111Psychosocial Assessment and Diagnosis

3

Students continue with part II of the advanced year practice course with restrictions by program option as above.

SWK 6014Advanced Clinical Practice with Individuals and Families and Capstone

3

Or

SWK 6024Advanced Social Work Practice with Groups and Capstone

3

Or

SWK 6034Advanced Community Practice and Capstone

3

 

SWK 6134Social Work Values and Ethics

3

SWK 6210Advanced Policy Advocacy

3

SWK 6536Advanced Practicum II

3

Students in the Online MSW, Sara Schenirer, and Israel block program options may only select SWK 6013 and SWK 6014 from the Advanced Year Practice courses.

Electives (9-12 credits)

SWK 6035Social Work Practice with Communities and Organizations

3

SWK 6103LGBTQ Communities Through the Lifespan

3

SWK 6114Introduction to Psychodrama, Sociometry and Group Psychotherapy

3

SWK 6139Immigration

3

SWK 6141Family Systems

3

SWK 6241Social Work and Health Care

3

SWK 6252Leading for Change: Social Work in Administration

3

SWK 6328Social Work With Groups

3

SWK 6630Social Work Practice in Schools

3

SWK 6678Trauma-Informed Child Welfare

3

SWK 6682Evidence Based Mental Health Practice

3

SWK 6684Child and Family Welfare

3

SWK 6685Trauma and Interpersonal Violence

3

SWK 6686Gerontology

3

SWK 6689Spirituality in Social Work Practice

3

SWK 6691Social Work Practice with Addictions I

3

SWK 6702Coping with Loss

3

SWK 6704Social Work Practice with Children

3

SWK 6791Social Work Practice with Addictions II

3

SWK 6710Tele-Social Work

3

SWK 6810Social Work Practice with the Military

3

SWK 6823Treatment of Eating Disorders

3

SWK 6825Palliative Care Advanced Illness

3

SWK 6891Social Work Practice with Addictions III

3

SWK 6911Grounding Strengths Perspective

3

SWK 6912Spiritual Therapy: The Strengths Perspective and More

3