Master of Social Work (MSW)
*Program Overview*
*Objective*: Prepare students for advanced clinical practice, leadership, and advocacy in diverse settings.
*Credits*: 60 credits (typical), including 900-1200 fieldwork hours.
*Year 1: Foundation Curriculum*
*Core Courses*
1. *SWK 501: Human Behaviour & Social Environment* (3 credits)
- Theories of development, systemic oppression, and cultural humility.
2. *SWK 502: Social Welfare Policy & History* (3 credits)
- Historical context, policy analysis, and advocacy strategies.
3. *SWK 503: Generalist Social Work Practice* (3 credits)
- Skills in engagement, assessment, and intervention across micro, mezzo, and macro levels.
4. *SWK 504: Research Methods* (3 credits)
- Quantitative/qualitative research, program evaluation, and evidence-based practice.
5. *SWK 505: Ethics & Professional Identity* (3 credits)
- NASW Code of Ethics, ethical dilemmas, and self-care.
6. *SWK 590: Field Education I* (6 credits)
- 16-20 hours/week in a generalist setting (e.g., community agencies).
*Year 2: Advanced Curriculum*
*Specializations* (Choose one):
- *Clinical Social Work*: Trauma therapy, DSM-5, and crisis intervention.
- *Child & Family Services*: Child welfare, family systems, and policy advocacy.
- *Health/Mental Health*: Integrated care, chronic illness, and healthcare policy.
- *Community Development*: Grassroots organizing, grant writing, and social justice.
*Advanced Courses*
1. *SWK 601: Advanced Clinical Practice* (3 credits)
- Evidence-based interventions (e.g., CBT, motivational interviewing).
2. *SWK 602: Policy Analysis & Advocacy* (3 credits)
- Legislative processes, coalition-building, and lobbying.
3. *SWK 603: Advanced Research* (3 credits)
- Capstone/thesis project design and implementation.
4. *SWK 604: Leadership & Management* (3 credits)
- Nonprofit administration, budgeting, and team supervision.
5. *SWK 690: Field Education II* (6 credits)
- Specialized placement (e.g., hospitals, schools, policy orgs).
*Electives* (Sample Options):
- SWK 610: Trauma-Informed Care
- SWK 615: Substance Use Disorders
- SWK 620: School Social Work
- SWK 625: Gerontology
*Field Education*
- *Year 1*: 400-500 hours (generalist practice).
- *Year 2*: 500-700 hours (specialized practice).
- Supervision by licensed MSW professionals.
*Assessment & Grading*
- *Methods*: Case studies, research papers, presentations, fieldwork evaluations.
- *Grading Scale*: A (90-100), B (80-89), C (70-79); minimum 3.0 GPA required.
- *Capstone/Thesis*: Oral defence and written report (required for graduation).
*Additional Requirements*
- Background check, vaccinations, and liability insurance for fieldwork.
- Participation in diversity, equity, and inclusion workshops.