Master of Social Work (MSW)
School of Public Service and Education
The Master of Social Work (MSW) degree program is designed to equip a diverse population with the knowledge and skills to pursue specialized advanced generalist social work practice as administrators, social work practitioners, supervisors, and leaders in their respective communities. The curriculum includes online coursework and face-to-face learning experiences and emphasizes social work practice skills that promote personal growth and competence in ethics, values, diversity, ecological perspectives, cultural competence, technology, and leadership in 21st-century specialized advanced generalist social work practice. Learners who have a bachelor’s degree from a Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)-accredited program or those who have a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree may pursue Capella’s MSW.
Practicum/Internship Experience Requirement(s)
Minimum of 1,000 supervised practicum and internship experience hours. See the Practicum/Internship Experience section below for more information.
Additional Program Requirements
| SWK5001 | Research in Social Work Practice | 4 |
| SWK5002 | Social Welfare History, Policy, and Practice | 4 |
| SWK5003 | Human Behavior and the Social Environment 1 | 4 |
| SWK5004 | Micro Social Work Practice | 4 |
| SWK5005 | Human Behavior and the Social Environment 2 | 4 |
| SWK5006 | Social Policy and Planning in Human Services | 4 |
| SWK5007 | Mezzo Social Work Practice | 4 |
| SWK5008 | Macro Social Work Practice with Groups, Organizations, and Communities | 4 |
| SWK5012 | Cultural Competence and Social Work Practice with Diverse Populations | 4 |
| SWK5013 | Mental Health Practice and Advanced Interventions: Theory and Practice | 4 |
| SWK5014 | Advanced Generalist Social Work Practice | 4 |
| SWK5015 | Advanced Statistics, Research, and Program Evaluation | 4 |
| SWK5016 | Integrative Technology in Advanced Social Work Practice | 4 |
| SWK5017 | Clinical Supervision and Leadership in Social Work Practice | 4 |
| SWK5018 | Systems Analysis of Social Work Practice: Theories, Skills, Values, and Professional Practice | 4 |
| SWK5025 | Foundation Practicum 1 | 4 |
| SWK5026 | Foundation Practicum 2 | 4 |
| SWK5526 | Advanced Internship Practicum 1 | 4 |
| SWK5527 | Advanced Internship Practicum 2 | 4 |
| SWK5528 | Advanced Internship Practicum 3 | 4 |
Two Elective Courses
At least 8 quarter credits
Recommended elective courses:
| SWK5800 | Advanced Clinical Social Work Practice with Children and Youth | 4 |
| And | |
| SWK5801 | Advanced Clinical Social Work Practice Screening, Assessment, Diagnosis, and Treatment of Children and Youth | 4 |
| | |
| Or | |
| | |
| SWK5802 | Advanced Clinical Social Work Practice with Adults | 4 |
| And | |
| SWK5803 | Advanced Clinical Social Work Practice Screening, Assessment, Diagnosis, and Treatment of Adults | 4 |
| | |
| Or | |
| | |
| SWK5804 | Innovative Leadership and Supervision in Social Work Practice | 4 |
| And | |
| SWK5805 | Managing Social Work Practice in the 21st Century | 4 |
Or
Choose from a select list of graduate courses† related to social work within the fields of psychology (PSY), counseling (ADD, COUN, SHB), human services (HMSV, NPM), health care (MHA, MPH, NHS), public administration (MPA, PUAD), education (ED), or related area as approved by the academic program director.
Total
At least 88 quarter credits
One or more courses in this program may require a prerequisite(s). Refer to the course descriptions for details.
Learners who do not complete all program requirements within quarter credit/program point minimums will be required to accrue such additional quarter credits/program points as are associated with any additional or repeat coursework necessary for successful completion of program requirements.
† Learners are encouraged to contact their academic advisors for additional details.
Capella University cannot guarantee eligibility for licensure, endorsement, other professional credential, or salary advancement. State licensing regulations and professional standards vary; learners are responsible for understanding and complying with the requirements of the state in which they intend to work. For more information, see the professional licensure disclosures for this program on Capella’s website.
Practicum/Internship
Learners enrolled in the Master of Social Work (MSW) degree program are required to complete a minimum of 1,000 supervised hours of hands-on practicum/internship experience in an agency setting. The practicum/internship experience portion for this program is the signature pedagogy in social work education.
In the MSW practicum/internship experience, learners blend their courseroom education with real-world experiences to develop generalist practice skills under the leadership and supervision of an experienced professional social worker. This practicum/internship experience provides learners with the opportunity to experience direct practice with individuals, families, groups, and organizations. Additionally, learners engage in an integrated practicum/internship seminar to support their professional development.
Learners use their practicum/internship experiences to help them achieve their program outcomes and advanced generalist practice skills under the leadership and supervision of an experienced professional social worker. This practicum/internship experience provides learners with the opportunity to experience direct practice with individuals, families, groups, and organizations. Additionally, learners engage in an integrated practicum/internship seminar to support their professional development.
Practicum and/or Internship hours are considered complete once all program required practicum/internships hours have been successfully achieved. Partial completion of practicum/internship requirements/hours can't be verified for licensure or transfer of hours.