January 2024 University Catalog with April Addendum

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.

Practicum/Internship Experience Requirement(s)

Minimum of 900 supervised practicum and internship experience hours. See the Practicum/Internship Experience section below for more information.

Additional Program Requirements

SWK5001Research in Social Work Practice

4

SWK5002Social Welfare History, Policy, and Practice

4

SWK5003Human Behavior and the Social Environment 1

4

SWK5004Micro Social Work Practice

4

SWK5005Human Behavior and the Social Environment 2

4

SWK5006Social Policy and Planning in Human Services

4

SWK5007Mezzo Social Work Practice

4

SWK5008Macro Social Work Practice with Groups, Organizations, and Communities

4

SWK5011Culturally Responsive Social Work Practices with Diverse Populations

4

SWK5013Mental Health Practice and Advanced Interventions: Theory and Practice

4

SWK5014Advanced Generalist Social Work Practice

4

SWK5015Advanced Statistics, Research, and Program Evaluation

4

SWK5016Integrative Technology in Advanced Social Work Practice

4

SWK5017Clinical Supervision and Leadership in Social Work Practice

4

SWK5018Systems Analysis of Social Work Practice: Theories, Skills, Values, and Professional Practice

4

SWK5025Foundation Practicum 1

4

SWK5026Foundation Practicum 2

4

SWK5526Advanced Internship Practicum 1

4

SWK5527Advanced Internship Practicum 2

4

SWK5528Advanced Internship Practicum 3

4

Two Elective Courses

At least 8 quarter credits.

Choose one of the following three recommended elective pairs.

SWK5800Advanced Clinical Social Work Practice with Children and Youth

4

And

SWK5801Advanced Clinical Social Work Practice Screening, Assessment, Diagnosis, and Treatment of Children and Youth

4

Or

SWK5802Advanced Clinical Social Work Practice with Adults

4

And

SWK5803Advanced Clinical Social Work Practice Screening, Assessment, Diagnosis, and Treatment of Adults

4

Or

SWK5804Innovative Leadership and Supervision in Social Work Practice

4

And

SWK5805Managing 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 (COUN, PLAY, SHB), human services (HMSV), healthcare (MHA, MPH, NHS), or related are 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 900 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.