College of Social and Behavioral Sciences
Department of Social Work
Social Work, Master of Social Work
Overview
In addition to University Requirements:
- Complete individual plan requirements.
| Minimum Units for Completion |
60 |
| Additional Admission Requirements |
Individual program admission requirements over and above admission to NAU are required. |
| Fieldwork Experience/Internship |
Required |
| Additional Fees/Program Fees |
Required |
| Progression Plan Link |
View Program of Study |
| Licensure |
This program may lead to licensure. |
Purpose Statement
An MSW degree allows students to combine their passion for helping others with the instruction and hands-on practice they need to make a lasting impact. Students learn to bring about social change, in a degree program that aligns with students' passion for advocacy and service. The MSW program offers coursework in topics such as social policy, clinical practice, research, cultural competence, social justice and administration. The Master of Social Work program offers quality, student-centered instruction, as well as guided field education. The field placement provides an opportunity for students to earn valuable experience working with individuals, groups, and marginalized communities under the guidance of a seasoned practitioner. Students will develop advanced knowledge of current social work theory, preparing them to practice with diverse populations who require professional support and services, while gaining the skills to make positive changes in their community. Aging populations, children, veterans and military personnel, those impacted by domestic violence, clients with mental health needs, those facing homelessness, and disenfranchised families all need advocates to support them, provide access to community resources, and promote social institutions that are more just and responsive to human needs. Field education, along with clinical and macro-level MSW coursework, allows students to apply their knowledge and skills to the population they want to serve as a social worker.
Graduates will be equipped with the knowledge, values, and skills that will make them a valuable agent for positive change. An MSW degree is versatile, allowing graduates to work in many different settings with a variety of individuals and communities. In many states, a Master of Social Work degree is required in order to gain third-party reimbursement from insurance companies or government agencies. An MSW offers the flexibility to practice at elevated levels within human service environments, earning a degree that opens up new and exciting career opportunities. The Master of Social Work degree is considered the terminal degree for professional social work practice and licensure. Graduates will have a flexibility that they will not find with other degrees in the human service field.
The goals of the Master of Social Work are:
- To prepare competent Advanced Generalist social workers with the knowledge, values, and skills for engaging in individual, family, group, organization, and community planned change processes with diverse rural, vulnerable, disenfranchised, and underserved populations locally, regionally, and globally. (Competencies 2, 6, 7, 8, and 9)
- To promote identification with the profession, continued professional development, and development of knowledge and skills for Advanced Generalist social work practice. (Competency 1)
- To provide service to the community and promote human rights, social, economic, and environmental justice. (Competency 3)
- To advance social work practice through the use and development of research knowledge and skills. (Competency 4)
- To provide students with the knowledge and skills to develop and implement policy and programs and to practice from a strengths-based perspective. (Competency 5)
- To prepare students for leadership roles in the development, implementation, and evaluation of services with rural and diverse populations. (Competencies 2, 6, 7, 8, and 9)
Year One Generalist - Competencies Competency 1: Demonstrate Ethical and Professional Behavior
Competency 2: Engage Diversity and Difference in Practice
Competency 3: Advance Human Rights and Social, Economic, and Environmental Justice
Competency 4: Engage In Practice-informed Research and Research-informed Practice
Competency 5: Engage in Policy Practice
Competency 6: Engage with Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities
Competency 7: Assess Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities
Competency 8: Intervene with Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities
Competency 9: Evaluate Practice with Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities
Year Two – Advanced Generalist Competency 1: Demonstrate Ethical and Professional Behavior
Competency 2: Engage Diversity and Difference in Practice
Competency 3: Advance Human Rights and Social, Economic, and Environmental Justice
Competency 4: Engage In Practice-informed Research and Research-informed Practice
Competency 5: Engage in Policy Practice
Competency 6: Engage with Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities
Competency 7: Assess Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities
Competency 8: Intervene with Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities
Competency 9: Evaluate Practice with Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities
More Information