Social Work (MSSW)
Master of Science in Social Work (SW MSW)
Unit: Kent School of Social Work (GK)
Department: Social Work
Program Website
Academic Plan Code(s): SW_ _MSW30, SW_ _MSW30O, SW_ _MSW60, SW_ _MSW60O, or by concentration/areas of specialization (See Specialization Areas tab).
Program Information
This program has degree options that can be completed in a traditional classroom format or entirely online.
The Kent School of Social work seeks to prepare well-qualified social workers who practice from a strong professional value-base to serve the metropolitan mission of the university. Our graduates promote social justice through their practices with diverse client systems. In the context of a research institution, the Kent School is committed to knowledge development that informs social work practice, recognizing the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration to solve complex social problems.
Social work is a profession concerned with the prevention and amelioration of social problems and the enhancement of the quality of human life. Social workers achieve these goals through direct practice with individuals, families, groups, and community organizations; advocacy; social planning; social policy analysis and formulation; research; and administration. Social work practice helps people mobilize their resources to deal with present circumstances and to enlarge their prospects for the future. Since problems of the individual cannot be seen in any meaningful way in isolation from the broad social and community context in which they occur, social work also takes a leadership role in bringing about institutional and social change.
Accreditation of the MSSW
The Master of Science in Social Work program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). The Master of Science in Social Work, concentration in Couple and Family Therapy program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Education.
MSSW Concentrations/Areas of Specialization
The Kent School offers the opportunity to specialize in Couple and Family Therapy, School Social Work, Alcohol and Drug Counseling, Gerontology, Mental Health, Psychosocial Oncology, Forensic Social Work, Military Social Work or Leadership, Management and Supervision while obtaining the MSSW degree. In general, these programs require the student to take prescribed electives specific to the concentration/area of specialization, take a targeted advanced practicum, and participate in an integrative seminar or supervision with the concentration cohort. With the exception of Couples and Family Therapy, students are only eligible to apply to concentrations when they are applying for their advanced year of the program.
For a complete description of the following programs, please refer to the prospective students link at the Kent School website.
Couple and Family Therapy (CFT, formerly MFT)—not available to online students
Students may complete the Concentration in Couple and Family Therapy program as part of the MSSW degree. The program prepares students for clinical practice with families in the context of their communities, particularly those families who are disadvantaged and/or typically underserved. Completion of the program prepares students for licensure as a couple and family therapist in Kentucky and for clinical membership in the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy. The MSSW-CFT concentration requires 21 graduate credit hours in addition to the 60 credit hours required for the MSSW.
Only a limited amount of students can be admitted to this concentration; for more information on application specifics, prospective students should access the program's website.
School Social Work—not available to online students
MSSW students who want to practice social work in a school setting can earn a school social work concentration within the Kent School master's curriculum. Students who select this concentration learn how to help children and families overcome barriers to learning through home intervention. Those who complete the concentration meet the Kentucky Council on Teacher Education's requirements for certification as a school social worker. Students are eligible to apply only when applying to the 30-credit hour advanced standing program or, if in the 60-credit hour program, during the December before their advanced year of the program.
Alcohol and Drug Counselor
Substance abuse is widely recognized as one of the top health problems in the USA and is attracting increasing attention and funding. However, there is an identified shortage of qualified addiction counselors--and students who prepare themselves for a career in chemical dependency can hope to gain immediate employment after graduation, and possibly before. In this regard, students should be aware of a professional certification, the Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC) certification, that is valued by addiction treatment agencies with comparable respect and compensation as the Licensed Clinical Social Work (LCSW) qualification. For those who are interested in initiating their careers in a clinical substance abuse treatment setting, they can begin to fulfill specialized requirements of the CADC certification while completing normal requirements of the MSSW program. The Kent School's alcohol and drug concentration will:
- Satisfy many of the requirements of the CADC program,
- Teach specialized knowledge and skills,
- Provide formal recognition of students' specialized knowledge,
- Position students for employment and advancement in a broad array of specialized substance abuse roles, and
- Include specialized faculty mentoring and suggestions on finding employment.
Students are eligible to apply only when applying to the 30,credit hour advanced standing program or, if in the 60-credit hour program, during the December before their advanced year of the program.
Forensic Social Work—only available to online students
Forensic social work relates to supporting clients, families, agencies, and communities from a strengths-based perspective with expert knowledge and skills in law and legal arenas. This is reflected in both the wide range of roles and services of forensic social workers and further highlighted in several foci and grand challenges put forth by disciplinary bodies. Roles for forensic social workers are far reaching. Forensic social workers may use their legal expertise in a wide variety of settings including civil and criminal court, child and family organizations, and in physical, mental, or behavioral health agencies. Forensic social workers are also well adept to support clients in juvenile and adult correctional facilities and in community corrections. Direct practice may also relate to supporting law enforcement, policy makers, or attorneys and paralegals. Importantly, forensic social workers also engage community members and leaders, and serve on various interdisciplinary teams within and across settings.
The training of social workers rarely includes focus on civil and criminal adversary processes. Further, social workers may be ill equipped to identify, describe, and relate issues essential to the promotion of social justice in law and legal systems. The National Organization of Forensic Social Work notes that “without such training, social workers called onto provide forensic services may find themselves at a disadvantage,” and subsequently, clients and communities are at further risk of injustice.
Gerontology
The nation's burgeoning aging population is increasing the demand for well-trained and competent social workers to respond to the needs of older adults and their families. The US Department of Labor reports that geriatric social work is one of the most rapidly growing occupations, with the promise of job security. Start-up funding for this concentration was provided by the John A. Hartford Foundation, the New York Academy of Medicine and Social Work Leadership Institute, through a nationally known Practicum Partnership Program centered on competency-focused leadership education and rotation field practicums with community experts. Kent School was one of a handful of programs nationwide selected to be a part of this exciting initiative.
Students are eligible to apply only when applying to the 30-credit hour advanced standing program or, if in the 60-credit hour program, during the December before their advanced year of the program.
Leadership, Management and Supervision—not available to online students
Bureau of Labor Statistics data, upwards of 25 % of current social workers are employed in managerial type positions. Employment of social and community service managers is projected to grow 18% from 2016 to 2026, much faster than the average for all occupations. Employment growth will be driven by increases in the elderly population, and increases in demand for substance abuse treatment, and mental health and health-related services.
Those who accept appointment to social work leadership positions require specialized knowledge and skills and abilities that are consistent with understanding systems of care and assisting vulnerable populations. Social work leaders need to be educated and trained in areas which will improve their potential for success with clients, staff, communities and organizations. Through an innovative curriculum, active teaching approaches and a focused field practicum, students will develop advanced skills which will enhance their practice as leaders, managers and supervisors. Individualized professional and career development opportunities will include the ability to build relationships with social work leaders in the field.
Mental Health
The mental health concentration prepares students to enter into the mental health field by focusing on theoretical perspectives regarding the course and etiology of mental illness, diagnostic and assessment skills, evidence-based approaches, knowledge of mental health services, policies, and programs in the context of social work practice and values. Students complete their advanced practicum rotation in a mental health setting providing the opportunity to build collaborative and interdisciplinary skills and professional identity by integrating knowledge with an intricate understanding of mental health practice, policy and service delivery.
Students are eligible to apply only when applying to the 30-credit hour advanced standing program or, if in the 60-credit hour program, during the December before their advanced year of the program.
Psychosocial Oncology Concentration
The Kent School of Social Work offers the first concentration in psychosocial oncology in the nation. The high rate of cancer on local, national, and global levels and the potential shortage of oncology social workers are creating the demand for skilled practitioners. Responding to the growing need for social workers who are trained in cancer care, this program will prepare students with the knowledge and skills for meeting the psychosocial health needs of persons with cancer and their families. Students will learn how to apply skills such as assessment, counseling, palliative care, program planning and evaluation in cancer care settings. Our students work in a variety of health settings in the full range of care for cancer patients.
Students are eligible to apply only when applying to the 30-credit hour advanced standing program or if, in the 60-credit hour program, during the December before their advanced year of the program.
Military Concentration
The military social work concentration program is designed to prepare students to provide services to persons who have served or are serving in the military and their families. The concentration focuses on theoretical perspectives and policy implications concerning problems facing service members and their families as well as programs and application of interventions to ameliorate them. It is recognized that those seeking assistance from problems associated with military service may be seen in a myriad of programs both inside and outside the frame of the more traditionally recognized military service delivery systems. Thus students can complete an advanced practicum rotation from one of the many settings which provide the opportunity to work with military members their families or retirees. During their practicum students will be able to hone their skills and collaborate with other professions in the provision of services for this population by integrating knowledge learned with practice.
Students are eligible to apply only when applying to the 30-credit hour advanced standing program or, if in the 60-credit hour program, during the December before their advanced year of the program.
MSSW Dual Degree Programs (not available to online students)
The Kent School also offers joint degrees with the Brandeis School of Law at the University of Louisville (MSSW/JD), the Louisville Presbyterian Seminary (MSSW/MDiv), the Department of Pan-African Studies at the University of Louisville (MSSW/MA) and the Department of Women's, Gender and Sexuality Studies at the University of Louisville (MSSW/MA) and the Department of Philosophy/Medical Humanities and Bioethics (MSSW/MA). Applications must be submitted independently to each academic unit/institution. In general, these programs require that the student take additional coursework, take the three MSSW electives in the other degree program and take a targeted advanced practicum that has the focus of and is approved by the other degree program.
For more complete descriptions of these programs, please refer to the prospective students link at the Kent School website.
MSSW/Master in Divinity
The joint MSSW/MDiv program recognizes the value of professional education in two interrelated fields and encourages students who have an interest in both ministry and social work to pursue these degrees simultaneously. A student may enter the dual degree program from social work or theology.
MSSW/Juris Doctor
The dual MSSW/JD program recognizes the value of interdisciplinary study and encourages students having an interest in both social work and law to pursue these degrees simultaneously. Social workers and lawyers often seek to address identical or related societal concerns, albeit from different perspectives; understanding both disciplines enhances one's effectiveness in both professional capacities. Law courses strengthen the social worker's understanding of legal doctrine and structures that have an impact on social institutions and human conditions; social work courses help lawyers to better understand human behavior, conflict resolution and social welfare institutions.
MSSW/MA in Pan-African Studies
The dual MSSW/MA in Pan-African studies program recognizes the value of professional education in two interrelated fields and encourages students who have an interest in both Pan-African Studies and Social Work to pursue these degrees simultaneously. Social workers and Pan-African studies scholars often seek to address identical or related societal concerns, albeit from different perspectives; understanding both disciplines enhances one's effectiveness in both the analysis of and engagement with contemporary social and cultural issues. Pan-African Studies courses strengthen the social worker's understanding of the historical foundations for policies and structures that have an impact on social institutions and human conditions; social work courses help Pan-African scholars or activists to better understand human behavior, conflict resolution and social welfare institutions. A Pan-African Studies and Social Work combination provides the tools of social change for a historic problem of racial injustice.
MSSW/MA in Women's, Gender and Sexuality Studies
The dual MSSW/MA in Women's, Gender and Sexuality program recognizes the value of professional education in two interrelated fields and encourages students who have an interest in both Women's, Gender and Sexuality and Social Work to pursue these degrees simultaneously. Social workers and Women's, Gender and Sexuality scholars often seek to address identical or related societal concerns, albeit from different perspectives; understanding both disciplines enhances one's effectiveness in both the analysis of and engagement with contemporary social and cultural issues. Women's, Gender and Sexuality courses strengthen the social worker's understanding of the historical foundations for policies and structures that have an impact on social institutions and human conditions; social work courses help Women's, Gender and Sexuality scholars or activists to better understand human behavior, conflict resolution and social welfare institutions. A Women's, Gender and Sexuality and Social Work combination provides the tools of social change for a historic problem of gender inequality and injustice.
MSSW/MA in Interdisciplinary Studies, concentration in Healthcare Ethics
The dual MSSW/MA in Interdisciplinary Studies, concentration in Healthcare Ethics degree program focuses on providing our social work graduates a contextual experience within the interdisciplinary fields that comprise bioethics in addition to the development of social work skills. Bioethics is an inherently interdisciplinary field, located principally at the intersection of philosophy, the law, and the health care professions, such as clinical medicine and nursing, but drawing as well from social science disciplines as diverse as sociology, clinical psychology, and social work. In addition to any career options presented by the MSSW, degree holders may then participate in hospital ethics committees, teach medical ethics and humanities, or be prepared for future doctoral-level work in medical ethics and humanities.
MSSW Admission Requirements
Admission to the Kent School of Social Work MSSW program is competitive. The selection process includes an evaluation of each applicant's demonstrated and potential abilities as a student, practitioner and leader in the social work field. Applicants should utilize the MSSW Application Checklist to ensure that all application requirements and relevant deadlines are met which can be found on the MSSW Admissions page of Kent's website. Attending an MSSW prospective student session is beneficial and will likely assist applicants in strengthening their application. Please consult the Kent School website for a list of scheduled prospective student sessions.
An undergraduate GPA of 3.0 is recommended for consideration to the MSSW program.
Applicants to the MSSW program must meet the following requirements:
- A bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution of higher learning
- A minimum of 27 credit hours in the social sciences, i.e., communications (6), natural sciences (3), humanities (9), and social sciences (9)
The application file is complete when all of the following are received by the Graduate School, Graduate Admissions:
- Graduate Admission application. Application forms are available online and there is a non-refundable application processing fee. It is suggested that you apply online and pay your application with a credit card.
- Official academic transcripts are required from every college/university you have attended, including those at which you were enrolled for academic credit as a non-degree student and/or credits which you transferred to another college. All transcripts must bear the official seal and signature of the institution attended. You must request these transcripts directly from the Registrar or appropriate officer of each institution and ask that they send them directly to:
Graduate Admissions
University of Louisville
Louisville, KY 40292.
If you are a University of Louisville graduate, your UofL transcript will be provided automatically, with no request needed from you. Applicants with a cumulative grade point average less than 2.75 are required to submit an acceptable Miller Analogies Test (MAT) score or an acceptable Graduate Record Exam (GRE) score with their application. Dates of MAT tests and test links to the GRE are available at louisville.edu/testing. - Advanced Standing Admissions: Applicants who obtained a BSW within the last seven years from an undergraduate social work program accredited or in candidacy by CSWE with a cumulative GPA of 3.00 and a social work GPA of 3.25 may be eligible to apply to the Advanced Standing 30-credit hour program. BSW applicants with less than a cumulative 3.0 GPA and a social work GPA of less than 3.25 will rarely be considered for the 30-credit hour program and will rarely be allowed to transfer social work coursework from their undergraduate degree toward their MSSW degree. Additionally, if an Advanced Standing applicant received a grade of C or lower in any social work foundation courses as a BSW, they may be asked to re-take these courses by the Admissions Committee as a condition of admission. Applicants who wish to be considered for 30-credit hour Advanced Standing program must submit their BSW Final Practicum Field Evaluation (or a fall final evaluation if currently in the BSW program) and one of their three letters of recommendation must be from their Director of Field Education, on-site practicum supervisor or practicum seminar instructor. If applying to a concentration, the concentration essay must be submitted at the time of application as well by the early December deadline.
- Writing Samples - Writing samples should answer both #1 and #2 prompts separately, be double-spaced and in 12pt Times New Roman font, and have page numbers. If possible, please save your Writing Sample as a PDF prior to submitting.
1. Analyze a social problem and discuss the scope of the problem, populations affected, the causes and consequences of the problem, as well as strategies for addressing the problem. Please cite references and limit the essay to 1½ pages. Note: essays are subject to plagiarism software review.
2. The NASW Code of Ethics includes the following statement: “Social workers treat each person in a caring and respectful fashion, mindful of individual differences and cultural and ethnic diversity. Social workers promote clients’ socially responsible self-determination. Social workers seek to enhance clients’ capacity and opportunity to change and to address their own needs. Social workers are cognizant of their dual responsibility to clients and to the broader society. They seek to resolve conflicts between clients’ interests and the broader society’s interests in a socially responsible manner consistent with the values, ethical principles, and ethical standards of the profession.”
Discuss how your personal values and beliefs are or are not compatible with this professional standard. How will you reconcile any conflicts between your personal values and the requirement of the profession? Please limit this essay to 1½ pages.
3. For Advanced Standing Students (30-credit hour) applying to a concentration: Write a separate 2-3 page essay following the Writing Sample that discusses your interest in the concentration, past experience, need for professional development, and how it will further your educational goals. - CFT concentration applicants (on-campus applicants only): Please see additional essay requirements on the CFT section of Kent’s website and email danette.baker@louisville.edu with questions.
- MSSW Agreements Packet that is completed and signed which includes the following agreements:
- Academic Dishonesty Statement
- Release and Waiver
- Ethical Standards of Behavior Agreement
- Personal Commitment and Synchronous Class Agreement
- Technology Agreement
- Practicum Agreement
- Title IX and Clery Act Acknowledgment
- SONIA Practicum Site Authorization All forms must be completed and signed (electronic signature is acceptable).
- All forms must be completed and signed (electronic signature is acceptable). Agreements Packet can be found here: www.louisville.edu/kent in the MSSW Admissions section. It should be emailed to gradadm@louisville.edu
- Resume: Please include current/past employment as well as volunteer and service roles served. This can be emailed to gradadm@louisville.edu after you have submitted your online application.
- Addendum to Writing Sample: Submit an Addendum if you if there are gaps or deficiencies in your academic record or if you have ever had an academic review, please explain (recommended for all applicants with a GPA of 3.0 or less)
- Three recommendation letters: List email addresses of three recommenders in Section VII of the graduate application. Recommendation forms will be emailed automatically to the recommenders only after the application fee is paid or waived. The printable form is shown as “Letter of Evaluation (PDF)” is available at louisville.edu/graduate/apply.
- One recommendation form must be from a former professor. Applicants who have not been enrolled in classes within the past five years must substitute a professional reference.
- Recommendation forms must be submitted from persons who have been directly responsible for supervising your human service related work/volunteer experience, other professional experience or academic performance.
- Personal recommendations will not be accepted. These include co-workers, mentors, advisers, friends, clergy, personal therapists, etc.
Concentrations: If you wish to be considered for the Couple and Family Therapy, School Social Work, Gerontology, Mental Health, Alcohol & Drug Counseling, Psychosocial Oncology and Military concentrations, please check the prospective students link at our website for any additional admission procedures, documents, and deadlines necessary for consideration for admission to a particular concentration. Admission to these programs follows admission to Kent School but is not automatic.
30-credit hour Advanced Standing students will apply at the point of application while 60-credit hour students will apply the December before their advanced year in the program, with the exception of the CFT program. CFT concentration students will apply at the point of application to the MSSW program. Students accepted into the MSSW Online program are not eligible for the Couple Family and Therapy or School Social Work concentrations as they are campus only programs.
Dual Degrees: If you wish to be considered for any of the dual degree programs, you must also complete the other unit's application process. Students accepted into the ONLINE MSSW program are not eligible for dual degrees.
International students: All MSSW candidates who completed their undergraduate degrees outside of the US are required to have their transcripts evaluated by the credential services World Education Services at wes.org or Educational Credential Evaluators at ece.org Any candidate may be required to participate in a brief telephone interview as part of the admissions process. Candidates who are required to complete an I-20 form should note that they will be placed in a practicum program as part of their education. Admitted students to the on-campus program should contact UofL's International Center to determine if any other immigration documentation is necessary to begin practicum at louisville.edu/internationalcenter.
ALL candidates for whom English is not their primary language must:
- show English proficiency by demonstration of a specified level of proficiency on the TOEFL exam or IELTS examination or by providing an official transcript from an acceptable English language institution
- Minimum TOEFL scores: 550 on the paper-based exam or 213 on the computer-based TOEFL or a score of 79-80 on Internet-based TOEFL is required. More information on TOEFL at www.ets.org/toefl.
- Minimum IELTS score: 6.5 for more information review www.ielts.org
MSSW Online US Citizens Living Abroad & Outside of Kentucky: Applicants who live outside of the US will need to consult with Kent's Director of Field Education, Lynetta Mathis, in advance of applying to the MSSW program to ensure the feasibility of meeting the practicum placement requirements in accordance with CSWE policies at lynetta.mathis@louisville.edu. A qualified practicum supervisor must be readily available (e.g., the supervisor has an MSSW/MSW degree from a CSWE accredited institution or similar CSWE type accreditation) and/or the applicant must participate in identifying a qualified practicum supervisor with the support of the Field Education Office. Both applicants outside of the US and outside of Kentucky must be willing to participate in the process of identifying a qualified practicum supervisor with the support of the Field Education Office. MSSW Online applicants in rural areas must consider that they may be required to travel to their practicum placements if no qualifying practicums are available in their local area.
Kent School reserves the right to request additional supportive material from persons acquainted with the applicant’s academic and/or practice capabilities.
All of the above materials must be received in the Graduate School, Graduate Admissions by one of the deadlines listed below in the year in which you hope to begin coursework.
MSSW Admission Deadlines
The final deadline varies as explained below, but because entry into the program is highly competitive, applicants are encouraged to submit their applications early to ensure a space. All admissions materials must be received in the Graduate School, Graduate Admissions by the listed date in order for an applicant to be considered for admission by a particular deadline. Earlier applicants have more practicum placement and MSSW curriculum plan options.
Kent School deadlines for admission are classified as follows:
December 15: Concentration Deadline/Out of State Online Student Deadline
Applicants who must meet this deadline:
- 81-credit hour MSSW-Couple and Family Therapy concentration applicants (not available to online students)
- 30-credit hour applicants who wish to apply to a concentration (CFT and School Social Work are not available to online students)
- Out of State Online Program applicants who wish to have a curriculum plan with a practicum placement their first year of the program
February 28: Early Bird Deadline
Applicants who must meet this deadline:
- 30- and 60-credit hour applicants who wish to start in the Summer
- Concentration applicants may be considered on a case by case basis if space allows and an appropriate practicum is available
- Out of state online applicants may be considered if an appropriate practicum is available or if willing to consider a curriculum plan that delays practicum until the second year
May 30: Traditional Deadline
Applicants who must meet this deadline:
- 30-credit hour and 60-credit hour campus applicants who wish to start in the fall, any curriculum plan
- 30-credit hour and 60-credit hour online applicants who wish to start in the fall and are willing to select plans that delay practicum placements until the following year.
September 30: Spring Admissions Deadline
Applicants who must meet this deadline:
- 30-credit hour applicants who wish to start in the spring
- 60-credit hour applicants who wish to start in the spring on a three year curriculum plan
Exceptions to deadlines
-
Applications after December 15 for 30-credit hour concentrations (on-campus and online) and the 81-credit hour MSSW-CFT concentration (on-campus only) will only be considered if space in the concentration is available AND if an appropriate practicum site is readily available.
-
Applications submitted after May 30 will be considered on a case-by-case basis if space allows and ONLY if the applicant is willing to choose a curriculum plan that delays practicum until the following year. (Plans C-F for 60-credit hour, and Plans EE/FF for 30-credit hour; 30-credit hour applicants at this stage must also be working at a social service agency to be eligible for these plans in order to execute the year-long research project).
Program Requirements
The MSSW program offers a variety of both 60-credit hour and 30-credit hour Advanced Standing (for qualified BSW applicants) curriculum plans, including options for full-time, part-time, weekend and online classes. Both the Foundation and Advanced coursework years include a 16-hours/week field practicum.
There are opportunities to specialize in Alcohol and Drug Counseling, Couple and Family Therapy, Gerontology, Mental Health, Military Social Work, Psychosocial Oncology, Forensic Social Work, Leadership, Management and Supervision and School Social Work while obtaining your MSSW.
For specialization/concentration coursework requirements, please refer to the Concentration Requirements tab.
MSSW 60-Credit Hour Regular Program
Students who are admitted and do not have a Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)-accredited Bachelor of Social Work degree enter the 60 credit hour regular program. This program can be completed in different ways in which the shortest period is two years and the longest period is four years. Specific plans are outlined under Curriculum Plans in the Kent School online catalog found at the future students link at the Kent School website. The next listing provides a basic description of the courses needed to complete this program (all courses are three (3) credit hours each):
Foundation Coursework
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| SW 601 | Human Behavior in the Social Environment I | 3 |
| SW 619 | Human Behavior in the Social Environment II | 3 |
| SW 602 | Social Welfare Institutions, Policies and Services | 3 |
| SW 622 | Issues in Policy and Service Delivery | 3 |
| SW 603 | Diversity, Oppression, and Social Justice Practice | 3 |
| SW 604 | Social Work Practice I | 3 |
| SW 605 | Social Work Practice II | 3 |
| SW 670 | Foundation/Generalist Social Work Practicum I 1 | 3 |
| SW 671 | Foundation/Generalist Social Work Practicum II 1 | 3 |
| SW 626 | Research Methodology and Design | 3 |
| Minimum Total Hours | 30 | |
| 1 | 16 clock hours per week |
Advanced Coursework
(Prerequisite: all Foundation Courses)
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| SW 641 | Social Justice and Injustice in Social Welfare Policies | 3 |
| SW 640 | Advanced Social Work Practice II | 3 |
| SW 677 | Advanced Practice III: Working with Organizations and Multi-Level Work with Complex Cases | 3 |
| SW 668 | Advanced Research Practice I | 3 |
| SW 669 | Advanced Research Practice II | 3 |
| SW 672 | Advanced Social Work Practicum I 1 | 3 |
| SW 673 | Advanced Social Work Practicum II 1 | 3 |
| Select three MSSW Electives | 9 | |
| Minimum Total Hours | 30 | |
| 1 | 18 clock hours per week |
MSSW 30-Credit Hour Advanced Standing Program
Students holding a CSWE-accredited Bachelor of Social Work degree with a cumulative grade point average of 3.00 and a 3.25 cumulative GPA in all social work foundation courses and who have demonstrated good academic performance in their social work courses may be enrolled in the 30-credit hour advanced standing Program.
This program equates to completing the 30-credit hour advanced portion of the 60-credit hour program. No academic credit is given for life or work experience. Advanced Standing is limited to applicants who have earned BSW degrees within the last seven years, at the time of enrollment in the Kent School. This program can be completed in different ways in which the shortest period is one year and the longest period is two years.
Specific plans are outlined under Curriculum Plans on the Kent School website. The next listing provides a basic description of the courses needed to complete this program (all courses are three (3) credit hours each);
Advanced Coursework
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| BSW degree required | ||
| SW 641 | Social Justice and Injustice in Social Welfare Policies | 3 |
| SW 640 | Advanced Social Work Practice II | 3 |
| SW 677 | Advanced Practice III: Working with Organizations and Multi-Level Work with Complex Cases | 3 |
| SW 668 | Advanced Research Practice I | 3 |
| SW 669 | Advanced Research Practice II | 3 |
| SW 672 | Advanced Social Work Practicum I 1 | 3 |
| SW 673 | Advanced Social Work Practicum II 1 | 3 |
| Select three MSSW electives | 9 | |
| Minimum Total Hours | 30 | |
| 1 | 18 clock hours per week |
Specialization Area Requirements
Alcohol and Drug Counseling
Academic Plan Code(s): SW_ _MSW30A, SW_ _MSW60A, SWONMSW30A, SWONMSW60A
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| SW 660 | Motivation and Change: The Process of Change and Strategies to Elicit Intrinsic Motivation. 1 | 3 |
| SW 661 | Special Issues in Alcohol and Drug Counseling | 3 |
| SW 662 | Substance Use and Substance Use Disorders 2 | 3 |
| SW 672 | Advanced Social Work Practicum I | 3 |
| SW 673 | Advanced Social Work Practicum II | 3 |
| SW 678 | Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counseling Specialization Practicum Seminar | 1.5 |
| SW 679 | Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counseling Specialization Practicum Seminar-Spring Semester | 1.5 |
| Minimum Total Hours | 18 | |
| 1 | SW 397 for BSW students: Motivation and change (offered in Fall, Spring and Summer semesters) |
| 2 | SW 362 for BSW students: Substance abuse (to be offered in Spring as a normal class, and in the Summer as an online class) |
Couple and Family Therapy
Academic Plan Code(s): SW_ _MSW30F, SW_ _MSW60F, SWONMSW30F, SWONMSW60F
The Couple and Family Therapy (CFT, formerly Marriage and Family Therapy/MFT) program of study is dedicated to developing professionals in CFT (MFT) to work with at-risk individuals and families within their community contexts. The CFT program was the first, and is currently one of only two, programs accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE) offering combined training in M/CFT and Social Work.
MSSW-CFT students complete coursework, practicum hours and supervision necessary for licensure as Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists in the state of Kentucky, in addition to being eligible to pursue licensure as Licensed Clinical Social Workers. The CFT coursework requires two calendar years to complete and begins in the summer of the first CFT year. The MSSW-CFT curriculum meets course requirements for Kentucky licensure and clinical membership in the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT). CFT coursework focuses on theoretical foundations, practical application, ethics, integration of research, theory and practice and supervised clinical practice.
| Year 1 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Hours | |
| SW 601 | Human Behavior in the Social Environment I (Core) | 3 |
| SW 602 | Social Welfare Institutions, Policies and Services (Core) | 3 |
| SW 604 | Social Work Practice I (Core) | 3 |
| SW 610 | Foundation Couple and Family Therapy Practicum I | 3 |
| SW 701 | Family Therapy Assessment and Treatment in Diverse Populations | 3 |
| SW 721 | Family Therapy Supervision I | 3 |
| Hours | 18 | |
| Spring | ||
| SW 605 | Social Work Practice II (Core) | 3 |
| SW 619 | Human Behavior in the Social Environment II (Core) | 3 |
| SW 611 | Foundation Couple and Family Therapy Practicum II | 3 |
| SW 622 | Issues in Policy and Service Delivery (Core) | 3 |
| SW 703 | Contemporary Issues, Community Intersections & Collaborations in CFT | 3 |
| SW 722 | Family Therapy Supervision II | 3 |
| Hours | 18 | |
| Summer | ||
| SW 700 | Foundations of Couple and Family Therapy: Theory and Practice | 3 |
| Hours | 3 | |
| Year 2 | ||
| Fall | ||
| SW 612 | Advanced Couple and Family Therapy Practicum I | 3 |
| SW 641 | Social Justice and Injustice in Social Welfare Policies (Adv Core) | 3 |
| SW 668 | Advanced Research Practice I (Adv Core) | 3 |
| SW 702 | Couple Therapy: Theory and Practice | 3 |
| SW 724 | Family Therapy Supervision IV | 3 |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Spring | ||
| SW 613 | Advanced Couple and Family Therapy Practicum II | 3 |
| SW 677 | Advanced Practice III: Working with Organizations and Multi-Level Work with Complex Cases (Adv Core) | 3 |
| SW 699 | Independent Study | 1-4 |
| SW 704 | Integrating Family Therapy: Theory and Practice | 3 |
| SW 705 | Professional Issues & Ethics in Couple & Family Therapy | 3 |
| SW 725 | Family Therapy Supervision V | 3 |
| Hours | 18 | |
| Summer | ||
| SW 603 | Diversity, Oppression, and Social Justice Practice | 3 |
| SW 626 | Research Methodology and Design | 3 |
| SW 641 | Social Justice and Injustice in Social Welfare Policies (Adv Core) | 3 |
| SW 723 | Family Therapy Supervision III | 3 |
| Hours | 12 | |
| Minimum Total Hours | 84 | |
Forensic Social Work
Academic Plan Code(s): SWONMSW30R, SWONMSW60R
online only
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| SW 618 | Social Work and Incarceration | 3 |
| SW 620 | Forensic Interviewing and Assessment | 3 |
| SW 621 | Special Populations in the Criminal Justice System | 3 |
| SW 672 & SW 673 | Advanced Social Work Practicum I Advanced Social Work Practicum II | 6 |
| SW 623 & SW 624 | Forensic Social Work Integrative Seminar I Forensic Social Work Integrative Seminar II (taken concurrently with Practicum courses) | 2 |
| Minimum Total Hours | 17 | |
Gerontology
Academic Plan Code(s): SW_ _MSW30G, SW_ _MSW60G, SWONMSW30G, SWONMSW60G
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| SW 672 | Advanced Social Work Practicum I | 3 |
| SW 673 | Advanced Social Work Practicum II | 3 |
| SW 681 | Social Gerontology | 3 |
| SW 682 | Social Work Practice with Older Persons | 3 |
| One of the following: | 3 | |
| Mental Health | ||
| Death & Grief | ||
| Psychopathology | ||
| Substance Use and Substance Use Disorders | ||
| Spirituality and Social Work | ||
| Integrative seminar (taken concurrent with fall and spring advanced practicums) | 1 | |
| Gerontology Specialization Lab l (Fall) | ||
| Gerontology Specialization Lab II (Spring) | ||
| Minimum Total Hours | 16 | |
Leadership, Management and Supervision
Academic Plan Code(s): SW_ _MSW30, SW_ _MSW60L
not available online
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| SW 643 | Introduction to Social Work Leadership/Management | 3 |
| SW 644 | Social Work Quality Supervision: The Work, the People, and the Contexts | 3 |
| Guided Elective (choose one of the following): | 3 | |
| SW 685 | Planning and Community Development | 3 |
| SW 697 | Advanced Topical Seminar | 3-4 |
| PADM 609 | Nonprofit Management | 3 |
| PADM 612 | Grantsmanship and Fundraising | 3 |
| SW 672 & SW 673 | Advanced Social Work Practicum I Advanced Social Work Practicum II | 6 |
| SW 637 & SW 638 | Seminar-Introduction to Social Work Leadership/Management Seminar-Introduction to Social Work Leadership/Management (taken concurrently with Advanced Practicum courses) | 2 |
| Minimum Total Hours | 29-30 | |
Mental Health
Academic Plan Code(s): SW_ _MSW30M, SW_ _MSW60M, SWONMSW30M, SWONMSW60M
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Required Elective Courses | ||
| SW 615 | Mental Health | 3 |
| SW 642 | Psychopathology | 3 |
| Choose one from the following electives: | 3 | |
| Group Methods | ||
| Introduction to Family Therapy Practice | ||
| Motivation and Change: The Process of Change and Strategies to Elicit Intrinsic Motivation. | ||
| Death & Grief | ||
| SW 691 | Mental Health Specialization Integrative Seminar I | 1 |
| SW 692 | Mental Health Specialization Integrative Seminar II | 1 |
| Must complete six credit hours of field education | 6 | |
| Advanced Social Work Practicum I | ||
| Advanced Social Work Practicum II | ||
| Minimum Total Hours | 17 | |
Military Social Work
Academic Plan Code(s): SW_ _MSW30V, SW_ _MSW60V, SWONMSW30V, SWONMSW60V
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| SW 627 | Military Social Work | 3 |
| Choose 2 of the following electives: | 6 | |
| Mental Health | ||
| Psychopathology | ||
| Introduction to Family Therapy Practice | ||
| Substance Use and Substance Use Disorders | ||
| SW 628 | Military Social Work Seminar I | 1 |
| SW 629 | Military Social Work Seminar II | 1 |
| SW 672 | Advanced Social Work Practicum I | 3 |
| SW 673 | Advanced Social Work Practicum II | 3 |
| Minimum Total Hours | 17 | |
Psychosocial Oncology
Academic Plan Code(s): SW_ _MSW30P, SW_ _MSW60P, SWONMSW30P, SWONMSW60P
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| SW 647 | Psychosocial Practice in Oncology I: Interpersonal Practice | 3 |
| SW 648 | Psychosocial Practice in Oncology II: Community Approaches to Promote Health Equity | 3 |
| Choose one elective course from the following: | 3 | |
| Social Work and Human Sexuality | ||
| Death & Grief | ||
| Spirituality and Social Work | ||
| Introduction to Epidemiology (previously PHEP 601) | ||
| Other course of interest—to be approved by chair | 3 | |
| Field Practicum (2 day per week in cancer care setting) | 3 | |
| SW 649 | Psychosocial Oncology Seminar I | 1 |
| SW 650 | Psychosocial Oncology Seminar II | 1 |
| Minimum Total Hours | 17 | |
School Social Work
Academic Plan Code(s): SW_ _MSW30S, SW_ _MSW60S, SWONMSW30S, SWONMSW60S
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| EDSP 644 | Applied Behavior Analysis | 3 |
| SW 630 | School Social Work: Policy and Practice | 3 |
| SW 642 | Psychopathology | 3 |
| SW 672 | Advanced Social Work Practicum I | 3 |
| SW 673 | Advanced Social Work Practicum II | 3 |
| Student Portfolio | ||
| Minimum Total Hours | 15 | |
