Social Work (MSSW)
Master of Science in Social Work
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).
MSSW Specializations/Concentrations
Though it is not required for students to specialize, the Kent School offers the opportunity to specialize/concentrate in School Social Work, Alcohol and Drug Counseling, Gerontology, Mental Health, Psychosocial Oncology, or Military Social Work while obtaining the MSSW degree. In general, these programs require the student to take prescribed electives specific to the area of specialization/concentration, take a targeted advanced practicum, and participate in an integrative seminar or supervision with the specialization/concentration cohort. Students are only eligible to apply to specializations/concentrations when they are applying for their advanced year of the program.
For a complete description of the following programs, please refer to the Kent School website.
School Social Work—not available to exclusively online students
MSSW students who want to practice social work in a school setting can earn a school social work specialization within the Kent School master's curriculum. Students who select this specialization learn how to help children and families overcome barriers to learning through home intervention. Those who complete the specialization 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 Counseling
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.
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. The 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.
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
The Kent School of Social Work offers the first specialization 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 Social Work
The military social work concentration 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 exclusively online students
The Kent School also offers joint degrees with the Couple and Family Therapy Program (MSSW/MS CFT), 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), the Department of Women's, Gender and Sexuality Studies at the University of Louisville (MSSW/MA), and the Department of Philosophy/Healthcare Ethics (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/MS in Couple and Family Therapy
The dual MSSW/MS CFT degree program allows students to complete coursework accredited to educate and prepare future licensed professionals in both Social Work and Couple and Family Therapy (formerly Marriage and Family Therapy). This dual degree program within the Kent School of Social Work is dedicated to developing professionals in CFT (MFT) and advanced-level Social Work to work with at-risk individuals & families within their community contexts.
MSSW/Master in Divinity
The dual 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 (six (6) credit hours), natural sciences (three (3) credit hours), humanities (nine (9) credit hours), and social sciences (nine (9) credit hours)
The application file is complete when all of the following are received by the Graduate School:
- 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 attended, including those at which students were enrolled for academic credit as a non-degree student and/or credits which transferred to another college. All transcripts must bear the official seal and signature of the institution attended.
-
Official electronic transcripts are also accepted and encouraged. UofL transcripts for University of Louisville graduates will be provided automatically, with no request needed. All other transcripts must be sent directly from the Registrar or appropriate officer of each institution. Paper official transcripts should be sent directly to:
Graduate School
University of Louisville
Houchens Building, Suite 105
Louisville, KY 40202
- 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 may be eligible to apply to the Advanced Standing, 30 credit hour program. There is a preferred, though not required, cumulative GPA of 3.00 and a social work GPA of 3.25. Applicants who wish to be considered for the 30 credit hour, Advanced Standing program must submit their BSW Final Practicum Field Evaluation (or a fall final evaluation if currently in a 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 specialization/concentration, the specialization/concentration essay must be submitted at the time of application as well by the early December deadline.
- Special Advanced Standing Admissions for Kent School BSW seniors and graduates: University of Louisville BSW students may be eligible for special Advanced Standing admission to the MSSW program by providing only one letter of recommendation from a BSW professor, a copy of their BSW Final or Fall Practicum Evaluation (current BSW seniors will have their evaluations provided for them automatically), and one admissions essay. University of Louisville transcripts will be provided automatically. For more information, contact msswkent@louisville.edu or visit the Kent School's Admission page. The Admissions Committee may request additional admissions materials prior to admitting if necessary. If applying to a specialization/concentration, the specialization/concentration essay must be submitted at the time of application as well as by the early December deadline.
- Special Advanced Standing Admissions for Historically Black College and University BSW seniors and graduates: Through the Kent School's "HBCU Cardinal Express to Success" admissions program, social work undergraduates from accredited HBCU institutions may qualify for special Advanced Standing admission by providing only one letter of recommendation from a BSW professor, official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended, a copy of their BSW Final Practicum Evaluation (or a fall final evaluation if currently in a BSW program), and one admissions essay. For more information, contact hbcucard@louisville.edu or visit the Kent School's Admission page. The Admissions Committee may request additional admissions materials prior to admitting if necessary. If applying to a specialization/concentration, the specialization/concentration essay must be submitted at the time of application as well as by the early December deadline.
Admissions Essay
Respond to both writing prompts provided on the graduate application. Responses should be 300 words each and fully address each prompt. Applicants should consider and address their values related to their participation in academics, community, and professional social work.
For Advanced Standing Students (30 credit hour) applying to a specialization/concentration: Write a separate two to three page essay following the Writing Sample that discusses your interest in the specialization/concentration, past experience, need for professional development, and how it will further your educational goals.
Special Admissions Essay for Historically Black College and University seniors and graduates participating in the Kent School’s “HBCU Cardinal Express to Success” admissions program: In a not to exceed 500 word essay, describe how you will integrate the core values and educational experiences from your Historically Black College and University (HBCU) to excel in a master’s of social work program, and in your future role as a professional social worker.
- 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 Admissions Essay: 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 (required 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 two years may 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, personal therapists, etc.
Specializations/Concentrations: If you wish to be considered for the School Social Work, Gerontology, Mental Health, Alcohol & Drug Counseling, Psychosocial Oncology, or Military Social Work specializations/concentrations, please check Academics link at our website for any additional admission procedures, documents, and deadlines necessary for consideration for admission to a particular specialization/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. Students accepted into the MSSW Online program are not eligible for the School Social Work or Leadership, Management, and Supervision specializations/concentrations unless they are willing and able to complete some classes on campus.
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, though they may be able to take some MSSW courses online.
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 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 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: Specialization/Concentration Deadline/Out of State Online Student Deadline
Applicants who must meet this deadline:
- 30 credit hour applicants who wish to apply to a specialization/concentration
- Out of State Online Program applicants who wish to have a curriculum plan with a practicum placement their first year of the program
March 30: Early Bird Deadline
Applicants who must meet this deadline:
- 30 credit hour and 60 credit hour applicants who wish to start in the summer
- 30 credit hour and 60 credit hour applicants who wish to start in the spring with a spring practicum placement
- Specialization/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 out of state 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 with no field placement until fall
- 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 specialization/concentration (on-campus and online) will only be considered if space in the specialization/concentration is available AND if an appropriate practicum site is readily available.
-
Applications submitted after deadlines 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.
Program Requirements
The MSSW program offers flexibility through its variety of curriculum plan options. Courses are offered on multiple days, times, and can be completed in a traditional classroom format, entirely online, or a combination of the two.
The Foundation and Advanced coursework include a field/practicum placement that requires on average 16 to 18-hours per week in the field/practicum placement.
Though not required, there are opportunities to specialize in Alcohol and Drug Counseling, Gerontology, Mental Health, Military Social Work, Psychosocial Oncology, and School Social Work while obtaining your MSSW.
For specialization coursework requirements, please refer to the Specialization Areas 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 on-campus or online within two to four years. Specific plans are outlined under Curriculum Plans in the MSSW Student Handbook found on the Kent School website. The next listing provides a basic description of the courses needed to complete this program:
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 | Micro Social Work Practice | 3 |
| SW 605 | Macro Social Work Practice | 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 | Evidence-Based Practice with Individuals, Families, and Groups | 3 |
| SW 642 | Psychopathology | 3 |
| SW 677 | Mezzo Practice and Integrated Social Work Practice with Complex Cases | 3 |
| SW 668 | Program Evaluation in Social Work | 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 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 on-campus or online within one to two years.
Specific plans are outlined under Curriculum Plans in the MSSW Student Handbook found on the Kent School website. The next listing provides a basic description of the courses needed to complete this program;
Advanced Coursework
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| BSW degree required | ||
| SW 641 | Social Justice and Injustice in Social Welfare Policies | 3 |
| SW 640 | Evidence-Based Practice with Individuals, Families, and Groups | 3 |
| SW 642 | Psychopathology | 3 |
| SW 677 | Mezzo Practice and Integrated Social Work Practice with Complex Cases | 3 |
| SW 668 | Program Evaluation in Social Work | 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/Concentration Area Requirements
Alcohol and Drug Counseling (Concentration)
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 |
| Minimum Total Hours | 15 | |
| 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) |
Gerontology (Concentration)
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 | ||
| Substance Use and Substance Use Disorders | ||
| Spirituality and Social Work | ||
| Minimum Total Hours | 15 | |
Mental Health (Concentration)
Academic Plan Code(s): SW_ _MSW30M, SW_ _MSW60M, SWONMSW30M, SWONMSW60M
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Required Elective | ||
| SW 615 | Mental Health | 3 |
| Choose two from the following electives: | 6 | |
| Group Methods | ||
| Introduction to Family Therapy Practice | ||
| Motivation and Change: The Process of Change and Strategies to Elicit Intrinsic Motivation. | ||
| Death & Grief | ||
| Must complete six credit hours of field education | 6 | |
| Advanced Social Work Practicum I | ||
| Advanced Social Work Practicum II | ||
| Minimum Total Hours | 15 | |
Military Social Work (Concentration)
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 | ||
| Introduction to Family Therapy Practice | ||
| Substance Use and Substance Use Disorders | ||
| SW 672 | Advanced Social Work Practicum I | 3 |
| SW 673 | Advanced Social Work Practicum II | 3 |
| Minimum Total Hours | 15 | |
Psychosocial Oncology (Specialization)
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 courses of interest—to be approved by chair | ||
| SW 672 & SW 673 | Advanced Social Work Practicum I Advanced Social Work Practicum II (Field Practicum (2 days per week in cancer care setting)) | 6 |
| Minimum Total Hours | 15 | |
School Social Work (Specialization)
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 672 | Advanced Social Work Practicum I | 3 |
| SW 673 | Advanced Social Work Practicum II | 3 |
| Self-selected elective of interest | 3 | |
| Student Portfolio | ||
| Minimum Total Hours | 15 | |
The Master of Science in Social Work program and the specialization area of Alcohol and Drug Counseling prepares students to meet the requirements for certification and/or licensure. If you plan to pursue professional licensure or certification you should first determine your state’s criteria for examination and licensure to see how/if our program meets those requirements prior to enrollment. We recommend that you also contact your state’s licensing board directly to verify that the requirements have not changed recently and to answer any questions especially those regarding additional requirements beyond the degree.
More information about certification or licensure is available at the following website: https://louisville.edu/oapa/licensure-information (you may search by school or by the name of the program then click on 'View Details' to display the information).
For programs with an online option, more information about certification or licensure is available here: http://louisville.edu/online/About-Us (please scroll down near the bottom of the page and lick on the licensing disclosures tab).
