Social Work (MSSW)

Master of Science in Social Work
Unit: Kent School of Social Work and Family Science (GK)
Department: Social Work
Program Website 
Academic Plan Code(s): SW_ _MSW30, SW_ _MSW30O, SW_ _MSW60, SW_ _MSW60O, or by concentration (See Concentrations Areas tab). 

Program Information

This program has degree options that can be completed in a traditional classroom format or entirely online.

The mission of the Kent School of Social Work and Family Science MSSW program is to prepare students for ethical, evidence-informed, advanced social work practice with diverse, vulnerable, and marginalized individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities. We take an anti-oppressive stance in educating students for careers as advanced social work practitioners who apply critical thinking skills and available evidence to inform practice that responds to complex social problems. Graduates will use these skills to actively pursue social change, advocating with and on behalf of vulnerable and marginalized client systems. The program will contribute to the mission of the University as a great place to learn by providing engaged service and outreach opportunities that improve the quality of life for local and global communities.   The educational part of our mission is accomplished through theoretically and empirically driven approaches to pedagogy in our on-campus and online instruction and transformative learning experiences. 

MSSW Program Goals:

• Prepare graduates for specialized social work practice with vulnerable and marginalized individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities through the acquisition and demonstration of social work practice behaviors consistent with CSWE educational standards and policies and the NASW Code of Ethics.
• Prepare graduates who critically evaluate and synthesize knowledge from theory, empirical evidence, and professional experience on which to inform and improve practice, policy, and service delivery.
• Prepare graduates to be leaders who are committed to social justice and are effective in bringing about social change on behalf of diverse client systems.
• Prepare graduates who continue to develop professionally throughout their careers to meet new challenges and opportunities.

Accreditation of the MSSW

The Master of Science in Social Work program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). 

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MSSW Concentrations

Though it is not required for students to tailor their education while obtaining the MSSW degree, the MSSW program offers several concentration areas. In general, these concentrations require the student to take prescribed electives (please refer to the Concentration Areas tab) and may offer the opportunity to engage in a field placement tailored to their population of interest. A student who opts to pursue one of these areas must select the concentration of interest at the point of application to the program or notify the MSSW Advising Office of their desire to tailor their education in one of the available areas of interest after admission. Concentration options include: 

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 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. Those who are interested in initiating their careers in a clinical substance abuse treatment setting 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, and
• Position students for employment and advancement in a broad array of specialized substance abuse roles.

Applicants and students can opt to pursue this concentration without submitting any additional documentation for consideration.

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. 

Applicants and students can opt to pursue this concentration without submitting any additional documentation for consideration.

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. 

Applicants and students can opt to pursue this concentration without submitting any additional documentation for consideration.

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.

Applicants and students can opt to pursue this concentration without submitting any additional documentation for consideration.

Psychosocial Oncology 

In addition to 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.  This concentration requires an approved specialized practicum placement. Therefore, applicants and students must submit additional documentation (please refer to the Admissions tab) and receive approval to pursue the concentration. 

School Social Work—available to KY residents only

MSSW students who want to practice social work in a school setting will complete the requirements to meet the criteria for the school social work certification in Kentucky. Students who select this concentration 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. This concentration requires an approved specialized practicum placement. Therefore, applicants and students must submit additional documentation (please refer to the Admissions tab) and receive approval to pursue the concentration. 

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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 specialized 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 and Family Science is dedicated to developing professionals in CFT (MFT) and master's-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, 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 and Family Science 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 that 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

• Two (2) Recommendation Forms. List email addresses of two (2) recommenders in the "Recommendation" section of the Online Graduate Application. Recommendation forms are automatically emailed after the recommender's information is entered and the send to recommender button is clicked.   

  • One recommendation must be from a former professor. Applicants who have not been enrolled in classes within the past two (2) years must substitute a professional reference. Please direct all questions pertaining to acceptable recommenders to msswkent@louisville.edu.

  • Personal recommendations are not accepted. These include relatives, co-workers, friends, mentors, personal therapists, clergy, advisors, etc. 

  • The Kent School of Social Work and Family Science reserves the right to request additional supportive material from persons acquainted with the applicant's academic or practice capabilities if deemed necessary. 

  • Advanced Standing Applicants Only: 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 two letters of recommendation. 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. 

• Resume. Please include current/past employment as well as volunteer and service roles served. This document can be uploaded in the "Upload Materials" section of the Online Graduate Application or emailed to gradadm@louisville.edu after you have submitted the online application. 

• Admission Essay. Under the "Education and or Life Experiences Responses" section of the Online Graduate Application applicants must respond to the "Leadership" and "Resilience and Adaptability" prompts. Each response should be 300 words or less and fully address each prompt. Applicants should consider and address their values as it relates to their participation in academics, community, and professional social work. Responses should reflect graduate-level writing skills. 

  • Additionally, all degree-seeking applicants at the university are required to submit a response of up to 300 words in response to the "Diversity Statement" section of the Online Graduate Application. The response should reflect graduate-level writing skills.

  • Applicants who decide to pursue the School Social Work or Psychosocial Oncology concentration must submit an additional essay of up to 3 pages detailing their interest in the concentration, past experience, need for professional development, and how the area will further their educational goals at the time of application. 

• Addendum to Admission Essay: Required for applicants with incoming GPA under 3.0. Provide an addendum to your essay discussing gaps, deficiencies in your academic record, or an explanation of any previous academic review. Include planned strategies for maintaining the required 3.0 GPA in Graduate School. 

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​​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) in addition to the other application requirements. 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 interested in the School Social Work or Psychosocial Oncology concentration, the additional essay must be submitted by the priority deadline.

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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), in addition to the other application requirements. 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 interested in the School Social Work or Psychosocial Oncology concentration, the additional essay must be submitted by the priority deadline.

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Concentrations

If an applicant desires to pursue the School Social Work or Psychosocial Oncology concentration the applicant must submit an additional essay up to 3 pages detailing their interest in the concentration, past experience, need for professional development, and how the area will further their educational goals. 

Applicants interested in concentrating in Alcohol & Drug Counseling, Gerontology, Mental Health, or Military Social Work can select their area of interest at the time of application without submitting any additional application material. 

• Advance Standing 30 credit hour applicants: Must select a concentration at the time of application to tailor their education in their area of interest. 

• Regular 60 credit hour applicants: Have the option to select a concentration at the time of application. However, 60 credit hour applicants admitted to the program can contact the Advising Office to pursue a concentration up until their remaining 30 credit hours in the program

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, IELTS or Duolingo examination or by providing an official transcript from an acceptable English language institution
• Minimum TOEFL scores: 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
• Duolingo score of 105 for more information review englishtest.duolingo.com/applicants.

MSSW Online US Citizens Living Abroad & Outside of Kentucky

Applicants who live outside of the US will need to consult with the Field Education Office in advance of applying to the MSSW program to ensure the feasibility of meeting the practicum placement requirements in accordance with CSWE policies at fieldedu@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.

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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.  

Kent School deadlines for admission are classified as follows:

Fall Start: August 

• Priority Deadline: June 1st 
• Deadline: July 15th 

Spring Start: January 

• Priority Deadline: October 30th 
• Deadline: November 15th

Summer Start: May 

• Priority Deadline: March 1st
• Deadline: April 1st 

Exceptions to deadlines

• Advance Standing 30 credit hour concentration applicants who apply after the priority deadline may experience a delay in their ability to start practicum immediately if an appropriate practicum site is not readily available.

• Applications submitted after deadlines will be considered on a case-by-case basis if space allows. Additionally, applicants after the deadline may experience a delay in their ability to start practicum immediately if an appropriate practicum site is not readily available.

Program Requirements

The MSSW program offers flexibility through its variety of degree completion 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 coursework includes two academic year-long field/practicum placements that require on average 16 to 18 hours per week in the field/practicum placement.

Though not required, students have the opportunity to tailor their education by exploring an optional concentration while obtaining their MSSW.

For concentration elective course requirements, please refer to the Concentration 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. The next listing provides a basic description of the courses needed to complete this program:

Foundation Coursework

Course List

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 Policy I	3
SW 622	Social Welfare Policy II	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

Specialized Coursework
(Prerequisite: all Foundation Courses)

Course List

Code	Title	Hours
SW 641	Social Justice Policy	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	Specialized Social Work Practicum I 1	3
SW 673	Specialized Social Work Practicum II 1	3
Select three MSSW Electives		9
Minimum Total Hours		30

¹

18 clock hours per week

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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 specialized 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.

The next listing provides a basic description of the courses needed to complete this program;

Specialized Coursework

Course List

Code	Title	Hours
BSW degree required
SW 641	Social Justice Policy	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	Specialized Social Work Practicum I 1	3
SW 673	Specialized Social Work Practicum II 1	3
Select three MSSW electives		9
Minimum Total Hours		30

¹

18 clock hours per week

Concentration Area Requirements

Alcohol and Drug Counseling 

Academic Plan Code(s): SW_ _MSW30A, SW_ _MSW60A, SWONMSW30A, SWONMSW60A

Course List

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
Minimum Total Hours		9

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)

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Gerontology 

Academic Plan Code(s): SW_ _MSW30G, SW_ _MSW60G, SWONMSW30G, SWONMSW60G

Course List

Code	Title	Hours
SW 681	Social Gerontology	3
SW 682	Social Work Practice with Older Persons	3
One of the following:		3
SW 615	Mental Health
SW 636	Death & Grief
SW 662	Substance Use and Substance Use Disorders
SW 684	Spirituality and Social Work
Minimum Total Hours		9

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Mental Health 

Academic Plan Code(s): SW_ _MSW30M, SW_ _MSW60M, SWONMSW30M, SWONMSW60M

Course List

Code	Title	Hours
Required Elective
SW 615	Mental Health	3
Choose two from the following electives:		6
SW 657	Group Methods
SW 659	Introduction to Family Therapy Practice
SW 660	Motivation and Change: The Process of Change and Strategies to Elicit Intrinsic Motivation.
SW 636	Death & Grief
Minimum Total Hours		9

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Military Social Work 

Academic Plan Code(s): SW_ _MSW30V, SW_ _MSW60V, SWONMSW30V, SWONMSW60V

Course List

Code	Title	Hours
SW 627	Military Social Work	3
Choose 2 of the following electives:		6
SW 615	Mental Health
SW 659	Introduction to Family Therapy Practice
SW 662	Substance Use and Substance Use Disorders
Minimum Total Hours		9

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Psychosocial Oncology 

Academic Plan Code(s): SW_ _MSW30P, SW_ _MSW60P, SWONMSW30P, SWONMSW60P

Course List

Code	Title	Hours
SW 647	Psychosocial Practice in Oncology I Social Work Practice with Individuals and Families in Healthcare	3
SW 648	Psychosocial Practice in Oncology II: Social Work Practice to Promote Health Equity	3
Choose one elective course from the following:		3
SW 633	Social Work and Human Sexuality
SW 636	Death & Grief
SW 684	Spirituality and Social Work
PHEP 501	Introduction to Epidemiology (previously PHEP 601)
Other courses of interest—to be approved by chair
SW 672 & SW 673	Specialized Social Work Practicum I Specialized Social Work Practicum II (Field Practicum (2 days per week in cancer care setting))	6
Minimum Total Hours		15

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School Social Work 

Academic Plan Code(s): SW_ _MSW30S, SW_ _MSW60S, SWONMSW30S, SWONMSW60S

Course List

Code	Title	Hours
EDSP 644	Applied Behavior Analysis	3
SW 630	School Social Work: Policy and Practice	3
SW 672	Specialized Social Work Practicum I	3
SW 673	Specialized 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 concentration 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 click on the licensing disclosures tab).