-
Completion Requirements
- 92 quarter credits (97 with optional embedded certificate)
- Core courses (68 cr.)
- Elective courses (10 credits required; 15 credits for optional certificate)
- Field Experience (12 cr.)
- Two 6-week Skills Labs (1 credit each) – 3 weeks of online sessions, 3-day intensive (choose face-to-face or virtual), 2 weeks of online sessions
Note: Students in this program must have a webcam for their first course as well as for various assignments throughout the program. Please refer to our technology requirements.
The courses sequence below represents the minimum time to completion. Time to completion will vary by student, depending on individual progress and credits transferred, if applicable. For a personalized estimate of the number of your transfer credits that Walden would accept, call an Enrollment Specialist at 855-646-5286.
Courses
Course Code Title Credits SOCW 6002 Changing Lives, Changing Society: Introduction to Social WorkThis is a foundation course designed to introduce students to the social work profession. Students explore the history of the profession, the characteristics of generalist practice, social work practice settings, and professional values and ethics. Students also develop knowledge of current issues and directions for the profession, and the requirements and challenges of being a professional social worker.
(3 cr.) SOCW 6101 Essential Skills for Social Work PracticeThis course is designed for students to gain foundation-level social work skills on the micro, mezzo, and macro levels of social work practice. Students in the course explore how to set professional boundaries and exhibit professional demeanor conducive to social work practice. They further examine appropriate ethical conduct, client engagement, active listening, empathetic responses, and interviewing skills. Students also apply the Generalist Intervention Model in a culturally competent manner through engagement, assessment, planning, implementation, evaluation, termination, and follow-up with individuals, families, groups, organizations and communities.
(5 cr.) SOCW 6200 Human Behavior and the Social Environment IStudents in this foundation course are provided with an understanding of the intersection between the social environment and the healthy lifespan development of individuals, families, groups, and communities. Throughout this course, students increase their comprehension of how the environment and social context serve to mediate or intersect with the healthy development of each individual, family, group, or community. They examine the ways gender, socioeconomic status, sexual orientation, race and ethnicity, and disability impact human development. Students explore human behavior through the lens of human development, environment, and social context.
Prerequisites
- SOCW 6002
- SOCW 6101
(5 cr.) SOCW 6301 Social Work Practice Research IThe goal of this foundation course is to develop students' understanding of the importance of research in relation to social work practice. Students are introduced to various research methods: quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-methods research. Students examine ethical standards as they relate to research, basic principles of scientific method, and research that addresses diverse populations. This basic course is the first of two courses designed to prepare students as scholar-practitioners who use research to inform their ethical social work practice.
Prerequisites
Master of Social Work (MSW) Traditional and Traditional Fast Track Options
- None
Master of Social Work (MSW) for Students Entering Prior to May 31, 2021: Standard and Standard Accelerated Options
- SOCW 6002
- SOCW 6101
- SOCW 6200
- SOCW 6051
- SOCW 6351
(5 cr.) SWLB 0651 Skills Lab IThe Social Work Skills Lab I is a 1-credit, 6-week hybrid class that includes 3 weeks of online content, followed by a 3-day face-to-face intensive/residential component and then closes with 2 weeks of online content. The Social Work Skills Lab I course reinforces the content covered in the MSW Foundation Year courses with an emphasis on generalist skills development, diversity and inclusion, evidence-based practice, ethics, and development of the professional self. Material covered includes practice labs focused on individual engagement and assessment, group development and leadership, and an understanding of how to advocate within organizations and communities. A key component of the skills lab is to prepare and assess students for their readiness to enter the field.
Prerequisites
- SOCW 6002
(1 cr.) SOCW 6051 Diversity, Human Rights, and Social JusticeThis is a foundation course in which students broadly address race and ethnicity, socioeconomic status and class, culture, religion, gender, sexual orientation, ability and disability, and environment in an effort to better understand social identity. Throughout this course, students benefit from course assignments, discussions, and course materials to understand the role of power and privilege and oppression and marginalization on the social development of clients. Students specifically focus on activities that help them recognize systems that support or foster power inequities, oppression, and underutilization of human talent and skills. In addition, students engage in activities to foster self-awareness of their own role in the hierarchy of power and privilege. At the completion of this course, students will understand the importance of social workers developing competence in providing evidence-based contextually and culturally relevant assessments and interventions for individuals, families, groups, and communities.
Prerequisites
- SOCW 6002
- SOCW 6101
(5 cr.) SOCW 6210 Human Behavior and the Social Environment IIThis advanced course is designed to prepare students for clinical social work practice that reflects an advanced understanding of lifespan development and sociopsychological identity development in individuals, families, groups, and communities. Throughout this course, students will use their learning on lifespan development and sociopsychological identity development to understand human behavior and, particularly, individual and family functioning within the environmental context. With an emphasis on ethical practice in social work, students have the opportunity to use this information to inform their assessments, evaluations, interventions, and advocacy for their clients.
Prerequisites
- SOCW 6200
(5 cr.) SOCW 6500 Social Work Field Education IThis is the first foundation course in the four-part field practicum sequence. Students are required to complete 200 hours in an approved social services agency under the supervision of a professional social worker. Through the practicum experience, students are introduced to the role of a professional social worker. Students demonstrate skills in maintaining boundaries and ethics while interacting in a professional manner with clients. Through their participation in a weekly hour-long seminar with their instructor and peers, students demonstrate their integration of classroom knowledge with professional practice skills.
Prerequisites
- SOCW 6002
- SOCW 6101
- SOCW 6200
- SWLB I
- SOCW 6210
- SOCW 6051
(3 cr.) SOCW 6351 Social Policy, Welfare, and ChangeStudents in this foundation course are provided with an overview of the professional social worker's role in the development, delivery, and implementation of social welfare policies, programs, and services in the U.S. The students explore the history of social welfare and current policies and programs, including those addressing poverty, healthcare (including mental health), child welfare, and disabilities. Students develop policy knowledge and skills to assist them in influencing policy development.
Prerequisites
- SOCW 6002
- SOCW 6101
(5 cr.) SOCW 6510 Social Work Field Education IIThis is the second foundation course in the four-part field practicum sequence. As in SOCW 6500, students are again required to complete 200 hours in an approved social services agency under the supervision of a professional social worker. Students have the opportunity to develop and demonstrate skills in engaging clients, developing mutually agreed-upon goals, identifying clients' strengths and needs, completing assessments, and providing professional documentation during the field practicum experience. Students also identify policies at the organizational, local, state, or national level, which impact the client system. Through their participation in a weekly hour-long seminar with their instructor and peers, students demonstrate their integration of classroom knowledge with professional practice skills.
Prerequisites
- SOCW 6301
- SOCW 6500
(3 cr.) SOCW 6060 Social Work Theory and PracticeThis course is designed to provide students with an overview of theories, models, and intervention methods for clinically informed advanced generalist social work practice. Students explore the theories and models for application to working with clients. The emphasis of the course is to understand the assumptions of theories and models and how they guide social work assessment, intervention, and practice evaluation. In addition, students evaluate the strengths and limitations of the various theories, with specific consideration to compatibility of a theory with a client's diverse background and to social work values. Students integrate multiple sources of knowledge to critically evaluate a theory or model's applicability to social work practice.
Prerequisites
Master of Social Work (MSW) Traditional and Traditional Fast Track Options (Also for Students Entering Standard and Accelerated Options Prior to May 31, 2021)
- SOCW 6500
Master of Social Work (MSW) Advanced Standing
- None
(5 cr.) SOCW 6111 Advanced Clinical Social Work Practice IThis is an advanced course designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills to apply clinical social work services. Students in this course focus on the application of evidence-based theories and other intervention methods with individuals and families. There is a particular focus on individuals and families from diverse cultural backgrounds and marginalized or oppressed populations in this course. Students demonstrate therapeutic skills to engage clients, to define and prioritize issues, to set mutually developed goals, and to commit to the change process. Students select, implement, monitor, and evaluate interventions.
Prerequisites
Master of Social Work (MSW) Traditional and Traditional Fast Track Options
- 6510
Master of Social Work (MSW) for Students Entering Prior to May 31, 2021: Standard and Standard Accelerated Options
- SOCW 6500
- SOCW 6510
- SOCW 6060
Master of Social Work (MSW) Advanced Standing
- SOCW 6002
- SOCW 6060
(5 cr.) SOCW 6361 Social Policy: Analysis and AdvocacyStudents are provided with the knowledge to analyze, formulate, and advocate for social policies that advance individual and social well-being in this course. Students explore various methods of policy analysis and develop advocacy plans that involve collaboration with colleagues and communities to address policy issues. There is a special emphasis on policies that impact human rights and advance social and economic justice. Students develop skills in the policy analysis process, including the values that influence policy, the legislative process, and the roles of advocacy and lobbying organizations.
Prerequisites
Master of Social Work (MSW) Traditional and Traditional Fast Track Options
- SOCW 6351
Master of Social Work (MSW) for Students Entering Prior to May 31, 2021: Standard and Standard Accelerated Options
- SOCW 6111
Master of Social Work (MSW) Advanced Standing
- None
(5 cr.) SOCW 6121 Advanced Clinical Social Work Practice IIIn this advanced course, students gain knowledge and skills to apply research-based models, theories, and intervention methods to groups and organizations. The focus of the course is on therapeutic factors in group process and the tasks and skills of the clinical social worker in forming, planning, facilitating, documenting, and evaluating groups. A special emphasis is placed on cultural and gender-sensitive application of social work group practice. There is an added emphasis on empowerment of groups, organizations, and communities. Students explore the structure, role, goals, and impact of organizations, including culturally sensitive management, and the impact of organizations on social welfare and the delivery of human services. Students effectively engage, assess, develop, implement, and evaluate research-based interventions with groups and organizations.
Prerequisites
- SOCW 6111
(5 cr.) SOCW 6311 Social Work Practice Research IIThis advanced course is designed to support students' development as scholar-practitioners in clinical social work. Students identify and apply research that can be used to advance their practice, including social welfare, advocacy, and policy. Throughout the course, students are provided resources and activities designed to help them become critical consumers of research for the sake of ethical, evidence-based clinical social work practice. Students in this course have the opportunity to evaluate research design, research methods, and the applicability of results to diverse populations.
Prerequisites
Master of Social Work (MSW) Traditional and Traditional Fast Track Options (Also for Students Entering Standard and Accelerated Options Prior to May 31, 2021)
- SOCW 6510
- SOCW 6111
- SOCW 6301
Master of Social Work (MSW) Advanced Standing
- SOCW 6111
- SOCW 6361
(5 cr.) SWLB 0652 Skills Lab IIThe Social Work Skills Lab II is a 1-credit, 6-week hybrid class that includes 3 weeks of online content, followed by a 4-day synchronous residential component, and then closes with 2 weeks of online content. Students in the Social Work Skills Lab II reinforce the content covered in the Second Year MSW courses with an emphasis on clinical skills development and advanced topics in diversity and inclusion, evidence-based practice, ethics, and development of the professional self. Material covered includes practice labs focused on clinically informed individual engagement and assessment, group development and leadership, and an understanding of how to advocate within organizations and communities. A key component of the skills lab is to prepare and assess students for their readiness to enter the field.
Prerequisites
Master of Social Work (MSW) Traditional and Traditional Fast Track Options (Also for Students Entering Standard and Accelerated Options Prior to May 31, 2021)
- SOCW 6510
Master of Social Work (MSW) Advanced Standing
- SOCW 6002
(1 cr.) SOCW 6090 Psychopathology and Diagnosis for Social Work PracticeStudents in this course are prepared to identify mental disorders and to understand the necessary professional evaluations needed to formulate a DSM-5 diagnosis in a culturally sensitive and ethical manner. Students are sensitized to the risks and benefits of using diagnosis, with an emphasis on minimizing stigma.Throughout this course, students learn about the most common DSM-5 diagnoses and integrate that knowledge with the use of established diagnostic procedures. In developing a "working diagnosis," students learn to consider differential diagnosis, individualize and capture missing dimensions of an illness (mental status, severity, cultural idioms, and other details) as well as adapting interventions to various ages, races, genders, and cultures. Students learn how to incorporate DSM-5 requirements into a holistic biopsychosocial approach that includes the use of evidence-based assessments to systematically resolve ambiguities in diagnosis and strengthen diagnostic accuracy. Students also practice communicating and coding DSM-5 diagnoses and their supporting evidence to peers. The course uses case materials for direct skill-building.
Prerequisites
- SOCW 6111
(5 cr.) SOCW 6XXX Elective*5 SOCW 6070 Supervision, Leadership, and Administration in Social Work OrganizationsStudents in this advanced course prepare for roles as supervisors, leaders, and administrators in clinical social work. Students examine leadership theory and strategies for leadership development, ethical practice as clinical supervisors, and the roles of administrators in social work organizations. Students participate in activities that develop their skills in critical decision making to address some of the complex problems that face leaders and administrators in social work. As a result of this course, students will understand the competencies of social work supervisors, leaders, and administrators and will identify a plan for their own continued development in these areas.
Prerequisites
- SOCW 6111
- SOCW 6361
- SOCW 6121
- SOCW 6090
(5 cr.) SOCW 6XXX Elective*5 SOCW 6520 Social Work Field Education IIIThis is the third course in the field practicum sequence. It is an advanced course. Students are required to complete 250 (20–24 hours per week) hours in an approved social services agency under the supervision of a professional social worker. There is a focus on agencies that serve clients from diverse populations and/or marginalized or oppressed groups. In this course, students focus on recognizing the importance of clinical social work practice and demonstrating the ability to negotiate and advocate with and on behalf of client systems to enhance client well-being and ensure social and economic justice. Students demonstrate the ability to critically examine research available on interventions, make an appropriate selection, and follow through with the implementation. A seminar is included in which students demonstrate the integration of classroom knowledge with the professional practice skills.
Prerequisites
Master of Social Work (MSW) Traditional and Traditional Fast Track Options (Also for Students Entering Standard and Accelerated Options Prior to May 31, 2021)
- SOCW 6510
- SOCW 6060
- SOCW 6111
- SOCW 6090
- SOCW 6361
- SOCW 6121
- SWLB 0652
- First specialization/elective course
Master of Social Work (MSW) Advanced Standing
- SOCW 6002
- SOCW 6060
- SOCW 6111
- SOCW 6090
- SOCW 6361
- SOCW 6121
- Skills Lab II / SWLB 0652
- First specialization/elective course
(3 cr.) SOCW 6XXX Optional Certificate Course*5 SOCW 6530 Social Work Field Education IVThis is the final course in the four-part field practicum sequence. As in SOCW 6500, SOCW 6510, and SOCW 6520, students in this course are also required to complete 250 hours in an approved social services agency under the supervision of a professional social worker. Through the practicum experience, students are provided with the opportunity to monitor and evaluate therapeutic outcomes and engage in research-based practice. Students demonstrate the ability to provide services to a client or client system, from intake to termination or transfer. Students demonstrate skills in termination; evaluating interventions and outcomes; and disseminating these results and analysis to colleagues, peers, and other practitioners. A seminar is included in which students demonstrate the integration of classroom knowledge with the professional practice skills.
Prerequisites
- All coursework must be completed with the exception of SOCW 6311 and third specialization/elective prior to enrollment in SOCW 6530.
(3 cr.) VIEW ALL COURSES - 92 quarter credits (97 with optional embedded certificate)
-
Completion Requirements
- 52 quarter credits (57 with optional embedded certificate)
- Core courses (35 cr.)
- Elective courses (10 credits required; 15 credits for optional certificate)
- Field Experience (6 cr.)
- One 6-week Skills Lab (1 credit) – 3 weeks of online sessions, 3-day intensive (choose face-to-face or virtual), 2 weeks of online sessions
Courses
Course Code Title Credits SOCW 6361 Social Policy: Analysis and AdvocacyStudents are provided with the knowledge to analyze, formulate, and advocate for social policies that advance individual and social well-being in this course. Students explore various methods of policy analysis and develop advocacy plans that involve collaboration with colleagues and communities to address policy issues. There is a special emphasis on policies that impact human rights and advance social and economic justice. Students develop skills in the policy analysis process, including the values that influence policy, the legislative process, and the roles of advocacy and lobbying organizations.
Prerequisites
Master of Social Work (MSW) Traditional and Traditional Fast Track Options
- SOCW 6351
Master of Social Work (MSW) for Students Entering Prior to May 31, 2021: Standard and Standard Accelerated Options
- SOCW 6111
Master of Social Work (MSW) Advanced Standing
- None
(5 cr.) SOCW 6060 Social Work Theory and PracticeThis course is designed to provide students with an overview of theories, models, and intervention methods for clinically informed advanced generalist social work practice. Students explore the theories and models for application to working with clients. The emphasis of the course is to understand the assumptions of theories and models and how they guide social work assessment, intervention, and practice evaluation. In addition, students evaluate the strengths and limitations of the various theories, with specific consideration to compatibility of a theory with a client's diverse background and to social work values. Students integrate multiple sources of knowledge to critically evaluate a theory or model's applicability to social work practice.
Prerequisites
Master of Social Work (MSW) Traditional and Traditional Fast Track Options (Also for Students Entering Standard and Accelerated Options Prior to May 31, 2021)
- SOCW 6500
Master of Social Work (MSW) Advanced Standing
- None
(5 cr.) SOCW 6111 Advanced Clinical Social Work Practice IThis is an advanced course designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills to apply clinical social work services. Students in this course focus on the application of evidence-based theories and other intervention methods with individuals and families. There is a particular focus on individuals and families from diverse cultural backgrounds and marginalized or oppressed populations in this course. Students demonstrate therapeutic skills to engage clients, to define and prioritize issues, to set mutually developed goals, and to commit to the change process. Students select, implement, monitor, and evaluate interventions.
Prerequisites
Master of Social Work (MSW) Traditional and Traditional Fast Track Options
- 6510
Master of Social Work (MSW) for Students Entering Prior to May 31, 2021: Standard and Standard Accelerated Options
- SOCW 6500
- SOCW 6510
- SOCW 6060
Master of Social Work (MSW) Advanced Standing
- SOCW 6002
- SOCW 6060
(5 cr.) SOCW 6XXX Elective*5 SOCW 6121 Advanced Clinical Social Work Practice IIIn this advanced course, students gain knowledge and skills to apply research-based models, theories, and intervention methods to groups and organizations. The focus of the course is on therapeutic factors in group process and the tasks and skills of the clinical social worker in forming, planning, facilitating, documenting, and evaluating groups. A special emphasis is placed on cultural and gender-sensitive application of social work group practice. There is an added emphasis on empowerment of groups, organizations, and communities. Students explore the structure, role, goals, and impact of organizations, including culturally sensitive management, and the impact of organizations on social welfare and the delivery of human services. Students effectively engage, assess, develop, implement, and evaluate research-based interventions with groups and organizations.
Prerequisites
- SOCW 6111
(5 cr.) SOCW 6090 Psychopathology and Diagnosis for Social Work PracticeStudents in this course are prepared to identify mental disorders and to understand the necessary professional evaluations needed to formulate a DSM-5 diagnosis in a culturally sensitive and ethical manner. Students are sensitized to the risks and benefits of using diagnosis, with an emphasis on minimizing stigma.Throughout this course, students learn about the most common DSM-5 diagnoses and integrate that knowledge with the use of established diagnostic procedures. In developing a "working diagnosis," students learn to consider differential diagnosis, individualize and capture missing dimensions of an illness (mental status, severity, cultural idioms, and other details) as well as adapting interventions to various ages, races, genders, and cultures. Students learn how to incorporate DSM-5 requirements into a holistic biopsychosocial approach that includes the use of evidence-based assessments to systematically resolve ambiguities in diagnosis and strengthen diagnostic accuracy. Students also practice communicating and coding DSM-5 diagnoses and their supporting evidence to peers. The course uses case materials for direct skill-building.
Prerequisites
- SOCW 6111
(5 cr.) SWLB 0652 Skills Lab IIThe Social Work Skills Lab II is a 1-credit, 6-week hybrid class that includes 3 weeks of online content, followed by a 4-day synchronous residential component, and then closes with 2 weeks of online content. Students in the Social Work Skills Lab II reinforce the content covered in the Second Year MSW courses with an emphasis on clinical skills development and advanced topics in diversity and inclusion, evidence-based practice, ethics, and development of the professional self. Material covered includes practice labs focused on clinically informed individual engagement and assessment, group development and leadership, and an understanding of how to advocate within organizations and communities. A key component of the skills lab is to prepare and assess students for their readiness to enter the field.
Prerequisites
Master of Social Work (MSW) Traditional and Traditional Fast Track Options (Also for Students Entering Standard and Accelerated Options Prior to May 31, 2021)
- SOCW 6510
Master of Social Work (MSW) Advanced Standing
- SOCW 6002
(1 cr.) SOCW 6070 Supervision, Leadership, and Administration in Social Work OrganizationsStudents in this advanced course prepare for roles as supervisors, leaders, and administrators in clinical social work. Students examine leadership theory and strategies for leadership development, ethical practice as clinical supervisors, and the roles of administrators in social work organizations. Students participate in activities that develop their skills in critical decision making to address some of the complex problems that face leaders and administrators in social work. As a result of this course, students will understand the competencies of social work supervisors, leaders, and administrators and will identify a plan for their own continued development in these areas.
Prerequisites
- SOCW 6111
- SOCW 6361
- SOCW 6121
- SOCW 6090
(5 cr.) SOCW 6XXX Elective*5 SOCW 6520 Social Work Field Education IIIThis is the third course in the field practicum sequence. It is an advanced course. Students are required to complete 250 (20–24 hours per week) hours in an approved social services agency under the supervision of a professional social worker. There is a focus on agencies that serve clients from diverse populations and/or marginalized or oppressed groups. In this course, students focus on recognizing the importance of clinical social work practice and demonstrating the ability to negotiate and advocate with and on behalf of client systems to enhance client well-being and ensure social and economic justice. Students demonstrate the ability to critically examine research available on interventions, make an appropriate selection, and follow through with the implementation. A seminar is included in which students demonstrate the integration of classroom knowledge with the professional practice skills.
Prerequisites
Master of Social Work (MSW) Traditional and Traditional Fast Track Options (Also for Students Entering Standard and Accelerated Options Prior to May 31, 2021)
- SOCW 6510
- SOCW 6060
- SOCW 6111
- SOCW 6090
- SOCW 6361
- SOCW 6121
- SWLB 0652
- First specialization/elective course
Master of Social Work (MSW) Advanced Standing
- SOCW 6002
- SOCW 6060
- SOCW 6111
- SOCW 6090
- SOCW 6361
- SOCW 6121
- Skills Lab II / SWLB 0652
- First specialization/elective course
(3 cr.) SOCW 6311 Social Work Practice Research IIThis advanced course is designed to support students' development as scholar-practitioners in clinical social work. Students identify and apply research that can be used to advance their practice, including social welfare, advocacy, and policy. Throughout the course, students are provided resources and activities designed to help them become critical consumers of research for the sake of ethical, evidence-based clinical social work practice. Students in this course have the opportunity to evaluate research design, research methods, and the applicability of results to diverse populations.
Prerequisites
Master of Social Work (MSW) Traditional and Traditional Fast Track Options (Also for Students Entering Standard and Accelerated Options Prior to May 31, 2021)
- SOCW 6510
- SOCW 6111
- SOCW 6301
Master of Social Work (MSW) Advanced Standing
- SOCW 6111
- SOCW 6361
(5 cr.) SOCW 6530 Social Work Field Education IVThis is the final course in the four-part field practicum sequence. As in SOCW 6500, SOCW 6510, and SOCW 6520, students in this course are also required to complete 250 hours in an approved social services agency under the supervision of a professional social worker. Through the practicum experience, students are provided with the opportunity to monitor and evaluate therapeutic outcomes and engage in research-based practice. Students demonstrate the ability to provide services to a client or client system, from intake to termination or transfer. Students demonstrate skills in termination; evaluating interventions and outcomes; and disseminating these results and analysis to colleagues, peers, and other practitioners. A seminar is included in which students demonstrate the integration of classroom knowledge with the professional practice skills.
Prerequisites
- All coursework must be completed with the exception of SOCW 6311 and third specialization/elective prior to enrollment in SOCW 6530.
(3 cr.) SOCW 6XXX Optional Certificate Course*5 VIEW ALL COURSES - 52 quarter credits (57 with optional embedded certificate)
Focus Areas and Embedded Certificates
Focus Areas
Walden’s online Master of Social Work program allows you to customize your studies by filling the two open elective slots with courses from various relevant focus areas. Choose courses from different areas—or focus your electives by choosing both courses from a single area. Our five MSW focus areas are:
- Addictions
- Child and Family
- Healthcare
- Military
- Trauma
Embedded Certificates
If you want to take your studies a step further, you can add a third course (5 credits) from a single focus area and earn an optional embedded certificate along with your MSW degree.
Learn Through Hands-On Experience
Walden’s online Master of Social Work program combines practical and relevant curriculum with engaging classroom tools and experiences. Build valuable skills and instincts in a safe—yet highly authentic—environment and prepare for real encounters in the field. Engage in interactive online scenarios and other simulations that reflect actual situations social workers face.
You’ll also hone your skills in two immersive Skills Labs (available virtually) that give you the opportunity to meet faculty and peers and prepare for your field placement.
Lastly, you’ll put what you’ve learned into action through field practice experiences, where you’ll work with real clients under the supervision of a professional social worker. Enter the field with confidence, knowing you’ve practiced doing what social workers do every day.
Be Immersed in Diversity
Diversity, equity, and inclusion are at the heart of our online social work program. Engaging with a diverse community of faculty and classmates—all with varied experiences, voices, and worldviews—will help you broaden your cultural and social perspectives. You'll gain the insights and empathy to be a more effective social work practitioner and make a meaningful impact in people’s lives.
Admission Requirements
Program Admission Considerations: A bachelor's degree or higher. For the Advanced Standing option, students must have a BSW from a CSWE-accredited program with a GPA of at least 3.0.
General Admission Requirements: Completed online application, transcripts, and Acknowledgement Statement. Speak to an Enrollment Specialist who will guide you through the application process. More information for international applicants.
Mission
The online Master of Social Work (MSW) program prepares scholar-practitioners who demonstrate culturally responsive ethical, evidence-based practice with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities. The curriculum emphasizes cultural humility within a strengths-based, generalist intervention model and provides advanced clinical skills needed for specialized practice. The program prepares students to be change agents within and beyond their local communities and to advocate for social justice on behalf of diverse populations, with particular attention to people who are vulnerable and/or oppressed.
-
Curriculum Component Requirements Cost amount Tuition 92 quarter credit hours
97 quarter credit hours
with certificate$482 per credit hour $44,344
$46,754
Skills Lab Fee Two in program Included (travel, lodging, and other expenses are additional
if the face- to-face option is selected.)$0 (virtual option)
Technology Fee Per quarter – Standard
Per quarter – with optional Certificate
$160 $1,760
$1,920
Standard
with Certificate
$46,104*
$48,674*
*Tuition reflects the minimum time to completion. Time to completion varies by student, depending on individual progress and credits transferred, if applicable. Tuition and time to complete may be reduced if transfer credits are accepted, or if you receive grants, scholarships or other tuition reductions. Walden may accept up to 30 transfer credits. For a personalized estimate of the number of your transfer credits that Walden would accept,, call an Enrollment Specialist at 855-646-5286.
Tuition and fees are subject to change. Books and materials are not included and may cost between $2,500 to $3,500. The tuition reflects the minimum time to completion, which can vary by student, depending on individual progress.
If you are planning to enroll in 3 courses per quarter, the costs may be more than your financial aid offer per quarter.1
-
Curriculum Component Requirements Cost amount Tuition 52 quarter credit hours
57 quarter credit hours with certificate
$482 per credit hour $25,064
$27,474
Skills Lab Fee One in program
(face-to-face and virtual options available)Included (travel, lodging and other expenses
are additional if the face- to-face option is selected$0 (virtual option) Technology Fee Per quarter – standard
Per quarter – with optional certificate
$160 $1,120
$1,280
with certificate
$26,184*
$28,754*
* Tuition reflects the minimum time to completion. Time to completion varies by student, depending on a variety of factors, such as individual progress, selected electives, and credits transferred, if applicable. Tuition and time to complete may be reduced if transfer credits are accepted, or if you receive grants, scholarships or other tuition reductions. Walden may accept up to 10 transfer credits. For a personalized estimate of the number of your transfer credits that Walden would accept, call an Enrollment Specialist at 855-646-5286.
Tuition and fees are subject to change. Books and materials are not included and may cost between $1,500 to $2,500. The tuition reflects the minimum time to completion, which can vary by student, depending on individual progress.
If you are planning to enroll in 3 courses per quarter, the costs may be more than your financial aid offer per quarter.1
FINANCIAL AID
Many Walden degree-seeking students—67%—receive some form of financial aid.* Create a customized plan that makes sense for you.
*Source: Walden University’s Office of Financial Aid. Data reports as of 2018.
Find Ways to SaveProgram Savings
Receive up to a $2,400 Walden Leading Social Change Grant if you reside in the U.S. and start this program on November 29, 2021. Contact one of our Enrollment Specialists to learn more.
Get Started NowWhat’s the Career Impact of Earning an MSW Online?
Pursue your passion for helping others live better lives while you build a career for yourself. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, demand for social work professionals is expected to increase 13% by 2029—faster than the national average for all occupations.2
Earning your master’s degree in social work can give you the knowledge and skills you need to increase your impact and expand your career options. Social work professionals are sought by employers nationwide, especially in industries such as healthcare, substance abuse treatment, and mental health care.2
An online MSW degree can help prepare you to pursue career options such as:2
- Child, family, and school social workers
- Healthcare social workers
- Mental health and substance abuse social workers
- Social workers, other
13%
by 2029, faster than the national average.290,700
additional social work jobs are expected to be available through 2029.2An online MSW degree can prepare you to work in a variety of settings, including:
- General medical and surgical hospitals
- Offices of other healthcare practitioners
- Individual and family services
- Insurance companies
Career options may require additional experience, training, licensure or other factors beyond the successful completion of this online Master of Social Work program.
Read our Master of Social Work Program Outcome Report.
Learning Outcomes
As a graduate of Walden’s Master of Social Work program, you will be prepared to:
- Develop a professional orientation and identity as a social worker.
- Apply legal and ethical standards in the administration of social work.
- Apply principles of advocacy that promote cultural understanding and positive social change in individuals, communities, and society.
- Utilize evidence-based research and critical thinking skills to inform practice in meeting the needs of diverse clientele.
- Synthesize and apply theories of human growth and development to develop culturally responsive social work practices.
- Apply knowledge and skills in the areas of engagement, assessment, intervention, and evaluation with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities.
