Social Work - MSW
About This Degree
The MSW degree is built on the advanced generalist philosophy and framework, which allows graduates to practice as social workers in a wide variety of environments.
This means that rather than being limited to a specific type of graduate social work program, such as medical social work or child and family social work, students are able to use their degree to work in many different areas. Accordingly, the program instills in students the advanced generalist practice knowledge and skills essential to promoting social welfare, especially among vulnerable populations, in institutions such as education, health, employment, housing, and criminal justice. The department’s conceptualization of advanced generalist social work education emphasizes direct practice skills.
The advanced generalist model was adopted at USU for several reasons:
- It fits well with Utah State University’s land-grant heritage and mission that mandates providing educational access to diverse statewide communities
- Many of Utah’s communities are rural, where the need for MSW-level social workers is particularly acute, but access to MSW programs is severely limited
- Studies have supported the efficacy of the generalist and advanced generalist curriculum not only for rural practice, but for practice in other settings as well.
Utah State University’s master of social work program is offered in both a full-time and part-time option. The two-year, full-time program is available to those attending the main USU campus in Logan. The three-year, part-time program is currently available at other locations throughout the state of Utah.
The MSW program admits students to the traditional full-time and part-time programs every year, with classes beginning in Fall (late August.) The full-time Advanced Standing program begins coursework summer semester (early May) and the part-time Advanced Standing program begins coursework in the Spring semester (early January.) Those interested in applying for one or more of these programs should contact the social work office to learn when the next application cycle begins.
ADVISING
At a Glance
College: College of Humanities and Social Sciences
Department: Social Work Department
USU Locations:
- Logan campus
- Statewide campuses
Program Requirements
Career And Outcomes
Career Opportunities
A MSW is necessary to provide clinical services (e.g., psychotherapy) and for advancement to supervisory or administrative positions.
With an MSW, you will be able to work in the following areas:
- Public welfare (administration and planning, case management, program evaluation, policy setting, public interest groups)
- Criminal justice/corrections (counseling/therapy, rehabilitation, probation, parole, youth services, victim assistance, courts)
- School social work (clinical social work, pupil personnel services, student advocacy, instruction)
- Child welfare (case management, advocacy, intervention)
- Family Services (adoption agencies, foster care organizations, etc.)
- Private Practice (or private social service agencies)
- Gerontology (advocacy/intervention, counseling, case management, programming, public policy)
- Clinical (counseling, therapy, community mental health centers, community residential homes, residential treatment centers, substance abuse treatment programs)
- Administration (management, policy development, planning)
- Local, State, and Federal Government (courts, school systems, etc.)
- Occupational (counseling, education, wellness promotion, employee assistance, organizational development, human resources, labor unions, health maintenance organizations (HMOs))
- Developmental disabilities (case management, program planning and evaluation, policy development)
- Health care (case management, counseling, program development, administration, research)
- Community organization (program and community development, advocacy, politics, education, planning)
Job Outlook
USU Locations
LOGAN CAMPUS
*This degree is available at various USU locations.
Admission
Admission Requirements
Students from any undergraduate major can apply to this program. However, they must have completed at least 21 credits of coursework in the social/behavioral sciences.
Application Requirements:
- Complete the online application
- Pay the $55 application fee
- No Graduate Entrance Exam Required
- Provide transcripts of all college/university credits
- Provide three contacts for letters of recommendation
- Provide a personal statement – The statement will be used to assess your creativity, critical thinking, self-awareness, and writing skills; instructions for completing this form can be found at the program website
- Provide a resume
- Work experience is highly desirable but not required
International students have additional admissions requirements.
Deadlines
There are four different tracks for the Master of Social Work program. Application deadlines are as follows:
- Full-Time Advanced Standing (1-Year) - September 1st - If admitted students can expect to begin classes the following summer semester
- Full-Time Traditional (2-Year) - November 1st - If admitted students can expect to begin classes the following fall semester
- Part-Time Traditional (3-Year) - February 1st - If admitted students can expect to begin classes the following fall semester
- Part-Time Advanced Standing (1.5 Year) - July 1st - If admitted students can expect to begin classes the following spring semester.
For more information regarding semester start dates, refer to the USU Academic Calendar.
Program Requirements
Students in the 2 and 3 year traditional programs must complete two practicum experiences.
The first practicum experience will total a minimum of 450 hours and the second will total a minimum of 524 hours. Students in the 1 and 1.5 year advanced-standing programs will complete one practicum experience with a total minimum of 524 hours.
The Social Work Department will help students to find appropriate placement. Students should not establishment a practicum placement without faculty oversight.
Plan Options
Students receiving the MSW must complete this plan option:
- The Plan C option, which consists of coursework and two practicum experiences; there is no thesis requirement.
Financial Aid
The MSW program's tuition and fees are structured unique to the program, for more information view the details for the track you are interested in at the MSW Website.
Students apply for program financial assistance after they have been admitted. Limited financial assistance is available in the form of scholarships, stipends, and research assistantships.
A variety of funding opportunities are available on the graduate school website.
Take The Next Step
How to Apply
View our step-by-step guide on how to become an Aggie.
Request Information
Contact the School of Graduate Studies to ask questions or receive more information.
Cost and Funding
Calculate the cost of graduate school and learn about funding opportunities.
You May Also Be Interested In
Neuroscience
The primary goal of the doctoral program in neuroscience is to provide students with a strong educational and research foundation in cellular, cognitive and behavioral neuroscience.
Psychology
Collaborate with faculty on a wide variety of research projects in psychology in one of the nation’s highest ranked graduate colleges.
Rehabilitation Counseling
Graduate from the highest-ranked program at USU with job possibilities in mental health, addiction, and disability care facilities. Students with any undergraduate major can apply.
Sociology
Earn a graduate degree that prepares you for a career in sociological academia and research in one of the country’s top programs in environmental and natural resource sociology.