Social Work

Master of Social Work (M.S.W.)

Social Work (M.S.W.)

More Information

For questions about registration and learning in Brighton and Colorado Springs:

Karima Bounini
Continuing Education
(303) 376-2617
kbounini@learn.colostate.edu

For curriculum and academic advising questions:

Nancy A. Banman, Ph.D.
School of Social Work
(970) 491-0996
nbanman@colostate.edu

For admissions questions:

Peter Friedrichsen
School of Social Work
(970) 491-2536
Peter.Friedrichsen@colostate.edu

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Degree Requirements and Curriculum

Requirements

Colorado State University teaches a nationally recognized advanced generalist curriculum. The first year of the three-year regular program consists of foundation courses that follow the core areas of social work practice, human behavior and the social environment, social welfare policy and services, social science research, and a field placement in a human service agency. Other required content includes social work values and ethics, populations at risk, diversity, and social and economic justice.

During the second year of the regular program and the first year of the advanced standing program, the concentration courses build on the foundation courses to include advanced content on individual practice, group and family practice, community practice, organizational practice, social welfare policy, and organizational research. The concentration year includes a 720-hour field placement, which will be secured for you in the community in which you reside.

There are two programs within the Master of Social Work that you may choose from. Both of these programs graduate together.

Regular

The regular program is for anyone interested in social work who does not have a bachelor's degree in social work.

  • For students who have earned a 4-year undergraduate degree and are currently employed in the human services areas or are career changers.
  • Three-year, part-time program.
  • 62 credits over nine semesters.

Advanced Standing

The advanced standing program is for students who have already earned a bachelor's in social work and worked in the field within the past 7 years.

  • Two-year, part-time program.
  • 40 credits over six semesters.
  • Joins the Regular Admission cohort one year after it begins.

View the admission and application information for detailed admission requirements.

Curriculum

Year 1 - Regular Admission Students Only

  • SOWK 500 - Principles & Philosophy of Social Work (3 cr.)
  • SOWK 510 - Theoretical Analysis of Small Client Systems (3 cr.)
  • SOWK 511 - Generalist Practice, Small Client Systems (3 cr.)
  • SOWK 512 - Small Client Systems Skills Lab (1 cr.)
  • SOWK 600 - Methods of Research I (3 cr.)
  • SOWK 610 - Theoretical Analysis of Large Client Systems (3 cr.)

Year 2

Regular Admission Students Only
  • SOWK 520 - Social Welfare Policy Analysis (3 cr.)
  • SOWK 588 - Field Placement (6 cr. over two semesters)
  • SOWK 611 - Generalist Practice, Large Client Systems (3 cr.)
Advanced Standing Students Only
  • SOWK 680A1 - Generalist Practice – Micro (3 cr.)
  • SOWK 610 - Generalist Practice – Macro (3 cr.)
All Students
  • SOWK 601 - Methods of Research II (3 cr.)
  • SOWK 688 - Advanced Field Placement (4 cr.)
  • SOWK 630A - Advanced Generalist Practice - Individuals (2 cr.)
  • SOWK 632 - Advanced Organizational Practice (2 cr.)

Year 3 - All Students

  • SOWK 688 - Advanced Field Placement (11 cr.)
  • SOWK 630B - Advanced Generalist Practice: Family (2 cr.)
  • SOWK 630C - Advanced Generalist Practice: Groups (2 cr.)
  • SOWK 602A - Macro-Level Practice Research (2 cr.)
    OR
    SOWK 603A - Direct Service Assessment and Evaluation (2 cr.)
  • SOWK 631 - Advanced Community Practice (2 cr.)
  • SOWK 633 - Advanced Social Welfare Policy Analysis (2 cr.)
  • SOWK 602B - Macro-Level Practice Research (2 cr.)
    OR
    SOWK 603B - Direct Service Assessment and Evaluation (2 cr.)

The Learning Experience

80% of the instruction is received face-to-face and is classroom-based with the other 20% delivered using distance methods. Both Regular Admission and Advanced Standing cohorts meet one weekend per month, four weekends per semester. The first weekend of the semester is typically held in Fort Collins. The subsequent three weekends are held in Brighton for the Brighton cohort or Colorado Springs for the Colorado Springs cohort. There are three semesters of course work each year.

Learn from faculty who are committed to educational and professional excellence and who work in a collaborative and collegial relationship with students. Our diverse faculty has extensive social work experience in child welfare, mental health, disabilities, social policy, human service administration, community and organizational change, populations at risk, and research.

Degree at a Glance

Brighton and Fort Collins

Accepting applications through October 1, 2009 with the next cohort beginning in January 2010. Apply now!

Location

Brighton Learning Center
1850 Egbert St.
Brighton, CO 80601

Each course meets four weekends per semester, three weekends in Brighton and one weekend in Fort Collins.

Tuition

– $444 per credit
– $27,528 for Regular Admssion students
– $17,760 for Advanced Standing students
(financial aid available)

Colorado Springs and Fort Collins

The next Colorado Springs cohort begins January 2012.

Each course meets four weekends per semester, three weekends in Colorado Springs and one weekend in Fort Collins.

Delivery

In addition to face-to-face instruction, instructional hours will be delivered online through web-based learning. Students will need a computer with internet access in order to participate in online courses as well as have access to a VCR.

Total Credits

– 62 credits for the three-year regular program
– 40 credits for the two-year advanced standing program

Time Frame

This program is either two or three years depending on your eligibility. Refer to the Admission and Application page for more information.

Designed For

Individuals working in human services who want to increase their professional skills and earning potential, those who are interested in a career in social work and want to broaden their knowledge base from an advanced generalist perspective, working professionals or students who are interested in a part-time degree program without interruption of their work schedule, individuals seeking a career change to expand opportunities and increase marketability.

What You Will Earn

You will earn the same regionally accredited Colorado State University degree that a student on the Fort Collins campus is awarded. Your diploma and transcript are identical to those given to on-campus students.