Social Work, MSW

Location(s): California Campus, Online

The Penn West Master of Social Work (MSW) program is offered in two modalities: 100% asynchronous online or hybrid at the California campus. The mission of the Penn West MSW Program is to deliver an innovative, student-focused curriculum that embodies trauma informed principles, centers diversity and social justice, and models professionalism.  The MSW Program prepares students to respond professionally and creatively to the increasingly complex matrix of human needs and strengths in a changing society. The program also prepares students to work in direct and indirect practice and develops students’ leadership capacities. The MSW curriculum promotes an understanding and appreciation of cultural diversity and its importance to competent advanced generalist practice with a trauma informed lens.

Student Learning Outcomes

Demonstrate ethical and responsible behavior.
Engage diversity, equity, and inclusion in practice.
Advance human rights and social, economic and environmental justice.
Engage in practice-informed research and research-informed practice.
Engage in policy practice.
Engage with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities.
Assess individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities.
Intervene with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities.
Evaluate practice with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities.

Curriculum Requirements

Core

SOWK 6000 - Intro to Trauma-Informed Field Practice Credit Hours: 3
SOWK 6100 - Human Behavior and Social Environment (HBSE) Credit Hours: 3
SOWK 6200 - Diversity, Equity & Anti-Oppressive Practice Credit Hours: 3
SOWK 6300 - Social Work Practice with Individuals Credit Hours: 3
SOWK 6400 - Social Work Practice with Families and Groups Credit Hours: 3
SOWK 6600 - Foundations in Social Work Policy Credit Hours: 3
SOWK 6700 - Social Work Research Credit Hours: 3
SOWK 6800 - Foundation Social Work Field Credit Hours: 3 OR 6

Total Core Credits Required: 27

Required Advanced

SOWK 7600 - Practice in Advanced Social Work Policy Credit Hours: 3
SOWK 7700 - Trauma-Informed Practice Evauation Credit Hours: 3
SOWK 7800 - Advanced Social Work Field I Credit Hours: 3 OR 6
SOWK 7810 - Advanced Social Work Field II Credit Hours: 3 or 6
SOWK 7100 - Differential Assessment & Psychopathology Credit Hours: 3
SOWK 7300 - Social Work Practice w/ Organizations & Communities Credit Hours: 3

Total Advanced Credits Required: 24

Related Electives (choose 3 courses)

SOWK 7510 - Social Work Administration Credit Hours: 3
SOWK 7520 - Trauma Theory & Interventions Credit Hours: 3
SOWK 7530 - Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Credit Hours: 3
SOWK 7540 - SW Practice in Substance Use & Addictive Disorders Credit Hours: 3
SOWK 7550 - Social Work Practice in Mental Health Credit Hours: 3
SOWK 7560 - Social Work Practice in Aging Credit Hours: 3
SOWK 7570 - Social Work Practice in Health Care Credit Hours: 3
SOWK 7580 - Social Work Practice in Justice Systems Credit Hours: 3
SOWK 7590 - Social Work Practice with Children and Youth Credit Hours: 3
SOWK 7599 - Special Topics in Social Work Credit Hours: 3