George Mason's accredited Master of Social Work (MSW) program equips students with a foundation of generalist social work knowledge and skills that emphasizes equity, inclusion, antiracism, anti-oppression, and trauma-informed practice and systems transformation. This foundation equips students to enhance human well-being and to promote social and economic justice and human rights through ethical professional practice with culturally diverse individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities.
Once the generalist curriculum (30 credit hours) is complete, students choose a specialization in Children, Youth, and Families (CYF) or Adults and Healthy Aging (AHA). Graduates will be prepared to strengthen their communities, stimulate positive change through advocacy, social, and political action, and help meet local, national, and global challenges. All social work students are expected to abide by the Code of Ethics of the National Association of Social Workers. No academic credit towards practicum experience or coursework is given based on previous work or life experience.
Students are required to successfully complete 1,050 hours of supervised practicum in agencies approved by the Department of Social Work: 450 hours during the generalist year and 600 hours during the specialized practice year. Practicum placements generally require availability during regular daytime hours. The Department of Social Work will make reasonable efforts to work with a student to secure an appropriate practicum placement, but it does not guarantee a placement.
Program Format
The MSW degree is offered via a regular on-campus or fully online delivery format. The curriculum in both programs are the same, but students must matriculate through only one pathway. Separate application processes are used for on-campus and online programs. On-campus students can complete their degree in a two-, three-, or four-year plan of study. All courses are sequenced and must be taken in the order designated. Students should meet with their academic advisor to ensure timely completion of all degree requirements. The fully online program is offered in a flexible 8-week schedule format, and courses are taken in a prescribed sequence, one at a time, except during semesters when students are in their practicum.
Admissions
Requirements
Applicants must meet the admission standards and application requirements specified in Graduate Admissions and apply using the online Application for Graduate Admission. The application process is competitive, and applications for the on-campus program are considered for the fall semester only. In addition to holding an undergraduate degree from an institution of higher education accredited by a Mason-recognized U.S. institutional accrediting agency or international equivalent, applicants must have a minimum of 30 undergraduate credits in the liberal arts to include at least 3 credits in each of the following: English composition, history or government, social sciences, and statistics. For application deadlines and detailed application requirements, please refer to the College of Public Health Admissions website.
Requirements for MSW students with Advanced Standing
Students with a BSW degree who demonstrate superior academic achievement and excellence in social work practice may apply for advanced standing. Advanced standing students begin the MSW Program in the summer and upon successfully completing SOCW 674, move directly into the specialized practice curriculum. Advanced standing students must successfully complete 600 hours of supervised practicum in agencies approved by the Department of Social Work.
All other academic policies for the advanced standing program are identical to those for the traditional MSW Program.
Advanced standing applicants must meet the admission standards and application requirements specified in Graduate Admissions and must apply using the online Application for Graduate Admission. The application process is competitive, and applications are considered for the fall admissions cycle only, with advanced standing students beginning courses in the summer. In addition to holding a BSW in Social Work earned within the past five years from a program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education, applicants must have a minimum of 30 undergraduate credits in the liberal arts to include at least 3 credits in each of the following: English composition, history or government, social sciences, and statistics. For application deadlines and detailed application requirements, refer to the College of Public Health Admissions website.
Policies
Academic Load
To ensure timely degree completion, the MSW program requires full-time students to complete an overload of 15 credits each fall and spring semester over two years. Students are supported through their Faculty Advisor, Student Services Coordinator, and MSW Program Director.
Transfer of Credit
Students may transfer a maximum of 29 graduate credits successfully completed with a B minus or better at another CSWE-accredited MSW program into the Mason MSW program. Only 6 credits may be from specialization year studies.
Transfer of credit is governed by AP 6.5 Credit by Exam or Transfer and must be approved by the program director and academic dean. Students must note on the MSW Departmental Form and MSW Application Checklist that they are applying as transfer students.
Non-Degree Students
Admission to the on-campus MSW program is offered once a year for the fall semester only. Non-degree students may apply through the Office of Admissions and be admitted in the fall and spring and, as space allows, enroll in classes as appropriate. Please contact the program director for more information.
Program Requirements
Students must earn a grade of B- or above in each course and must achieve a GPA of 3.0 over all courses applied to the degree. A prerequisite must be satisfied with a B- or better before registering for the next course in a sequence. A course in which the student earns a C may be repeated once. No more than 6 total credits of C may be repeated overall.
Social work faculty members evaluate each student's performance periodically and may terminate the student from the program when, in their judgment, performance is not satisfactory. The decision is based on the quality of academic and practicum performance, as well as on personal fitness for the profession of social work. The student has the right to appeal.
A student with a criminal history may find it difficult to obtain a practicum placement in a human service agency depending on the specific charge. It is possible that a student with a criminal background may not be able to be placed in a practicum or complete their degree program. The Criminal Background Policy is available on the Social Work Department website.
Insurance Coverage
Students engaged in internships are covered for liability under the Commonwealth of Virginia's Self-Insured Liability Insurance Plan and covered for medical malpractice under the Medical Malpractice Insurance Plan, as established by the Department of General Services, Division of Risk Management. Only practicum activities that have been determined by the Practicum Site Instructor to be part of the course are covered. Students are encouraged to obtain professional liability coverage through the National Association of Social Workers, although this additional coverage is optional.
Immunizations
All students who are enrolled in a course that requires a practicum placement (SOCW 672, SOCW 673, SOCW 696, SOCW 698) must have an annual tuberculosis screening (PPD). In addition, students must complete the entire Hepatitis B immunization series in accordance with current U.S. Public Health Service recommendations. Any cost related to these requirements is the responsibility of the student. Students can register for Social Work Practicum and Seminar classes prior to the completion of the immunizations, but documentation of completion must be submitted to the Social Work Department office no later than one month after the beginning of the semester. Immunizations are program requirements and must be completed by the student even if they are not required by the agency.
Degree Requirements
Total credits: 60
In order to graduate with the MSW degree, students must successfully complete the generalist courses and the courses for one specialization. Before beginning Specialization Courses, students must complete all Generalist Courses.
Generalist Courses
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| SOCW 600 | Foundations of Social Work and Social Welfare | 3 |
| SOCW 623 | Human Behavior and Social Systems | 3 |
| SOCW 644 | Community Practice Across the Life Course | 3 |
| SOCW 656 | Poverty, Oppression, and Inequity | 3 |
| SOCW 659 | Organizing and Advocating for Change | 3 |
| SOCW 660 | Foundations of Direct Practice | 3 |
| SOCW 671 | Research Methods for Social Workers | 3 |
| SOCW 672 | Generalist Social Work Practicum and Seminar I | 3 |
| SOCW 673 | Generalist Social Work Practicum Education and Seminar II | 3 |
| SOCW 674 | Psychopathology | 3 |
| Total Credits | 30 | |
Specialization in Children, Youth, and Families (CYF)
Core Courses
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| GCH 500 | Foundations of Public Health | 3 |
| SOCW 630 | Clinical Social Work in Forensic Settings | 3 |
| SOCW 683 | Clinical Practice with Children, Youth, and Families | 3 |
| SOCW 688 | Program Evaluation for Social Workers | 3 |
| SOCW 696 | Specialization Practicum Education and Seminar I | 3 |
| SOCW 698 | Specialization Social Work Practicum and Seminar II | 3 |
| Total Credits | 18 | |
Specialization in Adults and Healthy Aging (AHA)
Core Courses
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| GCH 500 | Foundations of Public Health | 3 |
| SOCW 640 | Clinical Practice with Adults | 3 |
| SOCW 688 | Program Evaluation for Social Workers | 3 |
| SOCW 689 | Clinical Practice with Older Adults | 3 |
| SOCW 696 | Specialization Practicum Education and Seminar I | 3 |
| SOCW 698 | Specialization Social Work Practicum and Seminar II | 3 |
| Total Credits | 18 | |
Macro Elective Courses
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Select 1-3 courses from the following: | 3-9 | |
| Immigration Policy | ||
| Social Policy for Children and Youth | ||
| Aging Programs and Policies | ||
| Global Human Rights Policy | ||
| Selected Topics in Social Work and Social Change | ||
| Social Work and the Law | ||
| Organizational Leadership for Social Workers | ||
Other course with permission of chair | ||
| Total Credits | 3-9 | |
Clinical Elective Courses
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Select 0-3 courses from the following: | 0-9 | |
| Social Work Practice in Schools | ||
| Creative Arts in Social Work Practice | ||
| Advanced Group Theory and Practice | ||
| Interpersonal Violence | ||
| Selected Topics in Clinical Practice | ||
| Family Therapy | ||
| Trauma and Recovery | ||
| Military Social Work | ||
| Substance Use Interventions | ||
| Advanced Trauma Theory and Practice | ||
| Behavioral Health Interventions Across Systems | ||
Other course with permission of chair | ||
| Total Credits | 0-9 | |
MSW for Students with Advanced Standing
In order to graduate with the MSW degree, advanced standing students must successfully complete the generalist course (SOCW 674) in the summer prior to beginning or their first semester in the specialization curriculum.
Generalist Course
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| SOCW 674 | Psychopathology 1 | 3 |
| Total Credits | 3 | |
- 1
MSW Advanced Standing students are awarded 27 SOCW graduate credits upon completion of SOCW 674 Psychopathology.
Specialization in Children, Youth, and Families (CYF)
Core Courses
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| GCH 500 | Foundations of Public Health | 3 |
| SOCW 630 | Clinical Social Work in Forensic Settings | 3 |
| SOCW 683 | Clinical Practice with Children, Youth, and Families | 3 |
| SOCW 688 | Program Evaluation for Social Workers | 3 |
| SOCW 696 | Specialization Practicum Education and Seminar I | 3 |
| SOCW 698 | Specialization Social Work Practicum and Seminar II | 3 |
| Total Credits | 18 | |
Specialization in Adults and Healthy Aging (AHA)
Core Courses
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| GCH 500 | Foundations of Public Health | 3 |
| SOCW 640 | Clinical Practice with Adults | 3 |
| SOCW 688 | Program Evaluation for Social Workers | 3 |
| SOCW 689 | Clinical Practice with Older Adults | 3 |
| SOCW 696 | Specialization Practicum Education and Seminar I | 3 |
| SOCW 698 | Specialization Social Work Practicum and Seminar II | 3 |
| Total Credits | 18 | |
Macro Elective Courses
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Select 1-3 courses from the following: | 3-9 | |
| Immigration Policy | ||
| Social Policy for Children and Youth | ||
| Aging Programs and Policies | ||
| Global Human Rights Policy | ||
| Selected Topics in Social Work and Social Change | ||
| Social Work and the Law | ||
| Organizational Leadership for Social Workers | ||
Other course with permission of chair | ||
| Total Credits | 3-9 | |
Clinical Elective Courses
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Select 0-3 courses from the following: | 0-9 | |
| Creative Arts in Social Work Practice | ||
| Advanced Group Theory and Practice | ||
| Selected Topics in Clinical Practice | ||
| Family Therapy | ||
| Trauma and Recovery | ||
| Military Social Work | ||
| Substance Use Interventions | ||
| Advanced Trauma Theory and Practice | ||
| Behavioral Health Interventions Across Systems | ||
Other course with permission of chair | ||
| Total Credits | 0-9 | |
Conflict Analysis and Resolution, MS and Social Work, MSW Dual Degree
The Department of Social Work and the Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter School for Peace and Conflict Resolution have joined forces to offer a three year dual-degree program. Students can earn both an MSW and an MS in Conflict Analysis and Resolution while taking advantage of the diversity of the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area and the university's proximity to the nation's capital.
The MSW/MS Dual Degree program is available only through the Mason MSW on campus program. This is the only dual-degree program of its kind.
Admission Requirements
Applicants must meet the admission standards and application requirements specified in Graduate Admissions and apply using the online Application for Graduate Admission. The application process is competitive, and applications are considered for the fall semester only.
Students interested in the 3-year dual degree program submit one online Application for Graduate Admission, select the MSW in Social Work as a primary program, and submit all application support materials to the Office of Graduate Admission in the College of Public Health. Applicants should communicate their interest in completing the dual degree program in their essays, and recommendations should address the dual program interest. Students must be admitted to both programs in the same semester (fall only) to be admitted to the dual degree program.
For application deadlines and detailed application requirements please refer to the College of Public Health Admissions website. Interested students should consult the MSW program website, the MSW program, and the MSW program director for additional information prior to applying.
Transfer of Credit
Transfer credit is governed AP.6.5.3 Transfer of Credit and AP.6 Graduate Policies. Transfer credits must be approved by the program director and the dean. Students who enroll initially through non-degree studies should seek course advising through the department prior to taking a course and plan to submit their application to the dual degree program as soon as possible.
Please refer to the Transfer of Credit policy for the MSW in Social Work for departmental policy governing courses taken at another institution and the maximum number of credits allowed.
MSW-MS Degree Requirements
Social Work Courses
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| SOCW 600 | Foundations of Social Work and Social Welfare | 3 |
| SOCW 623 | Human Behavior and Social Systems | 3 |
| SOCW 644 | Community Practice Across the Life Course | 3 |
| SOCW 656 | Poverty, Oppression, and Inequity | 3 |
| SOCW 659 | Organizing and Advocating for Change | 3 |
| SOCW 660 | Foundations of Direct Practice | 3 |
| SOCW 672 | Generalist Social Work Practicum and Seminar I | 3 |
| SOCW 673 | Generalist Social Work Practicum Education and Seminar II | 3 |
| SOCW 674 | Psychopathology | 3 |
| SOCW 688 | Program Evaluation for Social Workers 1 | 3 |
| or CONF 660 | Conflict Assessment and Program Evaluation | |
| Total Credits | 30 | |
Specialization in Children, Youth, and Families (CYF)
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| SOCW 630 | Clinical Social Work in Forensic Settings | 3 |
| SOCW 683 | Clinical Practice with Children, Youth, and Families | 3 |
| SOCW 696 | Specialization Practicum Education and Seminar I | 3 |
| SOCW 698 | Specialization Social Work Practicum and Seminar II | 3 |
| GCH 500 | Foundations of Public Health | 3 |
| Select one course from the following: | 6 | |
| Clinical Practice with Adults | ||
| Immigration Policy | ||
| Social Policy for Children and Youth | ||
| Aging Programs and Policies | ||
| Global Human Rights Policy | ||
| Creative Arts in Social Work Practice | ||
| Advanced Group Theory and Practice | ||
| Selected Topics in Clinical Practice | ||
| Selected Topics in Social Work and Social Change | ||
| Family Therapy | ||
| Trauma and Recovery | ||
| Military Social Work | ||
| Substance Use Interventions | ||
| Social Work and the Law | ||
| Organizational Leadership for Social Workers | ||
| Clinical Practice with Older Adults | ||
| Total Credits | 21 | |
Specialization in Adults and Healthy Aging (AHA)
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| SOCW 640 | Clinical Practice with Adults | 3 |
| SOCW 689 | Clinical Practice with Older Adults | 3 |
| SOCW 696 | Specialization Practicum Education and Seminar I | 3 |
| SOCW 698 | Specialization Social Work Practicum and Seminar II | 3 |
| GCH 500 | Foundations of Public Health | 3 |
| Select one course from the following: | 6 | |
| Clinical Social Work in Forensic Settings | ||
| Immigration Policy | ||
| Social Policy for Children and Youth | ||
| Aging Programs and Policies | ||
| Global Human Rights Policy | ||
| Creative Arts in Social Work Practice | ||
| Advanced Group Theory and Practice | ||
| Selected Topics in Clinical Practice | ||
| Selected Topics in Social Work and Social Change | ||
| Family Therapy | ||
| Trauma and Recovery | ||
| Military Social Work | ||
| Substance Use Interventions | ||
| Social Work and the Law | ||
| Organizational Leadership for Social Workers | ||
| Total Credits | 21 | |
Conflict Analysis and Resolution Courses
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| CONF 600 | Foundations of Conflict Analysis and Resolution | 6 |
| CONF 610 | Conflict Inquiry | 3 |
| CONF 657 | Facilitation Skills | 3 |
| CONF 625 | Engaging Conflict 1 | 3 |
| Total Credits | 15 | |
- 1
CONF 657 Facilitation Skills should be completed before a student takes CONF 625 Engaging Conflict.
Electives
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Select 12 credits of CONF Electives with approval from Carter School | 12 | |
| Total Credits | 12 | |
Total credits: 78