Social Work Master of Social Work (MSW)

Colorado State University teaches a nationally-recognized advanced generalist curriculum which 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

The foundation courses also feature a field placement in a human service agency, and coursework on social work values and ethics, populations at risk, diversity, and social and economic justice.

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
• Organizational research

The concentration courses also include a field placement, which will be secured for you in the community in which you reside.

Curriculum

Year 1

• SOWK 500 – Principles and Philosophy of Social Work (3 cr.)
• SOWK 511 – Generalist Practice - Small Client Systems (3 cr.)
• SOWK 515 – Theoretical Foundations for Social Work (3 cr.)
• SOWK 520 – Social Welfare Policy Analysis (3 cr.)
• SOWK 530 – Anti-Oppressive Social Work Practice (3 cr.)
• SOWK 588 – Foundation Field Placement (3 cr.)

Year 2

Traditional (3yr) students only
• SOWK 588 – Foundation Field Placement (3 cr.)
• SOWK 592 – Field Placement Seminar (1 cr.)

Advanced Standing (2yr) students only
• SOWK 530 – Anti-Oppressive Social Work Practice (3 cr.)

All students
• SOWK 630 – Advanced Generalist Practice with Individuals (3 cr.)
• SOWK 631 – Advanced Community Practice (3 cr.)
• SOWK 633 – Advanced Practice: Social Welfare Policy (3 cr.)
• SOWK 688 – Advanced Field Placement (varied)
• Elective** (6 cr.)



Year 3

• SOWK 600 – Research Methods (3 cr.)
• SOWK 634 – Advanced Practice with Families and Groups (3 cr.)
• SOWK 688 – Concentration Field Placement (varied)
• SOWK 698 – Advanced Research and Social Work Capstone (3 cr.)
• Elective** (3 cr.)

**Elective can be any SOWK course offered through CSU Online. Other electives outside the School of Social Work are possible but should be discussed and approved by School of Social Work advisor. Three-year students are required to complete three elective courses, Advanced Standing Students are required to complete one elective course

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