salemstate.edu/graduate
THE MASTER OF SOCIAL WORK PROGRAM
SALEMSTATE.EDU/MSW
• Study plans with flexibility, completed on a full-time or part-time basis
• Integrated practice with an essential mix of clinical and selected macro skills for leadership and management
• Social work practicum placements offered in various settings and across a broad geographic region
ABOUT THE SALEM STATE UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF SOCIAL WORK
The master of social work (MSW) program at Salem State University was the first public social work program in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. With a faculty committed to maintaining a curriculum that is grounded in professional social work today, the mission of educating social workers for practice as clinical practitioners, leaders and change agents in our ever-changing world is our primary goal.
Salem State University School of Social Work was named one of the top 100 social work programs in the country by U.S. News and World Report, and we are the highest-ranked public program in Massachusetts.
Our building, located at 287 Lafayette Street, has state-of-the-art classrooms, student study areas, attractive common spaces, and a convenient location near the university’s Frederick E. Berry Library and Learning Commons and the Harold E. and Marilyn J. Gassett Fitness and Recreation Center.
We hope you will choose to join our community of diverse social workers committed to social change based on equity and inclusion!
MISSION STATEMENT
Salem State University’s School of Social Work prepares professionals to excel as practitioners, educators and leaders who are catalysts for social change in our diverse and global community.
PROGRAM GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
The Salem State University School of Social Work offers challenging and transformative learning experiences within the classroom environment, field education and the community. Classroom activities are grounded in theory-driven practice and interventions, experiential learning and case-based methodology.
SAMPLE COURSE TITLES
• Human Behavior and the Social Environment
• Historical and Contemporary Perspectives on Social Work and Social Welfare Policy
• Social Work Practice with Individuals, Families and Groups
• Dynamics of Privilege and Oppression
• Integrated Practice and Theory for Children and Families or Adults and Families
• Clinical Assessment and Diagnosis for Behavioral Health
• Community Practice and Social Change
• Evidence-Based Social Work Practice
• Agency Management and Leadership Practice
Electives include Psychological Trauma: Assessment and Intervention in Social Work Practice, Substance Use Disorders and Addictive Behaviors, Death, Dying, Grief and Bereavement Across the Life Span, Social Work Practice with People with Disabilities, and International Travel Seminars.
Students can build additional competencies by concurrently enrolling in a graduate certificate program in related fields such as teaching English to speakers of other languages, autism spectrum disorders, or business.
The MSW faculty engage students in a dynamic learning environment that prepares them for current practice challenges today.
The faculty are scholar-practitioners with expertise in one or more of the following areas of social work practice: geriatric social work; social work in medical settings; child and family welfare; children’s behavioral and mental health; adult behavioral health; HIV/AIDS; disabilities; immigration; trauma; substance use disorders; domestic violence; social policy analysis; and administration.
MSW faculty regularly contribute to social work publications and presentations at regional, national, and international forums.
Our core value of “leadership for the public good” is exemplified in our faculty service to local, national and international organizations and communities in the roles of researchers, practitioners, leaders, consultants, and board members.
INTEGRATED HEALTH AND BEHAVIORAL HEALTH PRACTICE SPECIALIZATION
The MSW curriculum emphasizes preparation for direct social work practice. Our focus on integrating health and behavioral health practice is designed to meet the contemporary workforce needs in a wide range of settings.
Course content underscores the major contributions MSW graduates are qualified to make in the future of healthcare systems that address both physical and behavioral health from the point of assessment through intervention. Integrated practice incorporates an ability to address multiple systems levels from micro through macro.
SALEM STATE’S MSW PROGRAM DEFINES INTEGRATED HEALTH AND BEHAVIORAL HEALTH PRACTICE AS:
• Integrated practice perspective for micro, mezzo and macro systems across settings
• Integration of human behavior knowledge, practice, policy, research and field education
• Integrated understanding of physical, mental and behavioral health across the lifespan
PRACITCUM EXPERIENCE
Our social work practicum department team works closely with each student to find the best fit for the required social work practicum experiences. Salem State’s MSW program has developed strong relationships with agencies and programs throughout Greater Boston, the North Shore, Merrimack Valley, and potential sites throughout central and western Massachusetts.
SAMPLE SERVICE SETTINGS
• Health and Behavioral Health Clinics
• Boston and Community-Based Hospitals
• Mainstream and Therapeutic Schools
• Child and Family Services
• Community Practice and Macro Policy Settings
• Older Adult Service Providers
• Hospice Agencies
The program requires two separate social work practicum experiences of 16 hours starting in the foundation year curriculum* and 20-24 hours per week in the advanced year curriculum. Practicums typically run from September through early May.** While in practicum, students are expected to engage in a once-a-month field education seminar in the evening. Student practicum sites are expected to be in-person in the local Massachusetts area.
Students who continue employment while in the program should make certain their employers allow for scheduling changes or flexibility of hours because field education practice internships must take place during the business week.
A student’s current place of employment may fulfill at least one of the requirements for their practicum experiences. An MSW must provide field instruction at least two years after graduation. Under the supervision of experienced practitioners committed to best practices, students apply what they learn in the classroom and in the community.
*Students in the advanced standing program of study only complete one practicum experience, 20-24 hours a week, September through early May.
** Students in the Fall Start Program have the option to choose a summer block practicum.
CHOOSING A CURRICULUM FORMAT
Salem State’s MSW program offers students a comprehensive curriculum focused on integrated practice for health and behavioral health. This is a flexible program that offers the opportunity to create a unique experience through the choice of differing delivery formats to meet a student’s needs. Options available include:
• Online Program
• Advanced Standing Program (available for those with a BSW degree)
• Fall Start Program (in-person only)
“Salem State was my first choice when thinking about Graduate School. I’m a career changer and wanted a school where I would feel comfortable and supported while easing back into college life. I always felt like I belonged and made amazing connections during my program. I could not have asked for a better experience.” — Tina Hunt, MSW ‘22G
The online master of social work (MSW) is a unique cohort model designed for students who would benefit from an autonomous, flexible and accessible program. The cohort of professionals will enter and proceed through the program together.
• Take courses during the spring, summer and fall semesters
• Participate in weekly courses that are offered virtually at 5 and 7 pm (note some courses may be offered asynchronously)
• Participate in two required social work practicums in Massachusetts with the option of completing them with their existing employer (provided they meet specific criteria)
• Begin practicum during their third semester, which includes a monthly evening seminar
• Participate in up to two in-person meetings during the academic year to support connection and community
ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE
Engage with highly trained faculty who support best practices for online learning and are committed to social justice.
ACCESSIBILITY
Allows equitable access to education for diverse learners located throughout the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
CONVENIENCE
Reduces the need for commuting to campus and allows for flexibility in managing multiple life responsibilities.
AUTONOMY
Allows students to exercise autonomy while supporting self-directed learning.
YEAR ONE
Spring (6 credits)
SWK 700 Human Behavior and the Social Environment (3 credits)
SWK 703 Historical and Contemporary Perspectives on Social Work and Social Welfare Policy (3 credits)
Summer (6 credits) Fall (9 credits)
SWK 715 Dynamics of Privilege and Oppression (3 credits)
SWK 706 Community Practice (3 credits)
SWK 704 Social Work Practice with Individuals, Families, and Groups I (3 credits)
SWK 707 Evidence-Based Social Work (3 credits)
SWK 721 Field Education (16 hours/week) and Integrated Seminar (monthly) (3 credits)
YEAR TWO
Spring (9 credits) Summer (6 credits)
SWK 705 Social Work Practice with Individuals, Families, and Groups II (3 credits)
SWK 869 Evaluation Research in the Human Services (3 credits)
SWK 722 Field Education (16 hours/week) and Integrated Seminar (monthly) (3 credits)
YEAR THREE
Spring (10 credits)
SWK Elective (3 credits)
SWK 735 Clinical Assessment and Diagnosis for Behavioral Health (3 credits)
SWK Elective (3 credits)
(10 credits)
SWK 846 Health and Behavioral Health Policy and Services (3 credits)
SWK 818A Integrated Practice and Theory for Adults and Families I (3 credits)
SWK 841 Field Education (20-24 hours/week) and Integrated Seminar (monthly) (4 credits)
SWK 818B Integrated Practice and Theory for Adults and Families II (3 credits)
SWK 842 Field Education (20-24 hours/week) and Integrated Seminar (monthly) (4 credits)
Total: 62 credits
Summer (6 credits)
SWK 820 Agency Management and Leadership Practice (3 credits)
SWK 899 Integrative Case Analysis and DecisionMaking (3 credits)
Note: Breaks between semesters are consistent with the university academic calendar. Sample curriculum requirements and exact course titles are subject to change.
• In the full-time advanced standing
, students begin field education at 20 hours per week throughout the academic year.
• In the extended time advanced standing program, students begin field education during the second year of enrollment at 20 hours per week through the end of the final academic year.
“I
FALL START, IN-PERSON MASTER OF SOCIAL WORK
Students can choose from full-time or extended programs to best meet their needs.
Full-time students can complete the program in two years by taking 3-4 courses each fall and spring semester plus the 16-20 hour-a-week practicum experience throughout the academic year. Extended program students can complete the program in either three or four years by taking 2-3 classes each semester and choosing between a two-semester academic year practicum with 16-20 hours per week or a one-semester summer block practicum with 32-40 hours per week.
Enrollment in the extended program option works well for students who are juggling responsibilities such as work and/or family. Students who continue employment while in the program should make certain their employers allow for scheduling changes or flexibility of hours, as courses are offered through the workday and cannot be guaranteed in the evening or online. Courses are delivered in a variety of formats, including in-person and online, but the fall start program cannot be done entirely online.
“I had not been in school for 14 years. As a single parent of two children working full time, I was overwhelmed with the thought of putting something else on my plate. In the extended time program, I became a part of a community of social workers who all became great friends. I was able to show my young children the value of education and how hard work pays off. I would recommend Salem State for anyone interested in a solid, wellrounded MSW education.”
—Elaine
Tousignant, MSW ’15G
ALUMNI NETWORK
The Salem State University Friends of the School of Social Work (FSSW) engages in programs and activities that advance Salem State and public education for social workers. You do not need to wait until you graduate to be involved. The FSSW board organizes two professional workshops each year, networking events, and alumni career panels for students. A strong mission for the Friends is to provide linkage between the educational process and the field of social work.
COST
For Massachusetts residents, each credit costs $514.20*, which includes tuition and fees. For non-Massachusetts residents, each credit costs $609.30*.
For assistance funding your graduate education, options such as financial aid, graduate assistantships, employer reimbursement and tuition remission, and veteran’s benefits may be available. Learn more at salemstate.edu/gradfinaid.
*Tuition and fees subject to change.
MSW APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
For complete information on admissions policies and standards, see salemstate.edu/graduate/admissions .
• Online graduate admissions application—available at salemstate.edu/apply
• Non-refundable $50 application fee
• Official transcript or transcript evaluation documenting the award of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, a broad liberal arts background with substantial preparation in the social and/or behavioral sciences, and a minimum 3.0 GPA (on a 4.0 scale). Applicants with a GPA below 3.0 will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
» If you completed more than 60 credits of your bachelor’s degree at another institution, please submit that transcript
• Two professional statements
• Resume. Work or volunteer experience in the social service field is desirable.
• Three letters of reference
• You may be called for an interview with the admissions committee
FOR ADVANCED STANDING APPLICANTS
• Official transcript documenting the award of a bachelor’s degree in social work or social welfare from an accredited college or university, with a suggested minimum 3.0 GPA (on a 4.0 scale)
» You must have completed the degree within 5 years of applying for acceptance into the advanced standing MSW program
• One of your letters of recommendation should be completed by either a social work faculty member or your employed work supervisor
• BSW Evaluation from your senior year practicum. This evaluation:
» Should be completed by the individual at the agency who supervised you during your practicum
» If applicants are currently in practicum, evaluations can be submitted at the end of the fall semester
• If you are not able to obtain a copy of your senior practicum, please use the BSW Evaluation Form (found at salemstate.edu/graduate/admissions)
FOR INTERNATIONAL APPLICANTS
• Proficiency in English is required of all applicants. Applicants whose native language is not English can fulfill proficiency requirements in a variety of ways. Please visit salemstate.edu/international for more information.
• Degrees earned at an institution outside of the United States must be evaluated by one of five transcript evaluation companies (more information at salemstate.edu/graduate/admissions)
APPLICATION DEADLINES FOR 2025
MSW Online (Spring) Monday, October 28, 2024
MSW Advanced Standing (Summer) Monday, November 25, 2024 Monday, January 6, 2025
Full-Time - Monday, February 24, 2025
MSW Fall Start (Fall) Monday, January 13, 2025
Extended-Time, Monday, June 30, 2025
