LIVE YOUR PASSION FOR SOCIAL CHANGE
with an MSW from the UW
Other options for quotes if needed
“One thing I truly appreciate about UWSSW is the variety of community involvement it offers—whether through its institutional network with communitybased organizations, the geographic advantage of being in the heart of Seattle, or opportunities introduced by my classmates.” MSW student
“The UW felt, sounded, and seemed to look hard at who they are putting out into the world. Being progressive and focusing on equity, I knew the UW would push me harder than other places.”
“I wanted something more established that would have more connections with the community, specially when it comes time to practicum to have a more fully developed program to connect students to the people, to fulfill program requirements. UW just has a presence.”
I would just cut it to “I wanted something more established that would have more connections with the community”
“Getting my master’s degree gives me a sense of pride, it also makes me feel more comfortable and confident about my future and that I will be taken more seriously.”
“It’s just so nice knowing that my skills, my education, and what I’m learning in class is actually protecting vulnerable populations in real time.”
“Getting my master’s has meant a new role and a big jump in pay; it’s made a huge difference for me and my family”
“ One thing I truly appreciate about UWSSW is the variety of community involvement it offers—whether through its institutional network with community-based organizations, the geographic advantage of being in the heart of Seattle, or opportunities introduced by my classmates.”
— Liza (MSW ‘25)
Clinical Social Work specialization
FOUR REASONS
to pursue your MSW at UW
TOP-RANKED EDUCATION
As one of the nation’s leading schools of social work, our renowned faculty, strong community partnerships, and 16 pioneering research centers are just some of the reasons to choose UW.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERTISE
Choose from three professional specialties:
The Administration and Policy Practice specialization prepares social workers to assume leadership roles in today’s complex human services organizations and policy arenas. Full-time students only.
The Community-Centered Integrative Practice specialization prepares students to be leaders in transformative and culturally responsive social work, equipping them with the skills required to drive social change across diverse communities. Full-time students only.
The Clinical Social Work specialization prepares students with the comprehensive skills necessary for clinical practice with individuals, families and small groups.
REAL-WORLD EXPERIENCE
Field education is the cornerstone of social work education. The MSW practicum component provides students with hands-on learning in communities where they can synthesize and apply their knowledge, skills and values. The School of Social Work coordinates with more than 600 community-based organizations to ensure that real-world experiences reinforce classroom learning and research.
SUPPORTIVE COMMUNITY
With an average class size of fewer than 25 students, social work students have the rare opportunity to build personal connections with faculty, classmates and community leaders. The professional networks within each cohort provide invaluable support for a successful social work career.
FOCUSED TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES
Child Welfare Training and Advancement Program (CWTAP) recruits and develops highly skilled, culturally competent public child-welfare social workers. Participants receive significant financial support in exchange for working at an eligible child welfare office post-graduation.
Workforce For Student Well-being (WSW) aims to increase the size, diversity and skills of school social workers across the state. Grant recipients serve two years in a highneed public or tribal school post-graduation.
The Washington State Behavioral Health Workforce Development Initiative (WDI) will expand the number of masters-level social workers and mental health counselors in Washington state who serve populations experiencing severe mental health or substance use issues. Grant recipients commit to post-graduate work in communitybased behavioral health agencies or tribal health centers.
Social Work Practice with Latinx Communities offers targeted skill-building for MSW students committed to the health and well-being of the Latinx community.
THREE DEGREE PATHWAYS
Advanced Standing
Our on-campus MSW Advanced Standing Program offers full-time and part-time options for applicants who have an undergraduate degree in social work or social welfare from an accredited institution. Students can complete their degree requirements more quickly and focus on the area of social work they feel most passionate about. About one year.
Day Program
This on-campus, full-time program, combines classroom learning with hands-on fieldwork. Courses focus on social work history, professional identity, policy and social justice that build core social work practice skills across multiple social systems and among diverse populations. About two years.
Extended Degree Program
Our Extended Degree Program offers students a part-time path to earning an MSW. It’s a popular option for working adults who cannot carry a full-time course load. Students select either an on-campus or a hybrid learning format. Classes are generally held either in the evening or weekends, attracting a diverse group of working professionals, in urban and rural settings. The degree is earned in 9 to 11 consecutive quarters, including summers. About three years.
The MSW Program at the UW School of Social Work is dedicated to preparing professional social workers through rigorous, community-engaged, critically reflexive research, teaching and learning. The program is grounded in our commitment to racial, economic, gender and social justice informed by and for those living at the margins of our local, national, and global communities.
socialwork.uw.edu
