Master of Social Work 2022 - 2023 ACADEMIC YEAR
Creating a transformative education. The School of Social Work and Program of Public Health have been consistently recognized as top-tier learning environments by our peers.
A Steadfast Commitment As we emerge from the pandemic, our teaching, research and service with the community has proven to be more important than ever. Our faculty, staff and students have remained steadfast in our education and research mission. We have leaned into the critical goal that unites our programs of social work, public health and social policy: making the world a more equitable place. As we come together again in our classrooms and at our events, we are a community that is inspired and motivated by our innovative researchers, leading practitioners and passionate students. We stay energized by the belief that the problems we must address are complicated and multifaceted, and at the intersection of social work, public health and social policy lie the necessary, strong and sustainable solutions that advance equity. Our work requires resilience, path-breaking research, the best available evidence and partnership with our community. Our deep engagement with the St. Louis region requires building on scientific advances developed with community-driven methods that honor the lived experiences of our neighbors. St. Louis is a diverse, vibrant community that has much to offer and is a great place for students to learn and grow. Our work needs people like you who are not content to do things as they have always been done—people who want to make their unique, positive impact. Whether your interests lie in mental health, children, youth and families, social and economic development, research, policy, social entrepreneurship or global development, we are confident you will find your path at the Brown School. If you are motivated to create significant change in the world, we welcome you. Sincerely,
Tonya Edmond and Rodrigo Reis Interim Co-Deans
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Why Choose the Brown School? Our social work program welcomes students who plan to change the world—one person, family, community and system at a time. Here, recent graduates share why the Brown School was the right place to earn their degrees. FACULTY MENTORS
“The faculty have been so inclusive in bringing students into their research and practice, and they are incredibly accessible as mentors. Of all the programs I considered, Brown School faculty seemed to take evidence-based practice the most seriously, and they were also the most personable.” —HEIDI VOLKL, MSW ’19 Trauma Therapist, Healing Action Network
MAKING SYSTEMIC CHANGE
“The Brown School both expects and permits exploration of unexplored territory—that’s where innovation happens. I wanted to understand how to move forward to give people the types of interventions they needed, and I trusted that the Brown School would have faith in my ability to do that.” —NAJJUWAH WALDEN, MSW ’18 PhD student in Public Health Sciences, Brown School at Washington University in St. Louis.
CREATING YOUR PATH
“I chose the Brown School due to a student’s ability to create their own path of study. Having a strong background in social work when coming to the Brown School, the Individualized program allowed me to dive deeper into clinical practice.” —JONATHAN RIECK, MSW ’19 Pediatric Emergency Medical Social Worker, St. Louis Children’s Hospital
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MSW STUDENTS
age range 20–57 median age 24
come from 39 states/ territories and 10 countries
14%
are international students
45%
are first-generation undergrad or graduate students
Statistics reflect the 2022 incoming MSW cohort.
“Social work is a field that pushes you to see both the bigger picture of socioeconomic and political environment, and the intricacies of human psyche and how people interact with the world. The field gives me hope and energizes me, because I know there will always been a plane on which I can do work and make advancement – clinical, advocacy, research, policy, etc.” —FELICITY ZHANG, MSW CANDIDATE ’23
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What Makes Our Curriculum Unique? Our top-ranked Master of Social Work curriculum is designed to be different. Coursework at the Brown School is distinguished by these characteristics: PERSONALIZED THROUGH EXTENSIVE OFFERINGS With eight concentrations (including a path to individualize) and eight specializations, there are ample opportunities to tailor coursework to your interests while also preparing for practice with individuals, families, groups, organizations and communities. EVIDENCE-BASED A hallmark of our program is a commitment to evidence-based practice. In addition to learning theories and interventions grounded in rigorous research, you’ll learn to seek, generate and apply evidence in your own practice. ANTI-OPPRESSION AND ANTI-RACIST FRAMEWORK Racism and oppression shape policy and practice. Social workers must be aware of both their own power and privilege as well as how their constituents’ intersecting identities affect access to opportunities. Through our curriculum’s anti-racist and anti-oppression framework, you’ll grasp how these concepts interact and cultivate strategies to challenge racist and oppressive policies and structures. LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT Leadership with a social work perspective is necessary for creating more just and equitable organizations. The Brown School curriculum will equip students with skills to integrate social work frameworks and values into leadership roles throughout nonprofit, government and forprofit industries.
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MSW Curriculum Our two-year, 60-credit MSW program is full time. In your first year, you will develop foundational social work competencies. Your second year will help you cultivate advanced skills in a concentration area of your choosing. A part-time curricular format is available. Learn more at brownschool.wustl.edu/part-time-msw
YEAR 1
Strong foundational curriculum to ground your practice. FOUNDATION COURSES*
Research Methods with Statistical Applications
3
Human Behavior
3
Social Justice and Human Diversity
3
Social, Economic and Political Environment
3
Social Welfare Policies and Services
3
Social Work Practice with Individuals, Families and Groups
3
Social Work Practice with Organizations and Communities
3
FOUNDATION PRACTICUM*
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21 credit hours
4 credit hours
Foundation Practicum
3
Foundation Practicum Integrative Seminar
1
*Graduates of CSWE-accredited Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) programs may be eligible to earn advanced standing credit toward foundation coursework and practicum. Students with advanced standing complete a short course prior to beginning their first fall semester, and they are eligible to complete the program in one of two accelerated timelines. Learn more at brownschool.wustl.edu/advanced-standing.
YEAR 2
Advanced coursework tailored to your concentration area. Within each area of study listed below, you will choose from a variety of classes that align with your concentration. Learn more about our concentration offerings on page 8. CONCENTRATION COURSES
21 credit hours
Social Policy
3
Theory, Problems and Issues
3
Practice Methods
9
Evaluation
3
Leadership and Management
3
CONCENTRATION PRACTICUM
5 credit hours
You’ll complete this practicum at an agency or organization aligned with your concentration. Learn more about fieldwork on pages 12–13.
ELECTIVES
Opportunities to broaden your course of study. ELECTIVE COURSES
9 credit hours
Use your elective credits in year one and year two to earn an optional specialization or to take additional graduate coursework. You may enroll in social work or public health electives at the Brown School or pursue relevant courses from other WashU graduate programs.
There is flexibility in how you structure your academic plan. Visit brownschool.wustl.edu/msw-curriculum to learn more. Curriculum requirements are subject to change.
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Personalize Your Curriculum As a Brown School student, you’ll tailor coursework toward your unique professional interests. CONCENTRATIONS You’ll select one of eight concentrations, which will inform your advanced coursework: American Indian and Alaska Native (tracks in Direct Practice: Trauma Informed, Direct Practice: Behavioral Health and Community) Children, Youth and Families (tracks in Direct Practice, School Social Work and Urban Education) Health
Mental Health (tracks in Clinical Social Work*, Child Behavioral Health, Integrated Behavioral Health and Clinical Social Work in Substance Use Disorder Treatment) Social and Economic Development – Domestic Social and Economic Development – International Social Impact Leadership (tracks in Leadership & Management and Innovation & Social Entrepreneurship) Individualized**
* The Clinical Social Work track in the Mental Health Concentration may be pursued through the Part-Time Program. Learn more at brownschool.wustl.edu/part-time-msw. ** For students with highly specific career aspirations who do not see their target population or issue represented among other concentrations, the Individualized option allows you to propose your own area of study. Learn more at brownschool.wustl.edu/msw-individualized. SPECIALIZATIONS You may decide to earn an optional specialization, which allows you to further your expertise in a specific practice area: Management Policy Older Adults and Aging Societies
Research Sexual Health and Education Social Entrepreneurship System Dynamics Violence and Injury Prevention
YOUR ACADEMIC ADVISOR An Academic Advisor will be assigned to you the summer before beginning the program. With your
Visit brownschool.wustl.edu/msw to explore detailed information about our concentrations and specializations. 8 | Master of Social Work
advisor, you’ll build a plan to ensure that you take the coursework needed to fulfill curriculum requirements.
DUAL DEGREES Offered at the Brown School, a dual degree prepares you to work at the intersection of two disciplines geared toward social change: Master of Social Work and Master of Public Health Master of Social Work and Master of Social Policy Learn more about our dual degrees on pages 10–11. JOINT DEGREES Joint degrees are offered in partnership with other schools at Washington University in St. Louis: MSW/JD, Juris Doctor, Washington University School of Law MSW/MArch, Master of Architecture, Sam Fox School of Design & Visual Arts MSW/MAEd, Master of Arts in Education, The Graduate School MSW/MBA, Master of Business Administration, Olin Business School MSW/MUD, Master of Urban Design, Sam Fox School of Design & Visual Arts In partnership with Eden Theological Seminary, students may also earn: MSW/MAPS, Master of Arts in Pastoral Studies MSW/MDiv, Master of Divinity 3-2 PROGRAM Washington University undergraduate students in the College of Arts & Sciences can earn a bachelor’s degree and a Master of Social Work in a total of five years. Learn more at brownschool.wustl.edu/3-2. brownschool.wustl.edu/msw | 9
Dual Degrees Dual-degree students earn two degrees from the Brown School. MSW students may pursue a dual degree with a Master of Public Health (MPH) or Master of Social Policy (MSP). Master of Social Work/Master of Public Health Dual Degree Research has demonstrated that social and economic factors are significantly linked to health outcomes. In other words, social inequities (such as access to education, a living wage or safe public spaces) drive health disparities, in a relationship called the social determinants of health. The MSW/MPH program equips students to intervene at the complex intersection of social and environmental risk and transform the well-being of individuals and communities.
MSW/MPH Curriculum (85 Credit Hours)
Year 1
Year 2
Year 3
MSW Focus
MPH Focus
MSW & MPH Focus
28 credits
29 credits
28 credits
Learn more at brownschool.wustl.edu/msw-mph.
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Master of Social Work/Master of Social Policy Dual Degree The next generation of policy leaders must understand both the systems that influence social issues and how to design and evaluate policies to solve pressing social problems. In the MSW/MSP program, students learn to leverage policies that advance social welfare. Students also cultivate a multifaceted understanding of how policy impacts the ability of all social work practitioners to serve their constituents.
MSW/MSP Curriculum (91 Credit Hours)
Year 1
Year 2
Year 3
MSW & MSP Focus
MSP Focus
MSW Focus
31 credits
31 credits
29 credits
Learn more at brownschool.wustl.edu/msp.
“I hope to use the skills and experience I have gained through my MSW/ MSP curricula to influence policy and make early childhood care and education an attainable resource for families.” —MELANIE GOLDRING, MSW/MSP ‘19 Program Support Specialist, The DREAM Project, DR
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Field Education As a Brown School student, you have the unique opportunity to choose your own practicum site, selecting from a list of over 400 organizations. MSW students complete two practica: a 360-hour Foundation Practicum followed by a 600-hour Concentration Practicum. The Brown School's innovative approach to field education includes fellowships and special programming in racial equity, social and economic development and reproductive justice. Practicum is a foundational component of your MSW degree. Through field-based learning, you will gain the skills, knowledge and experience necessary for professional practice. Students traditionally complete their Foundation Practicum in St. Louis, a city that offers opportunities for students to engage in various change efforts. For their concentration practicum, some branch out beyond St. Louis to agencies located throughout the United States. Students in select concentrations may pursue international fieldwork at a site curated by our Global Programs Office. Find additional information about global fieldwork on pages 14–15. Learn more at brownschool.wustl.edu/msw-practicum.
FIELD FACULTY AND ADVISING During your first year, you will have multiple opportunities to interact with field faculty, who bring their expertise to help you plan your practicum. As part of your first semester course- work, you will take Foundations of Field, where you will connect with field faculty and learn about field education at the Brown School. In addition, field faculty hold “advisor of the day” hours to provide support in your practicum search. 12 | Master of Social Work
“The fact that the Brown School allows students to select their practicum site was significant to me. The process may sound intimidating, but rest assured that you’ll have access to vital and supportive resources through the offices of Field Education and Career Services, among others.” —JOHN MOORE, MSW ’18 PhD Student in Social Work, University of Texas at Austin
“My field-based course opened my eyes to what international social work looks like in real life, and I came to understand the breadth of opportunities available in international work. Learning from the practitioners in Berlin solidified my commitment to the field.” —SOJOURNER WHITE, MSW ’20 Associate Director of Evaluation and Planning, Ubuntu Research and Evaluation, LLC
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Global Experiences At the Brown School, we engage in research and practice around the world. GLOBAL PRACTICUM The Brown School has longstanding relationships with global partners who offer field placement for students in select concentrations. With guidance from our Global Programs Office, students in the International Social and Economic Development concentration or an approved Individualized concentration can choose from a set of affiliated global practicum sites, such as Foster Care Society (India), Ugandan Developmental Health Association and The DREAM Project (Dominican Republic). FIELD-BASED COURSEWORK Faculty who conduct global research lead field-based coursework, which has taken students around the globe to explore social, health and economic challenges through a transdisciplinary lens. Open to students in all concentrations, past field courses have explored sustainability, policymaking, participatory development, and child labor and refugee empowerment in countries such as Haiti, India, China, Costa Rica, Uganda, Germany and Colombia. GLOBAL RESEARCH Our faculty members lead global research projects, often hiring students as research assistants to partner in their work. Recently, faculty members have been investigating livelihoods in Kenya, disabilities in South Africa, mental health in Chile, youth savings in Ghana and aging in South Korea. Learn more at brownschool.wustl.edu/global.
20+
Affiliated international practicum sites
Past field courses in Uganda, Costa Rica, Germany, Australia, Tanzania, Argentina and Washington, D.C.
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Outstanding Faculty Our faculty members are world-renowned. Their research is on the forefront of areas such as child welfare, community development, gerontology, asset building, violence and injury prevention, housing and mental health. Outside the classroom, faculty members engage in groundbreaking work. From conducting field research in Uganda to testifying on Capitol Hill and advocating with local community organizations, the passion and dedication they bring to the profession will inspire you. Faculty also serve as your teachers, advisors and mentors. As their student, you will benefit from their dedication, their accessibility and their global network of colleagues. Meet all of our faculty members at brownschool.wustl.edu/faculty.
YOUR FACULTY ADVISOR You’ll be matched with a faculty advisor, called a Concentration Advisor, whose work and teaching align with your chosen concentration. Concentration Advisors point you to the inclassroom opportunities that will enhance your experience as a student, as well as the out-ofclassroom experiences that will build your readiness for professional practice. 16 | Master of Social Work
“My best piece of advice would be to get to know your professors. They are incredible resources for advice, support and guidance. Whether it is class, practicum, or career advice, I have found they are always willing to help out and are truly invested in all of the students they work with.” —SARA LERNER, MSW ’20 Foundation Manager, Private Foundation
“Brown School students are motivated, academically persistent and social-justice oriented. They want to give back to the community; they want to impact policy; they want to ensure that all families and children are healthy. I would not be able to do my research without their assistance, and I don’t think I could ask for a better group of students.” —SHERETTA BUTLER-BARNES Associate Professor
Strengths in Research In the previous fiscal year, the Brown School supported:
110+
paid student positions
$27.9M 120+ in grant and institutional funding
research proposals
in addition to other research opportunities throughout Washington University and with community organizations.
“Being a research assistant for Associate Professor Lindsay Stark, I was able to dive into qualitative work and have since discovered a passion for crafting academic papers that center community members’ voices and perspectives.” —ALLI GILLESPIE, MSW/MPH ’22
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Innovative Research Groundbreaking research in social work, public health and social policy is conducted at the Brown School and its affiliated research centers. For students, this means in-classroom access to the data, policies and strategies that are forging the future of these fields, plus opportunities to join faculty members in their research. BROWN SCHOOL RESEARCH AND POLICY CENTERS Our faculty-led centers and institutes are focused on reducing pressing social and health inequities: Centene Center for Health Transformation Center for Diabetes Translation Research Center for Innovation in Child Maltreatment Policy, Research and Training Center for Mental Health Services Research Center for Obesity Prevention and Policy Research Center for Public Health Systems Science Center for Social Development Center for Violence and Injury Prevention Clark-Fox Policy Institute
Evaluation Center Health Communication Research Laboratory International Center for Child Health and Development Kathryn M. Buder Center for American Indian Studies Prevention Research Center in St. Louis Race & Opportunity Lab SMART Africa Center Social Policy Institute Social System Design Lab
Learn more at brownschool.wustl.edu/research. STUDENT RESEARCH OPPORTUNITIES Brown School students explore their research interests through research assistantships, independent studies, special projects and research-oriented fieldwork. Each year, dozens of our students author published research papers as well as present their work at scholarly conferences. At the School’s annual research symposium, Research Without Walls, students showcase their findings for peers, faculty and community members. Learn more about the showcase at brownschool.wustl.edu/rwow.
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Brown School Campus The Brown School and its affiliated research centers fill three interconnected buildings in the heart of Washington University, creating a comprehensive “campus within a campus” where you’ll attend classes, connect with faculty members, study and explore. Our facilities are designed to provide what you need to make the most of your days. In addition to classrooms and student services, you’ll find a café, study rooms, a library, and lockers and showers for active commuters. Hillman Hall, a LEED Platinum–certified building, has been a popular venue for guest speakers, professional development opportunities and conferences. You will be well connected to experts and thought leaders in the field.
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Join student groups such as: Alliance for Sexual and Reproductive Justice American Indian Student Association Black Student Union Brown School African Students Association Graduate Professional Council International Student Association Mental Health Alliance Mi Gente Next Move
“The Brown School is more than a place for learning.
Sexuality and Gender Alliance Student Coordinating Council
It is a community where the student’s success is so paramount that the administration, staff and faculty go above and beyond to ensure that students are constantly connected to the right resources and networks, including year-round activities, seminars and workshops that enhance the learning platform.” —AKO NGU, MSW ’19 Clinical Therapist, John Howard Society of Alberta, Canada
WUVets
“I was nervous about going back to school after taking a few years off. The Peer2Peer Program helped me feel more confident in myself and my work, and I was able to create a relationship with my mentor that enhanced my feelings of inclusion and connection within the Brown School. I decided to become a mentor this year in the hope of providing those same supports to incoming students.” —MARA MCKOWN, MSW/MPH CANDIDATE ’23
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Supports to Help You Thrive In our welcoming environment, you’ll find comprehensive resources to support you academically, personally and professionally. EQUITY, DIVERSITY & INCLUSION We are committed to making our School and campus welcoming to all. Our Committee for Equity, Diversity & Inclusion oversees initiatives that strengthen this focus and shares opportunities to engage and advocate for diversity and inclusion across campus and throughout this region. Learn more at brownschool.wustl.edu/diversity. HEALTH & WELLNESS Habif Health and Wellness Center Medical Services provides care for the evaluation and treatment of an illness or injury, preventative health care and health education. Learn more at https:// students.wustl.edu/medical-health-care-services/. STUDENT MENTORS Our new Peer2Peer Program offers all incoming students the opportunity to match up with second- or third-year Brown School students to help ease the graduate school transition, build community and increase collective student advocacy. ACADEMIC RESOURCES
Learn more about advising
Academic support resources offer one-on-one and small-group advising designed to help you thrive in and out of the classroom:
support throughout this viewbook, wherever you see this icon.
Communication Lab Assistance with written projects and presentations
Peer Mentoring Peer mentoring program to ease the graduate school transition
StatLab Support in quantitative assignments
Professional Development Workshops, webinars and training to build practice and leadership skills
Brown School Library Extensive collections of texts, journals and databases for research
Career Services Personalized support for brownschool.wustl.edu/msw | 23 your career goals
Our WashU Community We are part of Washington University in St. Louis, one of the nation’s preeminent research universities. Here, you’ll find a community of achievers, driven to solve the most complicated issues in fields such as education, medicine, engineering and law. Brown School students are actively involved in the WashU student community. They hold research positions at the top-ranked School of Medicine, and they serve as graduate fellows in offices such as the Relationship & Sexual Violence Prevention Center, the Office of Residential Life and the Gephardt Institute for Civic & Community Engagement. As elected representatives on the university’s Graduate Professional Council, Brown School students are recognized for their advocacy across campus. Students benefit from the vibrant campus life at WashU. You can choose to pursue leadership opportunities, attend guest speaker series, see a performance or participate in a fitness class at our state-of-the-art recreation center. Whatever your interests, you’ll find plenty to do on campus. Learn more at brownschool.wustl.edu/washu.
#2
in social work U.S. News & World Report
best college campus in America Niche, 2022
Top 10
$879.3M
school for entrepreneurs The Princeton Review
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#2
total research support in fiscal year 2021
“Coming from the West Coast, I wasn’t sure what to expect from St. Louis, but it was difficult to leave. The city has a plethora of fun and free things to do, including the zoo, museums and the botanical garden. It also has dozens of breweries, and a variety of eats for vegetarians.” — NOELLE SUMMERS, MSW/MSP ’20 Lead Housing Case Manager, Lifelong
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Discovering St. Louis St. Louis offers big-city opportunities and a low cost of living, making it a desirable and accessible destination for students. The city upholds a long tradition of entrepreneurism and innovation, serving as a headquarters for start-up hubs, Fortune 500 companies and one of the nation’s best health care organizations. Free museums, eclectic award-winning restaurants, and a world-class orchestra and music scene anchor the city’s cultural vibrancy. Across the street from campus, you’ll find Forest Park. A crown jewel of St. Louis, this awardwinning urban park offers 1,300 acres you can explore by bike, foot, pedal boat or paddleboard. Forest Park is also home to many of the city’s free, world-class museums, its renowned zoo and Muny Opera, as well as signature community events. Keep exploring our great city, where there is so much to discover and enjoy. Learn more at brownschool.wustl.edu/STL.
“Why doesn’t everyone visit St. Louis, Missouri? And frankly, move there? As American cities go, it’s as vibrant, diverse and hip as it gets...” —“25 BEST PLACES TO VISIT IN 2020” Forbes Magazine
Engaged in Our Region We are Washington University in St. Louis, for St. Louis and with St. Louis. The Brown School is an active partner in creating healthier and more prosperous communities in and around St. Louis. We work and advocate with external community organizations that are addressing structural inequities, health disparities and resource deficits throughout the region. Our faculty members have also launched several community-based initiatives: HOMEGROWN STL AND THE RACE & OPPORTUNITY LAB, led by Sean Joe, the Benjamin E. Youngdahl Professor of Social Development, bolster the city’s capacity to foster positive social, physical and educational development of Black boys and young men. Recent work after the death of George Floyd has included a report, “Accountable Policing: Policies to Advance the Personal Safety of Black Boys and Young Men,” which provides both local and federal recommendations to alter public safety practices for equity, accountability and transparency. THE CENTER FOR HUMAN SERVICE LEADERSHIP (CHSL) was developed to support the capacity and leadership of nonprofit tenants at Delmar DivINe, a new real estate initiative in North St. Louis City dedicated to community development, social improvement and collaboration in St. Louis and the nation. Directed by Professor of Practice Barry Rosenberg, CHSL will use a racial equity lens to contribute to the long-term development of social service organizations, assisting in organizational governance, data-driven strategic thinking, innovation, talent development and collaboration. Within our community initiatives, you will find opportunities for practica placement, research positions and informal learning events held throughout the year. THE BROWN SCHOOL EVALUATION CENTER serves our community with a mission to advance evaluation science and practice, helping organizations to create a lasting social impact. Since May 2015, the Center has partnered to plan and implement evaluations, provided capacity building opportunities to organizations and individuals, and amplified the impact of evaluations through dissemination.
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“I credit this city and the people in it for influencing my worldview and values. Amazing community-level, intersectional work happens here. From the Black Lives Matter movement to local politics, to queer artists and organizers, there are so many ways to plug in. The folks who are already here doing the work are full of passion, hope and a vision for what an equitable city can look and feel like.” — MOLLY PEARSON, MSW/MSP ’20 Brown School Lecturer
“I don’t think there has been a more important time for the Brown School to be engaged in the type of work we’re doing.” —JASON PURNELL Associate Professor and Vice President of Community Health Improvement, BJC.
Student
FELICITY ZHANG Hometown
SHANGHAI, CHINA Program
MASTER OF SOCIAL WORK Concentration
MENTAL HEALTH
My Life at the Brown School Every student’s schedule, interests and commitments are different. Here’s a look at how one student structures a portion of the week. Mondays
DEDICATED TO RESEARCH AND PRACTICUM
8:00 am
Work out at home and walk to class afterwards
9:00 am
Class - “Cognitive Behavioral Therapy” with Julie Mastnak
12:30 pm
Lunch at home
1:00 pm
Online appointment with my therapist at the Student Health Center
2:00 pm
Relax, spend time with my cat
3:00 pm
Remote work for WashU Medical School: Planning & running family- based pediatric obesity treatment groups
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Wednesdays 8:00 am
DEDICATED TO COURSEWORK AND STUDENT LEADERSHIP ROLES Wake up, listen to podcasts/audio books, walk to campus for breakfast
9:00 am Class: “Principles, Practices & Services in Substance Use Disorder Treatment” with Phillip Marotta 12:00 pm
Lunch at Parkside Cafe, catch up with classmates
1:00 pm
Take Metro to practicum site
2:00 pm
Write clinical notes, study treatment models
6:00 pm Co-facilitate a group on problematic sexual behaviors 8:00 pm
Take Metro home
Fridays
DEDICATED TO REST AND RECONNECTING
8:00 am
Wake up and call family
9:00 am
Work on data report for the Missouri Eating Disorder Council
10:00 am
Meet with supervisor
4:00 pm
Meet with classmate to prepare for upcoming presentation
5:00 pm
Video chat with my partner
7:00 pm
Happy hour with friends
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“Career Services was such a valuable resource not only in helping me articulate my experiences and worth within the field, but also in connecting me with professionals who are actively doing this work. Having the opportunity to build networks and champions for me outside of the Brown School made the future less intimidating, more tangible and more accessible than before.” —JESSICA GRIMMETT, MSW ’19 Director, CCS Fundraising
Prepare for Your Next Step You’ll work with a Career Services team that specializes in social work career strategies. In addition to one-on-one advising, Career Services hosts programming to help you chart the beginning of your professional career. You’ll benefit from résumé writing workshops, meetings with visiting industries and hiring managers, interviews and job fairs. Career Services will equip you to articulate the unique strengths and experiences you bring to the profession. Learn more at brownschool.wustl.edu/career-services.
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Our Alumni Network We have a global network of alumni who are making an impact in a broad range of careers. They are valued for their skill and vision in professional positions such as: Licensed clinical social workers Policy analysts Founders and executive directors of nonprofits Program managers and evaluators
Urban education reformers Senior living services managers School and medical social workers Health care managers Family intervention specialists
Social entrepreneurs Research managers
Mixed-income community managers Teaching and research faculty members
Our alumni are also competitively positioned for prestigious fellowships and doctoral programs.
“I want to make change from the inside. I am an activist and community organizer, and I also have the patience needed to fix systems and shape outcomes. The Brown School gave me the confidence that I belong in the field, the knowledge that I have the persistence, and the courage to ask myself: if not you, then who?” —JULIA HUGHES, MSW/MPH ’19 Crises Intervention Clinician, BHR
Join Us The Brown School admits one class each year for the fall semester. Applicants are strongly encouraged to apply early. APPLICATION DEADLINES
Deadline Type
Priority Consideration Regular Decision Rolling Admissions
Application Submission Date
Admissions & Scholarship Decisions Released
Candidate Response*
December 1
February 1
May 1
December 2–March 1
Within 6–8 Weeks
May 1
March 2–July 1
Within 4–6 Weeks
Date varies by applicant
*Some scholarship offers may require accelerated responses from candidates. APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS The MSW application must be submitted online with the following items: A $50 application fee Academic transcripts from all postsecondary institutions attended A personal statement An analytical essay A comprehensive résumé or CV Three letters of recommendation Supplemental materials are required for international students, transfer applicants and 3-2 applicants. Additional information is available at brownschool.wustl.edu/msw-apply.
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SCHOLARSHIP SUPPORT We know how important scholarship support can be in making graduate school a possibility. The Brown School offers a range of scholarships to assist students with funding their degrees. Brown School scholarships include a combination of merit- and need-based awards that recognize the variety of strengths, experiences, endeavors and personal histories our students offer. The admissions committee considers several factors in determining scholarship awards: financial need, academic achievement, leadership and service, professional accomplishments, contributions to family and community, and commitment to equity and social justice. All applicants wishing to be considered for Brown School scholarship support will receive an award. A supplemental scholarship form and a video interview are required; instructions will be issued after submitting the application for admission. Learn more at brownschool.wustl.edu/ msw/msw-scholarships. OFFICE OF FINANCIAL SERVICES The Brown School Office of Financial Services provides dedicated support to students as they navigate the financial aid process. Most students finance their graduate education through a combination of sources, including Brown School scholarships, external scholarships and grant programs, federal funding (student loans and work-study), part-time research assistantships and campus-based employment, private loans, personal savings and out-of-pocket payments. The Office of Financial Services is available to assist as you determine which funding strategies will work best for you and your individual circumstances. Learn more at brownschool.wustl.edu/msw-finaid. brownschool.wustl.edu/msw | 35
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Keep Exploring We love helping prospective students get a better feel for our programs, campus and community. SCHEDULE A VISIT OR TOUR Schedule your virtual or in-person visit at brownschool.wustl.edu/visit. Learn about other ways to explore our community at brownschool.wustl.edu/virtual-connections. ATTEND A VIRTUAL INFO SESSION The Office of Admissions & Recruitment hosts monthly virtual info sessions on topics spanning research, faculty, field education, tips for submitting a strong application and others. Each session concludes with a Q&A for viewers. Learn about our next sessions at brownschool.wustl.edu/virtual. MEET THE ADMISSIONS OFFICE
CONTACT US
We welcome you to call or email with your questions about the Brown School or the application process. To meet the admissions team, visit brownschool.wustl.edu/meet-admissions.
Office of Admissions & Recruitment 314.935.6676 brownadmissions@wustl.edu brownschool.wustl.edu
Washington University encourages and gives full consideration to all applicants for admission, financial aid and employment. The university does not discriminate in access to, or treatment or employment in, its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, veteran status, disability or genetic information. Inquiries about compliance should be addressed to the University’s Vice Chancellor for Human Resources, Washington University, Campus Box 1184, One Brookings Drive, St. Louis, MO 63130-4899, 314.935.5990.
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Our Vision A better and more equitable society.
Our Mission To engage multidisciplinary faculty, staff and students to create a better and more equitable society through leading rigorous science, transformative education and authentic partnerships.
Our Values WE ARE COMMITTED TO:
Excellence in education and scholarship Immerse students in an evidence-based learning experience with faculty who are driving new solutions to contemporary social, health and structural challenges in society. Connect students with practitioners who are leading efforts to address the root causes and consequences of inequities. Create an environment for students to co-create knowledge by collaborating with faculty on research studies and bringing innovations into practice. High-Impact Scholarship Generate rigorous, innovative and high-impact scholarship to build an evidence base vital to solving real-world problems. Guided by the highest ethical standards, forge and strengthen inclusive, authentic and multidisciplinary collaborations to move high-quality applied research into practice and policy. Authentic Community Partnerships Develop authentic community partnerships that are based on equity, transparency and mutually empowering relationships that are focused on achieving sustainable change in service of the public good. Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Promote equity, racial and social justice through fair, inclusive, transparent, and sustainable practices and processes. A spire to be catalysts for change and transformation, identifying barriers and co-creating solutions that will lead to greater justice. CONNECT WITH US
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brownschool.wustl.edu
Founded in 1925, the George Warren Brown School was named with a generous gift from Betty Bofinger Brown in memory of her late husband.