Master of Social Work (MSW)
Courage. Compassion. Competence.
The University of Akron’s Master of Social Work (MSW) degree program will provide you with the training and hands-on skills to become a knowledgeable professional who can create changes in society and improve the lives of all people through the pursuit of social justice.
Because at UA, passion meets possibility.
Further your career in advanced specialized clinical work in direct practice or administration.
- No GRE required for program admission.
- Full- and part-time options available. *
- 100% online asynchronous classes also available.
- Tailor your learning to meet your professional goals — leadership, medical, mental health, substance abuse, child, youth and family.
- Expert faculty with diverse practice experience serve as advisors and instruct courses using the latest research and methods.
- Agency-based internships enable you to gain valuable experience.
- Earn a certificate in cognitive behavioral therapy.
- Obtain your LICDC through coursework and internship.
*Students with a Bachelor of Science in Social Work, and who qualify for our Advanced Standing program, can finish in 11 months. Learn more.
To speak with someone about the MSW program, please contact:
ON-CAMPUS PROGRAM
Rob Terry,
MSSA, LISW-S
Office: Polsky 410
Phone: 330-972-8790
Email: rpterry@uakron.edu
ONLINE PROGRAM
Becky Thomas,
PhD, MSW, LISW-S
Office: Polsky 411D
Phone: 330-972-5682
Email: bthomas@uakron.edu
ADMISSIONS AND HOW TO APPLY
The University of Akron School of Social Work and Family Sciences is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).
- Social Work, M.S.W. Program Requirements
- MSW program offers two concentrations: Micro and Macro practice
- How to apply
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
- MSW Student Handbook
- MSW Field Education Information & Forms
- MSW Program Completion Requirements
- Description of MSW Courses in Graduate Bulletin
MICRO AND MICRO CONCENTRATION DETAILS
Micro social work refers to advanced social work practice with small client systems (individuals, families, and groups) and collateral persons, professionals, and organizations relevant to practice with these small systems.
Micro field assignments may include in-depth assessment of client systems and resources, crisis intervention, application of intervention theories and skills, formulation of short and long-range goals, utilization of empowerment strategies to meet these goals, identification of and connection to community resources, and evaluation of intervention outcomes.
Micro social workers are employed in a variety of fields, including:
- mental health
- child welfare and children’s services
- health clinics and hospitals
- rehabilitation clinics
- family service settings
- school social work
- services for the elderly
- housing agencies
Macro social work refers to advanced social work practice with large client systems (organizations, neighborhoods, and communities) and focuses on supervision, management and administration, research, planning, grant writing, policy formulation, advocacy, and impacting the legislative process.
Macro field assignments may include development/implementation of needs assessment methodologies, identification of strategies and outcome measures, participation in grant preparation, design and/or implementation of programs and service delivery systems, involvement in program evaluation, work with client groups for the purpose of organizing and policy change, and evaluation of intervention outcomes.
Macro social workers work in a variety of positions, including:
- Program developers and directors
- Health and welfare planners
- Community organizers for local action groups
- Consultants and policy analysts for state and federal agencies
- Legislative advocates
- Organizational development specialists
- Health educators
- Youth workers
- Program evaluators
- Human service managers and supervisors