Master of Social Work

The MSW program is a specialized course of study designed to prepare graduates for clinical practice with individuals, families and groups in agency or organization-based community practice settings. The program is designed to produce graduates who exhibit professional standards, values, and ethics in the practice of social work; who demonstrate a respect for human beings and a commitment to the capacity for growth and change in people; and who demonstrate the application of professional social work principles through professional discipline and self-awareness in the service of all clients. Graduates will be able to engage in a range of practice methodologies appropriate for treatment of individual and family problems and in work with groups.

Program Description

The graduate program in social work is a course of study designed to respond to an identified need in the region for skilled clinical social work practitioners. It is built upon a core of information basic to social work practice, followed by advanced scholarly study in preparation for clinical work with individuals, families, and small groups. An intense field practicum affords the student the opportunity to apply theory gained in the classroom to the problems of agency clients. The MSW program is fully accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.

Program Options

The MSW program is offered as either a full-time or part-time program.

Two-year full-time plan: offered over four semesters (Fall, Spring, Fall, and Spring). The field practicum requirements are completed during semester two through four. (Available at USF Tampa).

Three-year part-time plan: offered over seven consecutive semesters. At this time, the three-year plan is being offered every third year. The field practicum requirements are completed during semesters three through seven. (Available at USF Tampa, Lakeland, St.Petersburg, & Sarasota/Manatee.

Advanced standing (full-time): offered in the summer session for 3 consecutive semesters or in the Spring semester for 3 semesters including Spring, Fall, and Spring. Electives can also be taken during the Summer semester. Applicants who have graduated from an accredited BSW program within the last 5 years may be eligible to apply for advanced standing status. (Available at USF Tampa)

Advanced standing (part-time): admitted in the third semester of the part-time program. (Available at USF Tampa, Lakeland, St.Petersburg, & Sarasota/Manatee.)