Master of Social Work (MSW)
School of Public Service and Education
The Master of Social Work (MSW) degree program is designed to equip a diverse population with the knowledge and skills to pursue specialized advanced generalist social work practice as administrators, social work practitioners, supervisors, and leaders in their respective communities. The curriculum includes online coursework and face-to-face learning experiences and emphasizes social work practice skills that promote personal growth and competence in ethics, values, diversity, ecological perspectives, cultural competence, technology, and leadership in 21st-century specialized advanced generalist social work practice. Learners who have a bachelor’s degree from a Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)-accredited program or those who have a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree may pursue Capella’s MSW.
Practicum/Internship Experience Requirement(s):
Minimum of 1,000 supervised practicum and internship experience hours. See the Practicum/Internship Experience section below for more information.
SWK5001 |
Research in Social Work Practice
Learners in this course acquire the knowledge, skills, and tools
needed to engage in research-informed practice and practice-informed
research. Learners build skills related to planning and conducting
research, evaluating best practices, and critically assessing the
research of others. In addition, learners explore the relationship
between social work and research and articulate the importance of that
relationship with respect to serving individuals, families, groups,
organizations, and communities. Throughout the course, learners
demonstrate competence in research design and proposal writing with
the use of technology by constructing their own research plans.
For MSW learners only. Must be taken during the learner’s first
quarter. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer except by coursework from
a CSWE-accredited program.
| 4 quarter credits |
---|---|---|
SWK5002 |
Social Welfare History, Policy, and Practice
Learners in this course critically analyze social welfare history,
domestic social policies, and social welfare programs. Learners use
theoretical frameworks and social work best practices to understand
issues of social and economic justice, including the human rights of
children, youth, adults, families, communities, and organizations, in
order to effectively prepare for policy leadership and planning,
advocacy, and social action.
For MSW and MSW—Advanced Standing learners only. Cannot be
fulfilled by transfer except by coursework from a CSWE-accredited program.
| 4 quarter credits |
SWK5003 * |
Human Behavior and the Social Environment 1
The focus of this course is on the systems approach used to analyze
the impact of various social forces on individual and family dynamics.
Throughout the course, learners employ theory, social work best
practices, and research findings to understand and assess the
functioning of individuals and families in their social environments.
For MSW and MSW—Advanced Standing learners only.
Prerequisite(s): SWK5001, completion of or concurrent registration
in SWK5002. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer except by coursework
from a CSWE-accredited program.
| 4 quarter credits |
SWK5004 * |
Micro Social Work Practice
Learners in this course gain an understanding of the knowledge, values, and best practice skills required for generalist social work practice. Learners apply a strengths-based perspective to planned change and problem-solving processes and use technology to demonstrate leadership and evaluation-of-practice techniques. Learners also conceptualize how to effectively enhance the well-being of people and ameliorate the environmental conditions that adversely affect them. During this course, learners engage in a dynamic synchronous and asynchronous online hybrid experience integrating live video generalist practice experiences with faculty and learners in a virtual learning community. For MSW and MSW—Advanced Standing learners only. Prerequisite(s): SWK5001, SWK5002. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer. | 4 quarter credits |
SWK5005 * |
Human Behavior and the Social Environment 2
In this course, learners use theory and concepts from behavioral
sciences that focus on interactions between and among individuals and
the groups, social, economic, and environmental systems to inform
social work best practice interventions.
For MSW and MSW—Advanced Standing learners only.
Prerequisite(s): SWK5003, completion of or concurrent registration
in SWK5004. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer except by coursework
from a CSWE-accredited program.
| 4 quarter credits |
SWK5006 * |
Social Policy and Planning in Human Services
Learners in this course focus on the origins, processes, and politics
associated with contemporary American social policies intended to
advance human rights and social justice. Learners examine the role of
social workers in the leadership and creation of strategic planning,
implementation, and evaluation of myriad social policies, with
particular attention given to cultural diversity. In addition,
learners explore the relationship between social work values and
social policies and integrate social work best practice standards.
For MSW and MSW—Advanced Standing learners only.
Prerequisite(s): SWK5004. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer except
by coursework from a CSWE-accredited program.
| 4 quarter credits |
SWK5007 * |
Mezzo Social Work Practice
The focus of this course is on social work best practices with
particular emphasis on small-to-medium-sized groups. Learners explore
the link between mezzo and micro and macro social work practices, as
well as the link of person to environment, the research literature
that informs this level of practice, and ethical concerns. Throughout
the course, learners apply social work best practices and technology
integration in their work with individuals, families, groups,
organizations, communities, and colleagues.
For MSW and MSW—Advanced Standing learners only.
Prerequisite(s): SWK5003, SWK5004. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer
except by coursework from a CSWE-accredited program.
| 4 quarter credits |
SWK5008 * |
Macro Social Work Practice with Groups, Organizations, and Communities
Learners in this course build on their micro and mezzo social work
practice knowledge and gain a better understanding of the theory and
skills required for social work best practice with larger groups,
organizations, and communities. In particular, learners in this course
analyze macro social work practice models, including social planning,
community organizing, social action, leadership, effective use of
technology, supervision and community/organizational development, and
change.
For MSW and MSW—Advanced Standing learners only.
Prerequisite(s): SWK5004, SWK5006. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer
except by coursework from a CSWE-accredited program.
| 4 quarter credits |
SWK5012 * |
Cultural Competence and Social Work Practice with Diverse Populations
Learners investigate diversity and difference, power and privilege,
and oppression, as they relate to social work practice. Throughout the
course, learners become knowledgeable of one’s biases toward race,
ethnicity, culture, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, social and
economic status, political ideology, and disability; how those biases
contribute to discrimination and oppression; and the ethics of
culturally competent best practice. In addition,
learners assess personal values, beliefs, and behaviors that may limit
their ability to practice effective social work with people of diverse
backgrounds. Through the use of technology, learners then engage in
strategy and leadership best practices for dealing with biases in
social work practice.
For MSW and MSW—Advanced Standing learners only. Must be taken
during the first quarter by learners who have been admitted to the
MSW—Advanced Standing degree program. Prerequisite(s): SWK5007;
completion of or concurrent registration in SWK5008. Learners in
the MSW—Advanced Standing degree program are exempt from these
prerequisites. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer except by
coursework from a CSWE-accredited program.
| 4 quarter credits |
SWK5013 * |
Mental Health Practice and Advanced Interventions: Theory and Practice
This course prepares learners for advanced mental health best
practice. Learners use multiple theoretical frameworks and technology
to engage, assess, intervene, and evaluate individuals, families,
groups, organizations, and communities within the mental health field.
For MSW and MSW—Advanced Standing learners only.
Prerequisite(s): SWK5007; completion of or concurrent registration
in SWK5008. Learners in the MSW—Advanced Standing degree program
are exempt from these prerequisites. Cannot be fulfilled by
transfer except by coursework from a CSWE-accredited program.
| 4 quarter credits |
SWK5014 * |
Advanced Generalist Social Work Practice
Learners in this course develop and demonstrate advanced generalist best practice and leadership skills in engagement, assessment, intervention, and evaluation from a strengths perspective grounded in social work values and ethics, social justice, human rights, cultural competence, policy practice, the integration of technology, and evidence-based practice. During this course, learners engage in a dynamic synchronous and asynchronous online hybrid experience integrating live video clinical practice experiences with faculty and learners in a virtual learning community. For MSW and MSW—Advanced Standing learners only. Prerequisite(s): SWK5012, completion of or concurrent registration in SWK5013. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer. | 4 quarter credits |
SWK5015 * |
Advanced Statistics, Research, and Program Evaluation
This course provides learners with the opportunity to advance their
knowledge in research methodology, data collection, and program
evaluation in social work best practice. Learners integrate research
practice, knowledge, and theory with leadership methods and data
processing and analysis, in order to better understand the
implications of quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-methods data.
Learners also use and interpret various statistical procedures for
analyzing quantitative and qualitative data using analytical software
and applications.
For MSW and MSW—Advanced Standing learners only.
Prerequisite(s): SWK5013. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer except
by coursework from a CSWE-accredited program.
| 4 quarter credits |
SWK5016 * |
Integrative Technology in Advanced Social Work Practice
This course is an introduction to transformative and innovative
methods of client interviewing, follow up, documentation, evaluation,
professional development, and communication through the use of
technology, with particular emphasis on 21st-century social work
practice skills used to serve diverse clients. Learners engage in
interactive roleplay activities and create a technology-based
initiative that promotes social justice and best practices.
For MSW and MSW—Advanced Standing learners only.
Prerequisite(s): Completion of or concurrent registration in
SWK5015. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer.
| 4 quarter credits |
SWK5017 * |
Clinical Supervision and Leadership in Social Work Practice
This course is an introduction to leadership theories and skills,
ethical decision-making, self-care efficacy, strategic planning, and
administrative roles in social work organizations. Throughout the
course, learners investigate technology integration; administrative,
educational, and supportive supervision; supervision procedures;
conduct of supervision; and legal and regulatory guidelines.
For MSW and MSW—Advanced Standing learners only.
Prerequisite(s): Completion of or concurrent registration in
SWK5016. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer except by coursework from
a CSWE-accredited program.
| 4 quarter credits |
SWK5018 * |
Systems Analysis of Social Work Practice: Theories, Skills, Values, and Professional Practice
This course provides a synthesis of all social work practice systems.
Learners apply critical-thinking skills as they delve into the
identification of social work values and ethics; the assessment of
professional behaviors and skills; the engagement of cultural
competence; the integration of research, knowledge, human behavior,
and theory; and the application and analysis of social work best
practice, social justice, policy, technology, and leadership.
For MSW and MSW—Advanced Standing learners only.
Prerequisite(s): Completion of or concurrent registration in
SWK5528. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer.
| 4 quarter credits |
SWK5025 * |
Foundation Practicum 1
This is the first course in a sequence of two required practicum
courses during which learners complete a minimum of 400 supervised
practicum/internship experience hours. Throughout the practicum,
learners engage in experiential learning in an agency setting and
apply social work best practice theories, professional values, and
practice techniques gained from their social work foundation courses.
This course includes an integrative seminar that facilitates learners’
leadership development and technology skills with regard to
entry-level generalist social work practice.
For MSW and MSW—Advanced Standing learners only. Special
permission is required for registration. Prerequisite(s): SWK5014,
completion of or concurrent registration in SWK5017. Approval of
practicum application. All application materials must be received
by the first day of the quarter preceding the quarter of the
proposed start date. Refer to the current manual for further
details. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer. | 4 quarter credits |
SWK5026 * |
Foundation Practicum 2
This is the second course in a sequence of two required practicum
courses during which learners complete a minimum of 400 supervised
practicum/internship experience hours. Throughout the practicum,
learners engage in experiential learning in an agency setting and
apply social work best practice theories, professional values, and
practice techniques gained from their social work foundation courses.
This course includes an integrative seminar that facilitates learners’
leadership development and technology skills with regard to
entry-level generalist social work practice.
For MSW and MSW—Advanced Standing learners only. Special
permission is required for registration. Prerequisite(s): SWK5025.
Cannot be fulfilled by transfer.
| 4 quarter credits |
SWK5526 * |
Advanced Internship Practicum 1
This is the first course in a sequence of three required practicum
courses during which learners complete a minimum of 600 supervised
internship experience hours. Throughout the practicum, learners engage
in experiential learning in an agency setting and apply social work
best practice theories, professional values, practice techniques, and
technology integration skills gained from their advanced generalist
coursework. This course includes an integrative seminar that
facilitates learners’ leadership development with regard to
graduate-level generalist social work practice.
For MSW and MSW—Advanced Standing learners only. Special
permission is required for registration. Prerequisite(s): SWK5014;
SWK5026 with a grade of “B” or higher or SWK5525. Approval of
practicum application. All application materials must be received
by the first day of the quarter preceding the quarter of the
proposed start date. Refer to the current manual for further
details. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer.
| 4 quarter credits |
SWK5527 * |
Advanced Internship Practicum 2
This is the second course in a sequence of three required practicum
courses during which learners complete a minimum of 600 supervised
internship experience hours. Throughout the practicum, learners engage
in experiential learning in an agency setting and apply social work
best practice theories, professional values, practice techniques, and
technology integration skills gained from their advanced generalist
coursework. This course includes an integrative seminar that
facilitates learners’ leadership development with regard to
graduate-level generalist social work practice.
For MSW and MSW—Advanced Standing learners only. Special
permission is required for registration. Prerequisite(s): SWK5526
with a grade of “B” or higher. Approval of practicum application.
All application materials must be received by the first day of the
quarter preceding the quarter of the proposed start date. Refer to
the current manual for further details. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer.
| 4 quarter credits |
SWK5528 * |
Advanced Internship Practicum 3
This is the third course in a sequence of three required practicum
courses during which learners complete a minimum of 600 supervised
internship experience hours. Throughout the practicum, learners engage
in experiential learning in an agency setting and apply social work
best practice theories, professional values, practice techniques, and
technology integration skills gained from their advanced generalist
coursework. This course includes an integrative seminar that
facilitates learners’ leadership development with regard to
graduate-level generalist social work practice.
For MSW and MSW—Advanced Standing learners only. Special
permission is required for registration. Prerequisite(s): SWK5527
with a grade of “B” or higher. Approval of practicum application.
All application materials must be received by the first day of the
quarter preceding the quarter of the proposed start date. Refer to
the current manual for further details. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer.
| 4 quarter credits |
Two Elective Courses
At least 8 quarter credits
Recommended elective courses:
SWK5800 * |
Advanced Clinical Social Work Practice with Children and Youth
Learners in this course acquire the advanced knowledge and skills
required to engage in the clinical treatment of children and youth.
Learners examine theoretical frameworks, including developmental,
ecological systems, cognitive/behavioral, and psychodynamic. In
addition, learners analyze assessment styles and intervention
planning, with an emphasis on cultural and environmental factors.
Throughout the course, learners use technology and leadership skills
to synthesize, integrate, and apply that which they have learned, in
order to provide assessment and treatment that is grounded in
professional social work ethics and best practices to children and
youth.
For MSW and MSW—Advanced Standing learners only.
Prerequisite(s): SWK5013. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer.
| 4 quarter credits |
---|---|---|
-and- | ||
SWK5801 * |
Advanced Clinical Social Work Practice Screening, Assessment, Diagnosis, and Treatment of Children and Youth
This course provides a bio-psychosocial approach to identification,
screening, assessment, and diagnosis of common psychosocial problems
experienced by children and youth. Learners analyze etiology,
recognition, and diagnosis of these problems in the context of the
socio-cultural formation of disordered behavior. Throughout the
course, learners apply social work best practices, leadership skills,
techniques gained throughout their coursework, the most recent edition
of the American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and
Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, and the use of
technology to screen, assess and diagnose issues, such as serious
mental illness, suicidality, depression and anxiety, substance abuse,
child abuse, and the effects of trauma.
For MSW and MSW—Advanced Standing learners only.
Prerequisite(s): SWK5800. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer.
| 4 quarter credits |
OR
SWK5802 * |
Advanced Clinical Social Work Practice with Adults
This course is designed to prepare learners for advanced clinical
social work practice utilizing multiple theoretical frameworks and
technology to engage, assess, evaluate, and intervene in ethically and
culturally competent clinical practice with adults. In addition,
learners use best practice skills to serve as competent clinical
social work practitioners in nonprofit, for-profit, and community
organizations. Throughout the course, learners apply a skills-based
approach; leadership in presenting and practicing the use of specific
screening, assessment, and diagnostic protocols; as well as the most
recent edition of the American Psychiatric Association’s
Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders to
provide diagnostic formulations.
For MSW and MSW—Advanced Standing learners only.
Prerequisite(s): SWK5013. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer.
| 4 quarter credits |
---|---|---|
-and- | ||
SWK5803 * |
Advanced Clinical Social Work Practice Screening, Assessment, Diagnosis, and Treatment of Adults
This course provides a bio-psychosocial approach to identification,
screening, assessment, and diagnosis of common psychosocial problems
experienced by adult clients. Learners analyze etiology, recognition,
and diagnosis of these problems in the context of the socio-cultural
formation of disordered behavior. Throughout the course, learners
apply social work best practices, leadership skills, techniques gained
throughout their coursework, the most recent edition of the American
Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of
Mental Disorders, and the use of technology to screen, assess
and diagnose issues, such as serious mental illness, suicidality,
depression and anxiety, substance abuse, child abuse, elder abuse, and
the effects of trauma.
For MSW and MSW—Advanced Standing learners only.
Prerequisite(s): SWK5802. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer.
| 4 quarter credits |
OR
SWK5804 * |
Innovative Leadership and Supervision in Social Work Practice
The course provides social work learners with the opportunity to
explore workplace dynamics, communication theory, leader’s influence,
and the relationship between social work best practice and leadership
skills. Learners also analyze the use of technology as a tool for
effectively serving as administrators.
For MSW and MSW—Advanced Standing learners only.
Prerequisite(s): SWK5014. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer.
| 4 quarter credits |
---|---|---|
-and- | ||
SWK5805 * |
Managing Social Work Practice in the 21st Century
This course covers best practices in hiring, staffing, coaching, and
evaluating personnel. In particular, learners review key practice
policies related to health care, consumer rights, educational rights,
access, disabilities, cultural diversity, and ethical practices in the
workplace. Other course topics include leadership, grant writing,
program development, professional development, and strategic planning.
In addition, learners gain an understanding of advanced financial
management and planning with the use of technological resources.
For MSW—Advanced Standing and MSW learners only.
Prerequisite(s): SWK5804. Cannot be fulfilled by
transfer. | 4 quarter credits |
OR
Choose from a select list of graduate courses† related to social work within the fields of psychology (PSY), counseling (ADD, COUN, SHB), human services (HMSV, NPM), health care (MHA, MPH, NHS), public administration (MPA, PUAD), education (ED), or related area as approved by the academic program director.
Total
At least 88 quarter credits
* Denotes courses that have prerequisite(s). Refer to the descriptions for further details.
Learners who do not complete all program requirements within quarter credit/program point minimums will be required to accrue such additional quarter credits/program points as are associated with any additional or repeat coursework necessary for successful completion of program requirements.
† Learners are encouraged to contact their academic advisors for additional details.
Capella University cannot guarantee eligibility for licensure, endorsement, other professional credential, or salary advancement. State licensing regulations and professional standards vary; learners are responsible for understanding and complying with the requirements of the state in which they intend to work. For more information, see the professional licensure disclosures for this program on Capella’s website.
Practicum/Internship
Learners enrolled in the Master of Social Work (MSW) degree program are required to complete a minimum of 1,000 supervised hours of hands-on practicum/internship experience in an agency setting. The practicum/internship experience portion for this program is the signature pedagogy in social work education.
In the MSW practicum/internship experience, learners blend their courseroom education with real-world experiences to develop generalist practice skills under the leadership and supervision of an experienced professional social worker. This practicum/internship experience provides learners with the opportunity to experience direct practice with individuals, families, groups, and organizations. Additionally, learners engage in an integrated practicum/internship seminar to support their professional development.
Learners use their practicum/internship experiences to help them achieve their program outcomes and advanced generalist practice skills under the leadership and supervision of an experienced professional social worker. This practicum/internship experience provides learners with the opportunity to experience direct practice with individuals, families, groups, and organizations. Additionally, learners engage in an integrated practicum/internship seminar to support their professional development.
Practicum and/or Internship hours are considered complete once all program required practicum/internships hours have been successfully achieved. Partial completion of practicum/internship requirements/hours can't be verified for licensure or transfer of hours.