MSW: Macro Practice

Advocate for social and economic justice with a MSW in Macro Practice 

You will earn to advocate for human rights and social and economic justice through the macro practice approach in the Master of Social Work program. You will acquire knowledge of best practices with large systems and frameworks for achieving change. 

The MSW macro program at Carlow University offers an evidence-based social work program that includes interdisciplinary teamwork and collaboration, a crucial component in real world practice.  Our social work education is experiential, practice-oriented, trauma-focused and self-reflective. 

Bachelor’s in Social Work students from Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) accredited programs will qualify for application for advanced standing, able to earn a MSW at Carlow by taking 45 credits.

Quick facts

  • CSWE-accredited program
  • Choose a specialization that’s right for you
  • Choose a schedule that works for you (on campus, online, part time, full time)
  • Learn from world-class faculty who are actively practicing and publishing in the discipline
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Credits required:

45-60+ credits

Cost per credit:

$750/credit

Time to degree:

As few as 24 months

Delivery:

On campus & online

Social work macro practice curriculum

view plan of study

You will learn critical thinking, ethical principles and best practices in problem solving and leadership in large groups, communities and organizations. Our curriculum is designed to include interprofessional integrated behavioral health education (seminars, telehealth training, outreach programs) that emphasize service delivery to, and advocacy for, rural, vulnerable and underserved populations.

While in the program, you will have ample opportunity to participate in hands-on training — a key factor in your success in the social work field

Choose the specialization that best aligns with your social work career goals.

  • Focus on individuals, families or groups in a clinical setting: Direct Practice
  • Focus on human rights and justice in your community and organizational levels: Macro Practice

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Alternate degree completion options

Advanced Standing track

If you already have a BSW from an CSWE-accredited program, our advanced standing track allows you to complete this degree in as few as 18 months.

Online Degree

Gain the knowledge you need at your convenience with our online degree option. When applying, indicate your interest in the online option.

Career opportunities for MSW Macro Practice graduates

Graduates find employment as community advocates, social work researchers, human service and nonprofit administrators and policy makers, in law schools, and in public service.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics expects employment of social workers to grow 13% between 2019 and 2029, resulting in 713,200 new jobs.

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Olivia Miller, ’21, biology major and runner on the track & field/cross country team.

Where dreams come true

MSW graduate Latrese Zak ’20 said Carlow helped one of her dreams come true. “If I could do it all over again, honestly I’d choose Carlow. I’ve never met such patient professors who challenged me; not every grade was an A. Attending such a place gave me hope. If I could obtain an education and learn to write papers, the sky is limitless and so are my opportunities for advancement with my Carlow education.” 

Accreditation

Carlow University’s Master of Social Work program is proud to announce that it has received Initial Accreditation by the Council on Social Work Education’s (CSWE) Commission on Accreditation following the June 2020 program review. CSWE’s Commission on Accreditation is responsible for developing accreditation standards that define competent preparation and ensuring that social work programs meet them. CSWE administers a multistep accreditation process that involves program self-studies, site visits, and program reviews.

Please note that Social Work programs cannot accept life experience or work experience for credit.

Resources

Admission requirements and application process

You can apply for free online, and must submit the following materials:

  • Official transcripts from all degree-granting institutions you have attended
  • Personal essay that describes your academic objectives
  • Current resume or curriculum vitae
  • Two letters of recommendation that address your leadership potential and ability to succeed in graduate-level work

Apply

anytime

Start terms:

Fall & Spring*

An undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher is preferred; however, provisional admission is also possible if you do not meet all of the admission criteria but exhibit a strong possibility of academic success.

*Summer start is possible for advanced standing only

MSW faculty

Contact Admissions

If you are interested in this graduate program, our Admissions team is available to assist you with the next steps, including scheduling an on-campus visit.

admissions@carlow.edu
+1 (412) 578-6059

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