You will be transformed through a trauma-informed lens in this evidence-based, CSWE-accredited Master in Social Work program that includes interdisciplinary teamwork and collaboration.
The Direct Practice concentration is grounded in the person-in-the-environment framework. The program is trauma-focused, where each person is accepted for who they are in their environment.
Direct practice specialization applies critical thinking and ethical principles in a clinical setting with individuals, small groups and families.
45-60+ credits
$750/credit
As few as 24 months
On campus & online
You will learn a range of prevention and intervention methods and study how to assess a person through his or her past and present environments and build on resiliency and strengths. 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.
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 their MSW at Carlow by taking 45 credits.
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.
Gain the knowledge you need at your convenience with our online degree option. When applying, indicate your interest in the online option.
Graduates find employment in health and behavioral health care settings, hospitals, human services, family services, crisis services and substance treatment centers and clinical private practice.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics expects employment of social workers to grow 12% between 2019 and 2029, resulting in 713,200 new jobs.
What stood out for MSW graduate Brandy Patterson ’20 was how supportive Carlow’s faculty and staff were, especially in the Social Work Program. “I always felt like I was able to reach out to whomever I needed at the time to get the help that I needed. If I were to give a yelp review for the Masters of Social Work program I would say it is very supportive and flexible which is great for adult students. You will never feel alone or lost in this program.”
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.
You can apply for free online, and must submit the following materials:
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.
anytime
Fall & Spring*
*Summer start is possible for advanced standing only
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.