Master of Social Work

Grounded in social work values and ethics, Salisbury University offers an innovative student-centered MSW program that prepares graduates to make an impact in their local and regional communities and at national and international levels. Salisbury University MSW graduates serve as leaders in the implementation of socially just, culturally-responsive, equitable, evidence-based, and theory-informed interventions.

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What Can I Do With a Master of Social Work?

Graduates will have the skills necessary for lifelong learning and adaptation to new practice contexts. They will be prepared to work in a variety of settings in primary roles that include direct practitioners, consultants and supervisors, working in fields such as:

Social justice
Policy practice
Clinical mental health

Community organizing
Government organizations
Non-profit organizations
Public education system

Register for an M.S.W. Information Session

Why Choose a Master of Social Work at Salisbury University?

The M.S.W. program at SU offers students the opportunity to earn their degree in a student-centered, supportive atmosphere. When you apply to the program at SU, you will find:

Multiple options to complete your degree. SU offers one of the most affordable online M.S.W. options in Maryland. We also have options at four convenient regional locations across Maryland. Courses in the regional locations are “hybrid,” meaning they use the latest technology to combine conventional face-to-face presentations with fully interactive live video and online instruction from SU’s faculty. The M.S.W. program is designed with the working student in mind by offering evening and summer courses, so you can complete your degree on your own schedule.
A nationally recognized program. The M.S.W. program at SU is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education. In addition, the program’s online option is also accredited.
Advanced direct practice education. SU’s advanced direct practice specialization is defined as advanced practice primarily with individuals, groups, families and organizations. Advanced direct practice is based on the systems and strengths perspectives, along with theory. These foundations focus on preparing practitioners to enhance social functioning and interactions of individuals, families, and groups by involving them in accomplishing goals, developing resources and preventing or alleviating distress.
Field education. Students select field education placements to meet their professional goals. Current placements include a variety of settings such as community mental health agencies, child welfare agencies, county health departments and area schools.

Meet Maura – M.S. in Social Work Student

Meet Maura – M.S.W. Student

Learn how Maura is honing her skills as a social worker and giving back to her community.

M.S.W. Program Specializations

Students have the choice of two specializations:

Clinical Social Work and Advocacy Specialization
Learn how work with diverse individuals, families and small groups with a special focus on interventions that enhance the person-in-environment fit and address biopsychosocial and behavioral functioning. Become prepared to work in variety of roles, including:
- mental health clinics
- health care facilities
- family service agencies
- palliative and hospice care
- schools
- veterans services
- military
- in-patient treatment facilities
- social service agencies
- recovery programs
- forensic services
- court services
- private practice
Social Change and Leadership Specialization
Learn how to work with organizations and communities to address systemic issues and to promote just and equitable social structures. Graduates assume positions in a variety of settings, including local, state and federal agencies; non-profit advocacy organizations; grassroots advocacy organizations; health and human service agencies; elected office; and political campaigns. Become prepared for careers in:
- administration
- policy
- organizing activism
- advocacy

Learn more about macro social work from an in-depth interview with Dr. Lee Staples, author of Roots to Power and emeritus professor at Boston University School of Social Work. A renowned community organizer and scholar, Dr. Staples shares insights from his community practice, discusses the uniqueness of the macro specialization track, and highlights various career paths.

Hear why Maryland Secretary of Housing and Community Development Jacob Day feels Salisbury University’s Master of Social Work – Social Change and Leadership Specialization is a great tool to help prepare leaders and advocates who understand how to engage in communities and foster opportunity. Prepare yourself to be a practitioner of change making at SU.

Master of Social Work Program Requirements

For details on program policies as well as the program requirements, visit the University's catalog:

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Campuses Across Maryland and Online

Salisbury University has five locations throughout Maryland to earn your degree! We offer our M.S.W. Program at our main campus in Salisbury and at our four satellite sites in Maryland. Our campus locations are designed in a hybrid format so students are only on campus one-two evenings per week with classes beginning at 5 p.m. Salisbury University also offers a completely Online M.S.W. Program option.

Cecil College
Eastern Shore Higher Education Center at Chesapeake College
University System of Maryland at Southern Maryland
University System of Maryland at Hagerstown
Online M.S.W. Program

Our Online Program is mostly asynchronous with a few synchronous sessions available for Traditional M.S.W. Program students. Advanced Standing students begin in the specialized curriculum and their courses are designed in a completely asynchronous format.

Currently, we offer our Program in Maryland, Delaware, Virginia, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, New Jersey, New York, and Washington, D.C.. Our Online Program is billed as the same rate as a Maryland resident regardless of your location.
UMGC Europe Options

Courses in the Bachelor of Arts in Social Work (B.A.S.W.) and Master of Social Work (M.S.W.) programs are offered in the Kaiserslautern Military Community, Germany. Members of the U.S. Armed Forces, American employees of the U.S. government and their family members may enroll in courses through the Salisbury University/University of Maryland Global Campus Europe (UMGC Europe).

Master of Social Work Faculty with Real-World Experience

The social work faculty is dedicated to excellence in teaching and maintaining a strong focus on student learning.

Rooted in social justice, the profession of social work strives to create a world in which we all can thrive. The School of Social Work seeks motivated graduate students, who have a passion for helping others and are ready to enhance their skills to work with individuals, families, groups, and communities.

Dr. Jennifer R. Jewell Director for the School of Social Work

Learn More About Our Master of Social Work Program

M.S.W. Program Goals
- Goal I: Perform as professional social workers in advanced direct practice with individuals, families, groups and organizations.
- Goal II: Develop a professional identity grounded in social work ethics and values.
- Goal III: Apply knowledge of diversity, difference, and the impact on life experiences and identity formation.
- Goal IV: Demonstrate critical thinking, ongoing self- reflection and awareness of continued professional development as essential components of culturally competent advanced direct social work practice.
- Goal V: Engage in scientific inquiry, evidence-based practice and program evaluation.
- Goal VI: Enhance an understanding of human rights, human and community well-being, and social and economic justice.
Our School and Faculty
Practicums

Students coordinate their field placements with our Field Office to meet their professional goals. Traditional Program students complete two years of field practicum in two different settings; Advanced Standing Program students complete a one-year practicum in one setting.

Employment-based field placements are possible and are required to be examined by the Graduate Field Director for approval.

SU works in collaboration with the University of Maryland School of Social Work to provide a limited number of stipends for the Title IV-E Education for Public Child Welfare Program.

There are several fellowships and funding opportunities available. For more information, please visit our Types of Aid web page.
Phi Alpha Honor Society

Phi Alpha is the National Social Work Honor Society open to undergraduate and graduate students. Members of Phi Alpha are outstanding students who are also committed to engaging in service activities that benefit the community. Learn more about the application process for membership in Phi Alpha.
Assistantships

Each year, SU offers a number of competitive graduate assistantships for students attending the SU campus. Information may be obtained from the School of Social Work. Required forms and documents should be returned to the School of Social Work as early as possible preceding the academic year or semester for which the appointment is sought. Assistantships are generally awarded for one semester, beginning in the fall, and may be continued in the spring semester, based on the recommendation of the department chair. All graduate assistants will be eligible to receive a salary and tuition waiver. Graduate assistants must enroll for a minimum of six credits, but no more than nine per semester will be covered by the tuition waiver. Tuition will be waived only for courses applicable toward master’s degree requirements. The waiver of tuition does not include waiver of fees.
Graduates of the M.S.W. program will:
- engage in beginning level generalist practice with client systems of all sizes
- demonstrate cultural competence in the social work practice setting
- demonstrate ethical and professional behavior
- engage diversity and difference in practice
- advance human rights and social, economic and environmental justice
- engage in practice-informed research, research-informed practice and policy practice
- engage, assess, intervene and evaluate practice with individuals, families, groups, organizations and communities
For a full list of outcomes, search for your program in SU's Academic Program Student Learning Outcomes database.