Master of Social Work Program
Since 1917, the master of social work program at the University of Minnesota has prepared students for advanced social work practice and leadership.
Grounded in the principles of social justice, the School strives to create a diverse learning environment, and to help students develop the sensitivity and skills necessary to work in multicultural communities.
The curriculum emphasizes social justice, the value of human diversity, and the empowerment of oppressed people. It also stresses practice that focuses on client strengths and problem-solving capacities to foster change at multiple levels.
Program Flexibility
The School of Social Work offers flexible scheduling to meet the needs of a variety of students.
- Choice of full- or part-time schedule
- Choice of classes held on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays or weekend-exclusive classes held on Friday nights and all day Saturday
- Advanced standing available to students who have earned an undergraduate degree in social work
Classes are held on the University’s St. Paul campus or via distance education at Minnesota State University at Moorhead or the University of Minnesota Rochester.
For more information see Program Options.
Dual Degrees
The School of Social Work also offers dual degree programs with two nationally recognized departments at the University of Minnesota–the School of Public Health and the Humphrey Institute of Public Affairs. Students receive an M.S.W. and master of public health, master of public policy, or master of urban and regional planning.
For more information see Dual Degrees.
Applying Classroom Learning in the Field
Students in the M.S.W. program apply their classroom learning in social work agencies under the supervision of an M.S.W. field instructor. Full-program students complete two internships, each 480 hours in length. Students eligible for advanced standing take one field placement of 480 hours, which supports their chosen concentration. The School of Social Work offers a wide array of internship possibilities at a range of agencies.
For more information, visit Field Instruction.