Master of Social Work Degree

The Master of Social Work program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.

The mission of the University of Northern Iowa's Master of Social Work degree program is to prepare students for advanced micro practice or social administration. There is commitment to serve the community, and to contribute new knowledge to the field. Students and faculty are also committed to creating environments that enhance optimal human potential and growth. Theoretical underpinnings and learning environment are based on systems and strengths perspectives. Advocacy and promotion of cultural sensitivity, human rights, and social and economic justice are central to the program.

The Master's Degree in Social Work (M.S.W.) is available only on the non-thesis option. The M.S.W. program is designed to prepare students for the advanced practice of social work in a variety of public and nonprofit settings. There are two avenues to the M.S.W. degree: the Two Year program, open to persons with baccalaureate degrees in other fields, and the Advanced Standing program, which is available only for qualified students who have graduated from a Council on Social Work Education (C.S.W.E.) accredited baccalaureate social work program. The M.S.W. program is offered only as a full-time program.

All M.S.W. students will complete a concentration in either Micro Practice or Social Administration. The Micro Practice concentration is designed to prepare students for advanced social work practice with individuals, families, and groups. The Social Administration concentration is designed to prepare students for advanced administrative practice including: leadership, program planning and development; organizational development and change; and how to seek effective funding of programs. The concentration course credit can only be completed at the University of Northern Iowa.

The Two Year program requires a minimum of 60 semester hours, which consists of a generalist foundation core of 29 semester hours and completion of one of the two concentrations. The program is offered in cohort groups and consists of two full consecutive academic years with field practicum concurrent with fall and spring academic course work or with second year field practicum during the summer following completion of all other course work. Students are strongly encouraged to finish within this time frame. A minimum of 39 hours of 200-level course work is required for the non-thesis option.

The Advanced Standing program requires a minimum of 38 semester hours. The program consists of a summer core of 7 hours, preceding one full academic year of concentration courses with field practicum concurrent with fall and spring academic course work or with field practicum during the summer following completion of all other course work. Students are strongly encouraged to finish within this time frame. A minimum of 32 hours of 200-level course work is required for the non-thesis option. Advanced Standing students may be required to take additional foundation core courses at the University of Northern Iowa.

The Graduate Record Examination (General Test) is not required for admission to the program; however, applicants may wish to submit GRE scores in support of their application.

Admission to the M.S.W. is competitive. Applicants must comply with all of the policies and procedures pertaining to admission to graduate study as set forth in the catalog (pages xxx to xxx). In addition, applicants are required to submit the following in order to be considered for admission.

1. The Department of Social Work M.S.W. application.
2. Three letters of reference, using the official M.S.W. departmental reference forms.
3. A personal autobiographical statement.
4. Official transcripts for all post-secondary institutions attended (with the exception of the University of Northern Iowa), sent directly from the college or university attended to the Office of the Registrar at the University of Northern Iowa.

Major in Social Work

Required for Two Year Program:

Social Work foundation core: (for all two year students) 450:210; 450:211; 450:212; 450:213; 450:214; 450:215; 450:216; 450:218; 450:219

29 hours

Concentration: (select one of the following)

31 hours

TOTAL

60 hours

Required for One Year Advanced Standing Program:

Social Work: (summer courses for all one year students) 450:230; 450:239

7 hours

Concentration: (select one of the above)

31 hours

TOTAL

38 hours

Micro Practice Concentration:

Social Work: 450:240; 450:241; 450:242; 450:243; 450:244; 450:250;450:255

25 hours

Electives to be selected in consultation with program advisor

6 hours

31 hours

Social Administration Concentration:

Social Work: 450:250; 450:255; 450:260; 450:261; 450:262; 450:263; 450:264

25 hours

Electives to be selected in consultation with program advisor

6 hours

31 hours

For information concerning admission or required courses for the M.S.W., contact the Department of Social Work, M.S.W. Program, Sabin 30, Cedar Falls, IA 50614-0405, or phone 319-273-5910, or visit www.uni.edu/socialwork/msw1.html.