Why UMD for my MSW?
We prepare you for the full range of social work practice
The UMD Department of Social Work offers an Advanced Generalist program that prepares students for a wide range of social work roles from therapist and case manager to community organizer and administrator. We are one of the few MSW programs in the nation that includes a special focus on American Indian social services. Specialized courses and field placements are also available in clinical and child welfare practice for students choosing to focus their coursework in these areas. Content on developing cultural responsiveness is integrated across the curriculum. Our Advanced Generalist program allows you to experience a broad range of coursework which provides you with options for future practice.
What is unique about UMD’s MSW?
- We offer a hybrid model of course delivery, meaning most students are only on campus one day a week!
- We have a special commitment to American Indians with strong linkages to the American Indian community and specialized course content.
- We have scholarship and educational opportunities for students focusing on child welfare and clinical practice.
- Our advanced generalist model is ideally suited for work in rural areas, as well as urban settings.
- The program allows the flexibility to pursue your areas of interest by tailoring electives and field placements.
- Approximately 61% of our MSW students receive scholarships to help pay for their education.
We provide a strong internship experience in a wide range of settings
UMD’s practicum program provides the opportunity to complete your internship experience from the over 200 agencies that we work with. We have a wide selection of excellent Practicum opportunities throughout Minnesota and Northern Wisconsin.
Our graduates find positions after graduation
Read the most recent graduate follow-up report from the UMD Career Center.
We offer two options for a Masters of Social Work, to meet your needs
The Advanced Standing Program allows students with a BSW from an accredited undergraduate institution to complete their Master's in one calendar year of full time course and field work. This program allows for either a Summer or Fall start and can also be adjusted to a part time schedule to meet your needs. This 34 credit program includes a 480 hour field experience with direct supervision by an MSW in the field.
The Foundation Program allows students with a Bachelor's degree in a wide range of fields to complete their MSW in 2 years of full time course and field work. Students can start this 51 credit program in the Fall semester and includes two field internship placements, the first for 420 hours and the second for 480 hours, all supervised by professionals with an MSW degree. (MSW Admissions and Application information)
Clinical Licensure
Coursework in both the Foundation and Advanced Standing program can be used to meet the educational requirements for becoming a licensed clinical social worker in Minnesota and many other states. Many social workers will encounter and need to be familiar with recognizing how mental health affects functioning. In our program, students can complete coursework that will enable them to work in their early career, perhaps in child welfare or case management, and pursue clinical licensure later in their career. See our page on licensure and clinical licensure. We also offer a scholarship for students interested in pursuing clinical practice with children, adolescents, and youth in transition.
We offer convenience
We understand that those pursuing an MSW degree often have busy lives and responsibilities. That’s why we have changed our credit payment structure so that part-time students pay the same rate as full time students. A variety of financial aid opportunities available for both full time and part-time students. For your convenience classes offered on Thursday and Friday to allow time for work or field placements on other days. Check out the sample schedules in the MSW Handbook to see the variety of ways to complete your coursework.
We offer you personal connection
We are a small, student-centered program with individualized faculty-student interaction. Our multi-racial/multi-gender faculty have expertise in serving culturally and socially diverse populations.
Accredited by the Council on Social Work Education for over 25 years.