MSW Day Program Format & Schedule
This full-time two-year MSW program is an on-campus graduate program that combines classroom learning with hands-on fieldwork. The first year of the program, or generalist year, introduces students to foundational social work practice. In the second year, or specialized year, students have the chance to dive into advanced social work practice in their chosen area of specialization.
The generalist curriculum provides the knowledge and skills students need for entry-level social work practice, preparing them to serve in a variety of settings—with individuals, families or groups as well as with organizations, communities, or institutions. The generalist curriculum also acquaints students with the profession’s values, ethics and history.
The specialized curriculum builds advanced knowledge of relevant policies, systems, theories and practice methods across a variety of settings and populations. Students are prepared for advanced professional practice, in a chosen area of specialization, in a way that fosters social work leadership, effective social interventions, a commitment to a just and diverse society, and a commitment to public service.
MSW Day students attend three quarters per year (Autumn, Winter, Spring) and take six quarters (two years) to complete the degree. Required core courses are not offered in summer, though some students may choose to enroll in electives or earn practicum credits during summer quarter.
In the first year, students take three to four classes per quarter, alongside their generalist practicum. Classes are offered during three different time slots (8:30-11:20am, 11:30am-2:20pm, and 2:30-5:20pm) and are commonly on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays. Students will be at their practicum site for 16 hours per week, typically on Mondays and Tuesdays.
In the specialized year, students take three classes per quarter (7 credits/28 hours per week) and spend three full days per week at their specialized practicum (24 hours per week). Electives are scheduled in daytime slots although MSW Day students can take Thursday evening and Saturday electives on a space-available basis.
The School of Social Work offers more than 600 practicum sites. We place students in a variety of settings, including behavioral health agencies, hospitals, schools, community nonprofits, courts, legislatures, and research institutes.
MSW Day students will have two practicum placements: one in their generalist year and one in their specialized year. The generalist placement provides students with a range of learning opportunities across micro, mezzo, and macro practice. The specialized year placement is tailored to a student’s chosen specialization and offers broader responsibilities and more complex skill development.
Students are assigned a Field Faculty advisor who offers guidance, supervision, and support in the practicum process. Field Faculty begin working with students the summer before the program starts and students begin earning practicum hours in October of their first year.
Autumn Quarter
Monday: Soc W 501, 8:30-11:20am
Tuesday: Soc W 524 (practicum), 9:00-5:00pm
Wednesday: Soc W 510, 11:30-2:20pm & Soc W 504, 2:30-5:20pm
Thursday: Free
Friday: Soc W 500, 11:30-2:20pm
Winter Quarter
Monday: Soc W 524 (practicum), 9:00-5:00pm
Tuesday: Soc W 524 (practicum), 9:00-5:00pm
Wednesday: Soc W 512, 8:30-11:20am & Soc W 511, 11:30-2:20pm
Thursday: Free
Friday: Soc W 504, 11:30-2:20pm
Spring Quarter
Monday: Soc W 524 (practicum), 9:00-5:00pm
Tuesday: Soc W 524 (practicum), 9:00-5:00pm
Wednesday: Soc W 513, 8:30-11:20am & Soc W 504, 11:30-2:20pm
Thursday: Soc W 596, 8:30-11:20am
Friday: Soc W 505, 8:30-11:20am
Disclaimer: The School of Social Work reserves the right to (1) add or delete courses; (2) change instructor, time, day or location of courses; (3) cancel any course for insufficient registration or academic/administrative decision without notice; (4) unregister students from courses for which they have mis-enrolled or have not received permission to enroll; or (5) move students into a different section of a multi-section course. Students will be notified of any changes.