Social Work - M.S.W.
MSW Program Description
The IWU MSW Program is a residential hybrid course of study that offers a personal, professional and innovative experience for all learners seeking to practice social work at the advanced practice level. Students will receive an integrative practice approach to the social work profession while learning to draw on individual and community strengths to work toward social justice in their respective communities. Advanced Practice social workers employ a range of problem-solving processes and clinical and research- based theories while using the skills of assessment, planning, contracting, implementation, evaluation and termination as they work with various client systems to enhance functioning and improve well-being.
The MSW program provides a biblical perspective on social and economic justice and the intrinsic worth of all people. The foundation year provides generalist social work theory, practice, policy, and research perspectives. The advanced practice year provides theory, practice, policy, and research in advanced social work practice with an emphasis on clinical skills.
Students may enter the program in the Standard Track if they do not have an undergraduate social work degree from an accredited program. The program provides shorter term or longer-term enrollment options. Advanced standing may be granted to students who have a BSW degree from an accredited social work program and have achieved a GPA of 2.7 or higher in the last seven years.
All course work in the residential hybrid program is taken in sequence as part of a cohort group. Courses follow the traditional semester-based format. Four courses are taken in the fall semester. Two courses are taken in the spring semester along with 6 credits of field placement. Students walk in graduation during the April ceremony, however, they do not receive their diploma until they complete 6 additional credits of field placement during summer term.
The Mission
The mission of the MSW Program is to prepare social work students for advanced social work practice with an emphasis on clinical skills and provide opportunities for students to become world changers who have a desire to integrate personal faith and learning to maximize their ability to serve their fellow human beings. The program is committed to creating a personal, professional and innovative experience in the online environment.
Requirements
Standard Track (60 hours)
Year One:
| SWK-542 | Human Behavior and Social Environment | 3 |
| SWK-555 | Social Work Practice I | 3 |
| SWK-543 | Social Welfare and Policy | 3 |
| SWK-556 | Social Work Practice II | 3 |
| SWK-560 | Social Work Field Placement and Seminar I | 3 |
| SOC-582 | Social Research | 3 |
| SWK-561 | Social Work Field Placement and Seminar II | 3 |
| SWK-557 | Generalist Practice With Communities and Organizations | 3 |
| SWK-562 | Social Work Field Placement and Seminar III | 3 |
| SWK-563 | Social Work Field Placement and Seminar IV | 3 |
Year Two:
| SWK-661 | Research Proposal I: Problem Formation Process | 3 |
| SWK-650 | Mental Health and Psychopathology | 3 |
| SWK-655 | Advanced Interpersonal Practice | 3 |
| SWK-666 | Advanced Field Placement and Seminar I | 3 |
| SWK-656 | Advanced Practice With Families and Groups | 3 |
| SWK-667 | Advanced Field Placement and Seminar II | 3 |
| SWK-662 | Research Proposal II: Research Methods and Write-up | 3 |
| SWK-668 | Advanced Field Placement and Seminar III | 3 |
| SWK-660 | Social Welfare Policy and Program Development | 3 |
| SWK-669 | Advanced Field Placement and Seminar IV | 3 |
Advanced Standing Track (30 hours)
| SWK-661 | Research Proposal I: Problem Formation Process | 3 |
| SWK-650 | Mental Health and Psychopathology | 3 |
| SWK-655 | Advanced Interpersonal Practice | 3 |
| SWK-666 | Advanced Field Placement and Seminar I | 3 |
| SWK-656 | Advanced Practice With Families and Groups | 3 |
| SWK-667 | Advanced Field Placement and Seminar II | 3 |
| SWK-662 | Research Proposal II: Research Methods and Write-up | 3 |
| SWK-668 | Advanced Field Placement and Seminar III | 3 |
| SWK-660 | Social Welfare Policy and Program Development | 3 |
| SWK-669 | Advanced Field Placement and Seminar IV | 3 |
