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Master's Degree

Master of Social Work (MSW)
Online Degree Program

Program Length

24 Mo.

Credits

60

Format

Online

Areas of Practice

3
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NEXT START January 6th

Waived Enrollment Fee

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Earn an MSW degree with Herzing University

AccreditationHerzing University has achieved Candidacy for Accreditation by the Council on Social Work Education’s Commission on Accreditation;1 Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission
EligibilityCurrent bachelor’s degree holders in a non-social work major
Format100% online classes delivered asynchronously, with hands-on clinical field practicums
CurriculumCurriculum includes virtual, simulated experiences to enhance distance learning
Areas of practiceClinical-focused social work curriculum with your choice of electives across 3 areas of practice
QuickPathsTransfer credit, stackable credentials, and adaptive learning technology build a faster pathway to a higher education with Herzing University

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Classes start: January 6th

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Over 90%

Satisfaction rate

Our overall student satisfaction rate, according to the 2023 Herzing Graduate Survey.

Overview: Online Master of Social Work

The Master of Social Work degree program option is a 60-credit online graduate program which prepares you for a career as a social worker.

The CSWE-aligned program curriculum provides students with advanced knowledge and skills in human behavior in the social environment, social policy and services, clinical social work interventions, psychosocial assessment & clinical diagnosis, and much more.

MSN Graduate

  • Career-focused curriculum

    Discover the crucial knowledge and skills required to succeed in your work and build a foundation for continued career growth.

  • Flexible schedule

    You can take classes during the day or in the evening.  We work hard to help you maintain school-life balance, striving to be as flexible as possible for busy non-traditional students.

  • Virtual services

    Access to extensive virtual services, including academic advising, tutoring, support services, technical support and library services.

  • Lifelong support

    We support your ongoing career advancement by providing comprehensive, personalized student services with lifelong career coaching.

  • Rolling admissions

    No application deadlines to worry about. Apply when you’re ready and prepare to get started soon.

Curriculum

MSW program classes & curriculum details

Our curriculum is designed to prepare you to become a culturally informed clinical practitioner through both academic coursework and practical application. The program emphasizes lifelong learning, professional development, service, networking, and adherence to the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) Code of Ethics.

All didactic, lecture-style courses are delivered online, with 900 total field practicum hours. You will choose electives across three career-focused social work areas of practice: Mental Health, Medical Social Work, and Children, Families, and Aging Services.2

Current Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) holders may consider our Advanced Standing MSW track.

ProgramMonths 2Credit
Master of Social Work (MSW)24-4860

i. Average number of months for students to complete the program for full-time (24 months) and part-time (48 months) enrollment.

Required Core Courses

All courses, 37.00 semester credit hours, are required.

This course examines theories of human development over the lifespan from birth through end of life. Theories include PIE environmental theory, psychological, social, and biological theories that affect the person throughout their development.

This course examines additional theories of development with a macro focus. The impact of race, religion, poverty, trauma, oppression, and inequality will be examined as it applies throughout the lifespan. Students will learn other multidisciplinary theoretical frameworks specific to other aspects of development to engage with clients and constituencies. Students will learn how empowerment practice, social justice and advocacy impact health and optimal growth and development. 

This introductory theory and practice course focuses on ecological and social justice theories to help frame the individual complexity of working with diverse clients in a global context.  Students will differentiate among key terms such as diversity, equity, and inclusion and equality as well as among terms such as prejudice, racism, discrimination, microaggressions, and privilege. Differentiate among individual, institutional, structural discrimination in the global context through the lens of a social justice paradigm. Use concepts of reflective practice to demonstrate self-awareness and cultural humility. Utilize intersectionality and racial identity development theories to inform strategies for client-centered and culturally appropriate helping interventions. 

The course will focus on multidisciplinary theoretical frameworks in the analysis of assessment data from clients and constituencies. Students will learn to use empowerment-based practice strategies to develop mutually agreed-on intervention goals and objectives based on the critical assessment of strengths, needs, and challenges within clients and constituencies. Students will identify and utilize appropriate intervention strategies based on the assessment, research knowledge, and values and preferences of diverse clients and constituencies to engage in the problem-solving process.

This course focuses on direct social work theories and interventions for groups and communities. Covers ways in which clinical supervision and management impact direct services to clients and are related to effective client outcomes. Emphasis on professional NASW Code of Ethics and professional ethics in macro practice as it dynamically interfaces with micro and mezzo social work clinical practices.

This foundational research course teaches students to be critical consumers of research articles by introducing basic research design, methodology, and analysis. Students will demonstrate the ability to use practice experience and theory to inform scientific inquiry and research; use single case design to examine clinical intervention efficacy, applies critical thinking to analysis research findings and use research evidence to inform and improve practice, policy, service delivery and program evaluation. 

This course examines federal state and local policy and services and the impact on social work practice and services. Students will learn the importance of policy and programs on desired outcome goals with clients served. Students will learn theories of policy analysis, policy advocacy skills, and policy development. The class will cover the historical foundations of major social policies dealing with poverty, safety, children, aging, veterans, education, medical, mental health and juvenile and criminal justice.

This course focuses on evidence- based practice theories of intervention with individuals, groups and communities. Systems theory, person in environment, trauma informed theory, crisis theory, grief, human behavior over the lifespan and human diversity are emphasized. 

This course focuses on specific clinical interventions that are evidence based and effective. Effective interventions including trauma informed care/treatment, motivational interviewing, task oriented, cognitive behavioral, EMDR overview, rational emotive therapy, family therapy, interventions will be explored. Students will demonstrate application through case studies and analysis. 

This course focuses on understanding psychopathology, behavioral health assessment, and diagnosis across the lifespan using the DSM-5 TR. Symptoms, risk factors, protective factors and interventions are explored. The process of psychosocial assessment, use of screening tools including: mental status exams, depression and anxiety screening tools, and differential diagnosis are covered. Additional emphasis on trauma, diversity and emphasis on how social work must use empowerment practice with medical model diagnosis as a tool for psychosocial assessment of clients' needs and goals. 

Quantitative and qualitative research methods will be utilized to gain new understanding of social problems. Students will use critical analysis and recommendations for future research based on existing literature. Students will demonstrate the ability to determine outcome/dependent variable and construct a program design and instrumentation to evaluate effective interventions. Methods of program evaluation, data analysis and summary, and qualitative case studies will also be explored. 

This class focuses on advancing human rights and social, economic, and environmental justice and will demonstrate the impact of social policies on desired client outcomes. Students will apply their understanding of social, economic, and environmental justice to advocate for human rights at the individual and system levels. Students will gain a deeper understanding of social work role in advocating for policy changes in their specialization areas, in addition to understanding political processes related to access and program funding and increase access to services and resources. TANF, SSI, Medicaid, Medicare, private insurance coverage, telehealth policies, confidentiality and privacy issues related to mental healthcare are some of the major topics this course will cover.

This course enhances the student's experience in their specialized field practicum and offers additional guidance on the integration of the NASW Code of Ethics into direct work with clients, policies that influence practice in the field agencies, and social work clinical interventions. The role of MSW supervision and preparation for professional practice, cultural humility, self-care and reflective practice will all be emphasized. Integrating knowledge, values, and skills from the curriculum with the field experience is a key focus. Students will use journals, case presentations, process recordings, and presentations to demonstrate the integration of the knowledge, values, skills, cognitive and affective processes.

This course is the final capstone seminar course where students integrate evidence-based practice, theories, the NASW Code of Ethics, policies that influence practice in the field agencies and specialized social work interventions. Integrating knowledge, values, and skills from the curriculum with the field experience is a key focus. The role of MSW supervision and preparation for independent practice, cultural humility, self-care, reflective practice, professional networking and membership, and licensure will all be explored. Students will create a digital portfolio with evidence to support their demonstration of each of the 9 competencies in their specialization areas.

Required Project Residency Core Courses

All courses, 14.00 semester credit hours, are required.

This course is the first of two generalist field practicum courses where students practice each of the 9 Council on Social Work Education competencies in an agency under the supervision of an approved MSW field instructor. Students will work with clients in an agency for 200 field education hours to earn clinical experience in a social work role. Students will have online journal and discussion board assignments in conjunction with their field practicum to discuss the integration of classroom curriculum and field education. Topics include application of the NASW Code of Ethics, relevant laws and regulations, models for ethical decision-making, ethical conduct of research, evidence-based practice, cultural awareness and humility, and social work theory. Students will use reflection and self-regulation to manage personal values and maintain professional boundaries in practice situations. Students will be monitored throughout the field experience including formal evaluation of competency proficiency at the mid-term and final stages of the practicum.

This course is the culmination of the social work generalist practicum courses and allows students to continue to practice / perform practice behaviors to demonstrate each of the 9 Council on Social Work Education competencies in an agency under the supervision of an MSW approved field instructor. Students will continue to work in an agency for 200 field education hours to earn clinical experience in a social work role. Students will continue to utilize the online journal and discussion board assignments in conjunction with their field practicum to discuss the integration of classroom curriculum and field education. Students will be monitored throughout the field experience with formal evaluation at midterm and at the conclusion of the semester.

This is the first of two courses in the advanced field practicum experience where students will practice all 9 Council on Social Work Education competencies through 250 field education hours of direct work with clients under the supervision of an approved field MSW field instructor. Students integrate the knowledge, values, skills, cognitive and affective processes learned through their specialization coursework into their direct practice with clients in an organization their communities. Students will work in conjunction with their field instructor and program faculty to create a specific learning plan with practice behaviors and learning activities that allow the student to demonstrate proficiency in all 9 Council on Social Work Education competencies. Student progress will be monitored throughout the semester, with formal evaluation at midterm and at the end of the semester.

This is the final field experience course where students demonstrate proficiency of all 9 competencies through 250 field education hours of direct work with clients within an organization in their specialization areas. The student will continue to be supervised by a master's level clinical social worker and will demonstrate proficiency of each of the 9 competencies and specialized practice behaviors through working on specific tasks in their learning plan. Students will work in conjunction with their field instructor and program faculty to create a specific learning plan with practice behaviors and learning tasks that allow the student to master all 9 competencies. This course is the culmination of the advanced clinical coursework including theory, research, policy, specialization knowledge, values and skills and professional clinical practice.

Required Area of Practice Elective Courses

9.00 semester credit hours are required. Students should select three courses from the list below to learn more about areas of social work practice. Course availability depends on enrollment. 

This course focuses on social work practice in medical settings with clients and their families who are experiencing significant health challenges across the lifespan. Medical terminology, roles, organizations, case management, theories of intervention and resource development are explored. Healthcare policies across the lifespan including Medicaid and Medicare. The role of social work in prevention framework and client health education, bereavement, grief therapy, and end of life care will be covered. Public health and community policies are explored. Private healthcare, nursing homes, hospice, managed care policies and impact on services also are covered. 

This course focuses on a wide range of substance use and other addictive disorders and interventions. The impact of substance use, interventions and relapse prevention strategies are a focus. Evidence based interventions such as current treatments for substance use disorders and addictive behaviors including therapy and medication treatment are explored. 

Course description: this course focuses on evidence- based trauma effective trauma interventions for people throughout their lifetime. Examination of the efficacy of various therapies, policies and practices through a trauma informed lens. 

The role of clinical social work services within the mental health systems will be explored. A variety of topics including access to services, case management, direct intervention strategies, and interprofessional collaboration will be covered. Students will learn how mental health policy impacts their clinical social work with clients. This class will also cover access to services including Medicaid, Medicare, private insurance coverage, telehealth resources, confidentiality and privacy issues related to mental and behavioral health. 

This class covers aspects of aging both in place and in supportive care settings. The impact of social policy and social work advocacy will be addressed. Topics covered will include Medicare, Medicaid, end of life polices, advanced directives, power of attorney, nursing home equity, home health access, hospice services, social security, and disability insurance.  students will gain advanced knowledge of evidence-based clinical practices in working with clients in later adulthood.  In addition, MSW clinical social work students will be able to apply appropriate types of biopsychosocial, spiritual and cultural factors to understand best practice methods to promote client engagement.

This course covers theory and strategies of family therapy and interventions. Diversity in family constellations, family life stages, communication, relationships, divorce, mediation, adoption, and multigenerational families are topics covered. Students will learn strategies in family engagement, assessment, interventions and evaluation. 

This course focuses on community health strategies, and efforts of prevention, interventions and improving physical and mental wellbeing. Topics also include reducing social isolation, policy efforts and community engagement. 

This course explores the child welfare system, policies, and programs to provide protection for children and families. Topics include foster care, permanency planning, adoption policies and laws, mandated reporting, abuse prevention. This course also covers the juvenile justice and family court systems. Emphasis on the role of risk and protective factors related to desired clients' outcomes will be emphasized.

Choosing the right area of practice electives

When you enroll in the Herzing MSW program, you will choose elective courses across three different areas of practice:

Mental Health

Develop an understanding of mental health assessment, diagnosis and intervention. Learn theories of human behavior, trauma, and diversity—and how to apply this knowledge to mental health provision and wellbeing.

Discover policies and laws related to mental health systems and become familiar with the service delivery structure of public and private mental health facilities.

Medical Social Work

Build an understanding of medical diagnoses in the context of a person-in-environment model. Study social work intervention strategies including crisis intervention, biopsychosocial assessment, and trauma-informed clinical approaches.

Immerse yourself in courses focusing on how you can utilize evidence-based social work research in clinical practice of community public health and prevention services.

Children, Families, and Aging Services

Become an advocate for vulnerable children, families, and elderly clients in need of assistance. Build your understanding of social problems and their impact on individuals, families, and their communities across all age groups.

This area of practice explores the delivery structure of social services and how you can become a key facilitator of protective services for pediatric and gerontological clients.

Herzing Faculty

Meet our Faculty & Leadership

Elizabeth Wilson - PhD, MSW, LCSW
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Elizabeth Wilson - PhD, MSW, LCSW

Program Chair
Master of Social Work

Nicki Schoonover - MSW, LCSW
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Nicki Schoonover - MSW, LCSW

Director of Field Education

Dr. Hyacinth McKee DBH, LCSW-BACS, ACSW
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Dr. Hyacinth McKee DBH, LCSW-BACS, ACSW

Professor

KaRon Spriggs-Bethea, DSW, MSW, LCSW
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KaRon Spriggs-Bethea, DSW, MSW, LCSW

Professor

Requirements

MSW program enrollment requirements

The requirements for admission to the traditional MSW program track are: 

  • Minimum 2.5 GPA in baccalaureate degree 
  • Prospective graduate students must have completed a bachelor’s or graduate degree not in social work from a college or university accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or have completed a three- or four-year bachelor’s degree at a foreign college or university recognized as equivalent to a U.S. bachelor’s degree by an approved foreign credential evaluator
  • Transcript from baccalaureate degree program 
  • Personal statement addressing MSW prompts – see admission advisor for details 
  • Optional Recommendations for both traditional and advanced standing MSW tracks: students may choose to submit recommendations to be considered with their application but are not required 

Please contact admissions for details regarding the application. 

Tution & Cost 

Tuition & Cost

The cost of tuition for the Master of Social Work program is $625 per credit.

You can potentially earn even greater savings by transferring credit from prior college coursework, applying for financial aid, or potential partnership opportunities through your employer.

Our goal is your career advancement. That's why we are always working to improve our curriculum and processes to make our program as affordable as possible while preparing you best for success in your work.

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  • Scholarships & Financial Aid

    You may be eligible for multiple scholarships and grants—including our Nurses Circle of Achievement scholarship, which offers up to 10% tuition reduction.

    Find scholarships and grants  

  • Military/Veteran Discounts

    Veterans, Active Duty U.S. Servicemembers, and spouses may qualify for a 10% tuition discount or tuition reduction to $250 per credit.

    VA/Military benefits  

Find My Estimate 

Disclosures

Disclosures & Accreditation

1. Herzing University has achieved Candidacy for Accreditation by the Council on Social Work Education’s Commission on Accreditation.

Candidacy for a baccalaureate or master’s social work program by the Council on Social Work Education’s Commission on Accreditation indicates that it has made progress toward meeting criteria for the assessment of program quality evaluated through a peer review process. A program that has attained Candidacy has demonstrated a commitment to meeting the compliance standards set by the Educational Policy and Accreditation Standards, but has not yet demonstrated full compliance.

Students who enter programs that attain Candidacy in or before the academic year in which they begin their program of study will be retroactively recognized as having graduated from a CSWE-accredited program once the program attains Initial Accreditation. Candidacy is typically a three-year process and attaining Candidacy does not guarantee that a program will eventually attain Initial Accreditation. Candidacy applies to all program sites and program delivery methods of an accredited program. Accreditation provides reasonable assurance about the quality of the program and the competence of students graduating from the program.

For more information about social work accreditation, you may contact Accreditation.

2. The Bureau of Labor Statistics identifies three specialties projected to grow at an above average rate from 2022-2032: Mental health and substance abuse social workers (11%), Healthcare social workers (10%), and Child, family, and school social workers (5%).*

3. Individuals considering the Master of Social Work program should be aware that state certification/ licensure requirements and eligibility to apply for certification/licensure vary from state to state. While certification/licensure is not a requirement for certain types of jobs, in some states, it may be required for any positions titled ‘Social Worker’ and to refer to yourself as a Social Worker in professional settings.

Herzing University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (hlcommission.org), an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

View Herzing University Accreditation and Approvals

* Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics 2023 / Occupational Outlook Handbook 2022. BLS estimates do not represent entry-level wages and/or salaries. Multiple factors, including prior experience, age, geography market in which you want to work and degree field, will affect career outcomes and earnings. Herzing neither represents that its graduates will earn the average salaries calculated by BLS for a particular job nor guarantees that graduation from its program will result in a job, promotion, salary increase or other career growth.

View Accreditation and Approvals

Classes Start: October 28th

Waived Enrollment Fee

Discover the educational pathway designed to maximize your career potential. Reach for greater heights with Herzing University.

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