Program highlights
- Flexibility for working professionals. Our program provides a blend of online, face-to-face and evening courses.
- Low student-to-teacher ratio. Receive personalized attention and make quality connections with faculty.
- Close relationships with classmates. Our cohort model helps you develop a sense of belonging and support from peers in the program. It also encourages you to explore and expand your clinical and research skills.
- Focus on hands-on learning. Apply concepts and skills in agency or community settings. A practicum is required for all MSW students.
- Specialized knowledge. Our curriculum offers a specialization in advanced generalist practice with focus areas in gerontology, health, and children and families.
- No GRE required to apply.
Career opportunities
Social workers are the nation’s largest group of mental health services providers. Federal law and the National Institute of Health recognize social work as one of the five core mental health professions.
Demand for social workers remains high as our country focuses more and more on mental health as a critical component of our well-being. Jobs in social work are growing faster than the average for all occupations.
Professional social workers are found in every facet of community life – in schools, hospitals, mental health clinics, senior centers, long term care facilities, elected office, the military, prisons, homeless and domestic violence shelters, private practice, corporations, and in numerous public and private agencies that serve individuals and families in need.
Career paths
- Social worker
- Therapist
- Case manager
- Advocate
- Program administrator
- Lobbyist
Quick Facts from the Bureau of Labor Statistics
Curriculum
We use an empowerment approach. Students incorporate resiliency, strengths and scientific evidence as the building blocks of change. We are committed to ethical practice that recognizes intersectionality and advances human rights and social, economic, racial and environmental justice.
The MSW program offers a specialization in advanced generalist practice. This includes both clinical and community practice. Three focus areas within the specialization include:
- Gerontology (older adults)
- Healthcare (includes physical health, behavioral health and public health)
- Children and families
You may select a specific focus area or take approved electives in several areas.
The MSW program considers the field education experience as the final capstone and pathway to employment as a professional social worker.
Sample courses
- Grief
- Loss and Trauma
- Advanced Macro Practice
- Family Therapy
- Generalist Practice with Groups
- Professional Values and Ethics
Pathways to an MSW
There are two pathways to a social work master’s degree, depending on your undergraduate degree.
You will have advanced standing if you meet requirements.
- For students who have completed a bachelor's degree in social work and have an overall GPA of 3.0 and a 3.2 GPA in core social work courses
- Program begins in summer semester for full-time students and in summer or fall semester for part-time students
- 35 credit hours required
- Can be completed in three semesters if full time or two years if part time
You will have regular standing.
- For students who don’t have an undergraduate degree in social work or don’t meet the criteria for advanced standing
- Program begins in fall semester
- 56 credit hours required
- Can be completed in 2 years if full time or 3-4 years if part time
The Master in Social Work (MSW) program is part of the Department of Human Services in the BGSU College of Health & Human Services.
Updated: 02/19/2024 02:28PM