master of social work by research

Social Work Graduate Programs in America

1-25 of 310 results

University of Pennsylvania School of Social Policy & Practice

Philadelphia, PA •

University of Pennsylvania •

Graduate School

• • Rating 3.89 out of 5   9 reviews

Master's Student: The school offers so many resources for their students. My cohort is really small, which pairs big campus amenities with a closer student professor relationship. ... Read 9 reviews

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University of Pennsylvania ,

Graduate School ,

PHILADELPHIA, PA ,

9 Niche users give it an average review of 3.9 stars.

Featured Review: Master's Student says The school offers so many resources for their students. My cohort is really small, which pairs big campus amenities with a closer student professor relationship. .

Read 9 reviews.

Brown School at Washington University in St. Louis

St. Louis, MO •

Washington University in St. Louis •

• • Rating 3.59 out of 5   17 reviews

Master's Student: In my opinion, the foundation courses are quite repetitive and redundant. However, the faculty really knows their stuff and I am finding the concentration courses much more engaging! ... Read 17 reviews

Washington University in St. Louis ,

ST. LOUIS, MO ,

17 Niche users give it an average review of 3.6 stars.

Featured Review: Master's Student says In my opinion, the foundation courses are quite repetitive and redundant. However, the faculty really knows their stuff and I am finding the concentration courses much more engaging! .

Read 17 reviews.

Social Sciences Division - University of Chicago

Chicago, IL •

University of Chicago •

• • Rating 3.75 out of 5   4 reviews

Master's Student: The University of Chicago offers many clubs you can attend. Do to COIVD most of the clubs meet online and some in person one day out of the week. There's boxing, archery, fencing, and one of my personal favorites ju-jutsu, just to name a few. These sports are completive but they also have clubs that are just for fun and any body of any skill level can join. There is also this amazing climbing wall in the recreation center but we are not allowed to climb it at the moment because of COVID restrictions. It's also convent to be surrounded by hospitals (Rush and UIC). I got hurt while I was at school, I broke my arm, and I did not have to call on anyone to take me to the hospital, I could just walk. The food is okay and you get to chose from a good selection of things. The rooms where a nice size and most of the students were so friendly it was easy to make friends. ... Read 4 reviews

University of Chicago ,

CHICAGO, IL ,

4 Niche users give it an average review of 3.8 stars.

Featured Review: Master's Student says The University of Chicago offers many clubs you can attend. Do to COIVD most of the clubs meet online and some in person one day out of the week. There's boxing, archery, fencing, and one of my... .

Read 4 reviews.

San Francisco State University

Graduate School •

SAN FRANCISCO, CA

• • Rating 4.19 out of 5   52

University of Pittsburgh School of Social Work

University of Pittsburgh •

PITTSBURGH, PA

• • Rating 3.9 out of 5   10

Clarke University

DUBUQUE, IA

• • Rating 4.75 out of 5   4

Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work

Los Angeles, CA •

University of Southern California •

• • Rating 4.56 out of 5   25 reviews

Master's Student: I was disappointed to see that many scholarship programs funded by the school weren't available for my specific department regarding my field hours I would be completing in my 2nd year. I'm worried since I work full time and am the main financial provider for my family, but I am really excited about getting experience in my community! I have loved going to campus and meeting new people, especially since they live near LA, and they also want to make new friends to attend football games etc. I got involved in the Latinx Caucus of Social Work, this has given me the opportunity to start connecting more in my community and other students to feel welcomed and involved as well. I will be planning events on campus and outreaching to local non-university related members to increase education and be a resource. I have to explore more but it's not far from home so I love that :) ... Read 25 reviews

University of Southern California ,

LOS ANGELES, CA ,

25 Niche users give it an average review of 4.6 stars.

Featured Review: Master's Student says I was disappointed to see that many scholarship programs funded by the school weren't available for my specific department regarding my field hours I would be completing in my 2nd year. I'm worried... .

Read 25 reviews.

University of Michigan School of Social Work

Ann Arbor, MI •

University of Michigan - Ann Arbor •

• • Rating 4.09 out of 5   11 reviews

Master's Student: I've had some great classes, especially th electives. the required classes can be slow. Not as academically rigorous as undergrad at U of M honestly. ... Read 11 reviews

University of Michigan - Ann Arbor ,

ANN ARBOR, MI ,

11 Niche users give it an average review of 4.1 stars.

Featured Review: Master's Student says I've had some great classes, especially th electives. the required classes can be slow. Not as academically rigorous as undergrad at U of M honestly. .

Read 11 reviews.

Luskin School of Public Affairs

University of California - Los Angeles •

• • Rating 3.33 out of 5   3 reviews

Master's Student: I really love this program. The field education gives students a great glimpse into the field while being heavily supported by faculty and instructors. Faculty here really is amazing, as are the students and their passions. ... Read 3 reviews

University of California - Los Angeles ,

3 Niche users give it an average review of 3.3 stars.

Featured Review: Master's Student says I really love this program. The field education gives students a great glimpse into the field while being heavily supported by faculty and instructors. Faculty here really is amazing, as are the... .

Read 3 reviews.

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UC Berkeley School of Social Welfare

Berkeley, CA •

University of California - Berkeley •

• • Rating 4 out of 5   2 reviews

Master's Student: The academics at UC Berkeley's MSW program was excellent. I was sufficiently challenged and educated and I truly believe that I left the program well prepared to succeed in the social work field. I have observed that I have a similar knowledge base to that of my peers in my recent work environments. I find myself well equipped to operationalize my learning and adapt to new situations in my field. If I were to recommend the UC Berkeley MSW program, it would be for the rigorous academic experience incoming students will receive. ... Read 2 reviews

University of California - Berkeley ,

BERKELEY, CA ,

2 Niche users give it an average review of 4 stars.

Featured Review: Master's Student says The academics at UC Berkeley's MSW program was excellent. I was sufficiently challenged and educated and I truly believe that I left the program well prepared to succeed in the social work field. I... .

Read 2 reviews.

School of Social Work - University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Chapel Hill, NC •

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill •

• • Rating 5 out of 5   3 reviews

Master's Student: I am in their online Master of Public Administration (MPA) program pursuing a concentration in nonprofit management. I love how applicable the curriculum is, how even though it's online, the work feels diverse and engaging, and most of the professors are very knowledgeable, kind, helpful, and make the classes fun and applicable to the real world. The class sizes are small, so I'm getting to know other students and still have some sense of community despite not being on campus. My advisors and other faculty have always gone the extra mile to answer my questions and make sure I am having a worthwhile experience. So far, I cannot speak highly enough of this program. It's been a great fit for me and the flexibility to go at my own pace is so helpful as I also work full-time and have other commitments and responsibilities. ... Read 3 reviews

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill ,

CHAPEL HILL, NC ,

3 Niche users give it an average review of 5 stars.

Featured Review: Master's Student says I am in their online Master of Public Administration (MPA) program pursuing a concentration in nonprofit management. I love how applicable the curriculum is, how even though it's online, the work... .

Silver School of Social Work

New York, NY •

New York University •

• • Rating 4.4 out of 5   10 reviews

Alum: Completing the Extended program at NYU Silver School of Social Work was an exceptional experience that provided me with valuable learning opportunities. The program had a strong emphasis on social inclusion and clinical social work development, which helped me grow both academically and personally. I felt a sense of belonging to a supportive community throughout my time in the program, and this made it an enriching educational experience. I would highly recommend this program to anyone looking for a fulfilling and rewarding educational journey. Overall, the program exceeded my expectations and has equipped me with the knowledge and skills needed to excel in my career. ... Read 10 reviews

New York University ,

NEW YORK, NY ,

10 Niche users give it an average review of 4.4 stars.

Featured Review: Alum says Completing the Extended program at NYU Silver School of Social Work was an exceptional experience that provided me with valuable learning opportunities. The program had a strong emphasis on social... .

Read 10 reviews.

Boston College School of Social Work

Chestnut Hill, MA •

Boston College •

Master's Student: The School of Social Work fosters a welcoming place where students can further develop their academic interests as well as actively prepare us for the workforce as culturally humble social workers. ... Read 2 reviews

Boston College ,

CHESTNUT HILL, MA ,

Featured Review: Master's Student says The School of Social Work fosters a welcoming place where students can further develop their academic interests as well as actively prepare us for the workforce as culturally humble social workers. .

Steve Hicks School of Social Work

Austin, TX •

University of Texas - Austin •

University of Texas - Austin ,

AUSTIN, TX ,

School of Social Work - Boston University

Boston, MA •

Boston University •

• • Rating 4.23 out of 5   22 reviews

Alum: I completed an off campus master of social work program. It was incredible. I would recommend it for graduate students who may be working full time, need flexibility, and unable to make it to Boston. ... Read 22 reviews

Boston University ,

BOSTON, MA ,

22 Niche users give it an average review of 4.2 stars.

Featured Review: Alum says I completed an off campus master of social work program. It was incredible. I would recommend it for graduate students who may be working full time, need flexibility, and unable to make it to Boston. .

Read 22 reviews.

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Smith College

Northampton, MA •

• • Rating 4.27 out of 5   11 reviews

Master's Student: Smith College not only offers a full time student stipend ($21,000/year) and tuition waiver (valued ~ $35,000) for the Biological Sciences department, but you are able to pull from resources within a neighboring R1 institution: University of Massachusetts Amherst. Research experiences vary based on the selected advisor, but Smith maintains a cutting-edge genomics facility and nearly limitless resources as a well-endowed college. Faculty maintain impressive accolades and are easily reachable, as a leader in my lab, I've learned about lab management, lab training, grant writing, and the nuances behind lab operations. I've worked collaboratively with researchers at UMass and felt that my experience at Smith has been one of growth. I feel confidently in my abilities and that I am a very desirable candidate in the biotech industry after receiving my MS degree. ... Read 11 reviews

NORTHAMPTON, MA ,

11 Niche users give it an average review of 4.3 stars.

Featured Review: Master's Student says Smith College not only offers a full time student stipend ($21,000/year) and tuition waiver (valued ~ $35,000) for the Biological Sciences department, but you are able to pull from resources within a... .

School of Social Work - UW-Madison

Madison, WI •

University of Wisconsin •

Master's Student: I got accepted to the accelerated Master of Social Work program. The accelerated program allows you to complete the program in one year. I start this fall and am excited to get started! ... Read 9 reviews

University of Wisconsin ,

MADISON, WI ,

Featured Review: Master's Student says I got accepted to the accelerated Master of Social Work program. The accelerated program allows you to complete the program in one year. I start this fall and am excited to get started! .

University of Illinois School of Social Work

Urbana, IL •

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign •

• • Rating 4 out of 5   3 reviews

Master's Student: The professors are knowledgeable about their subjects and as they work in the field and teach they are all e to offer additional insights and understanding to the material. If you are a student working in a related field while taking classes the subject matter can often be applied to your job right away. ... Read 3 reviews

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign ,

URBANA, IL ,

3 Niche users give it an average review of 4 stars.

Featured Review: Master's Student says The professors are knowledgeable about their subjects and as they work in the field and teach they are all e to offer additional insights and understanding to the material. If you are a student... .

University of Georgia School of Social Work

Athens, GA •

University of Georgia •

• • Rating 4 out of 5   8 reviews

Master's Student: The coursework was/is engaging and extremely useful. There is a requirement to complete two practicums that allowed you (me) to hone in skills that were/are relevant to the social work field. The progression of coursework allowed me to build upon my skills with each class. My challenge has always been statistics, however, my then professor assisted me in understanding, so I made a 'B'. ... Read 8 reviews

University of Georgia ,

ATHENS, GA ,

8 Niche users give it an average review of 4 stars.

Featured Review: Master's Student says The coursework was/is engaging and extremely useful. There is a requirement to complete two practicums that allowed you (me) to hone in skills that were/are relevant to the social work field. The... .

Read 8 reviews.

Bryn Mawr College Graduate School of Social Work and Social Research

Bryn Mawr, PA •

Bryn Mawr College •

• • Rating 4.8 out of 5   5 reviews

Master's Student: The best part of my experience so far has been the atmosphere. Everyone is extremely welcoming and always asks how I am doing. I have yet to have a bad experience with any of my professors and fellow classmates. ... Read 5 reviews

Bryn Mawr College ,

BRYN MAWR, PA ,

5 Niche users give it an average review of 4.8 stars.

Featured Review: Master's Student says The best part of my experience so far has been the atmosphere. Everyone is extremely welcoming and always asks how I am doing. I have yet to have a bad experience with any of my professors and fellow... .

Read 5 reviews.

BYU College of Family, Home, and Social Sciences

Provo, UT •

Brigham Young University •

• • Rating 5 out of 5   2 reviews

Master's Student: I will be starting the EMPA program at Brigham Young University this fall, and have been so impressed with the communications I have received as a new grad student. BYU's faculty have been professional, welcoming, and enthusiastic, which has inspired an excitement in me to begin studying. ... Read 2 reviews

Brigham Young University ,

PROVO, UT ,

2 Niche users give it an average review of 5 stars.

Featured Review: Master's Student says I will be starting the EMPA program at Brigham Young University this fall, and have been so impressed with the communications I have received as a new grad student. BYU's faculty have been... .

Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences

Cleveland, OH •

Case Western Reserve University •

Master's Student: it is a great school, very supportive and lives up to its reputation. the classes are small and engaging and the students are helpful. faculty is great as well. i really enjoy the classes i am taking and have learned a lot. i really enjoy going to this school! ... Read 3 reviews

Case Western Reserve University ,

CLEVELAND, OH ,

Featured Review: Master's Student says it is a great school, very supportive and lives up to its reputation. the classes are small and engaging and the students are helpful. faculty is great as well. i really enjoy the classes i am taking... .

Tulane University School of Social Work

New Orleans, LA •

Tulane University •

• • Rating 4.63 out of 5   8 reviews

Master's Student: To me, winning this scholarship means that my student debt from college will be further offset, and I will be able to continue pursuing post-graduate education. In addition, I am genuinely grateful for the opportunities this scholarship will provide by helping me cover my educational expenses and enabling me to better prepare myself for a career in engineering and research. From my experience, the knowledge you gain throughout your degree and career can be life-changing. Thus, I hope more students will receive scholarships, grants, and financial aid as I have and use the opportunities their academic journey offers them. ... Read 8 reviews

Tulane University ,

NEW ORLEANS, LA ,

8 Niche users give it an average review of 4.6 stars.

Featured Review: Master's Student says To me, winning this scholarship means that my student debt from college will be further offset, and I will be able to continue pursuing post-graduate education. In addition, I am genuinely grateful... .

College of Education and Human Development - University of Minnesota Twin Cities

Minneapolis, MN •

University of Minnesota Twin Cities •

• • Rating 4.33 out of 5   3 reviews

Alum: This is a well-known school for education. They are on top of the latest research and development in the field and share this knowledge with their students. The school has its own lab school for early childhood development where students are able to observe child behavior, learn hands-on how to connect and make meaningful relationships with children, and how to conduct basic research. ... Read 3 reviews

University of Minnesota Twin Cities ,

MINNEAPOLIS, MN ,

3 Niche users give it an average review of 4.3 stars.

Featured Review: Alum says This is a well-known school for education. They are on top of the latest research and development in the field and share this knowledge with their students. The school has its own lab school for... .

University of Washington School of Social Work

Seattle, WA •

University of Washington •

• • Rating 2 out of 5   1 review

University of Washington ,

SEATTLE, WA ,

1 Niche users give it an average review of 2 stars.

Read 1 reviews.

The Ohio State University College of Social Work

Columbus, OH •

The Ohio State University •

• • Rating 3.57 out of 5   7 reviews

Master's Student: I completed my undergraduate degree and loved the campus. Because of that, I wanted to come back to OSU for graduate school. I still love being on campus but I am not there often as I take my courses online now. ... Read 7 reviews

The Ohio State University ,

COLUMBUS, OH ,

7 Niche users give it an average review of 3.6 stars.

Featured Review: Master's Student says I completed my undergraduate degree and loved the campus. Because of that, I wanted to come back to OSU for graduate school. I still love being on campus but I am not there often as I take my courses... .

Read 7 reviews.

College of Humanities and Social Sciences - NC State University

Raleigh, NC •

North Carolina State University •

• • Rating 5 out of 5   1 review

Graduate Student: NC State's MSW program will prepare you to handle a wide variety of social work careers. The professors are amazing and teach students how to engage in various social justice activities on multiple levels. This grad program was an excellent career decision. ... Read 1 review

North Carolina State University ,

RALEIGH, NC ,

1 Niche users give it an average review of 5 stars.

Featured Review: Graduate Student says NC State's MSW program will prepare you to handle a wide variety of social work careers. The professors are amazing and teach students how to engage in various social justice activities on multiple... .

Pittsburgh, PA •

• • Rating 3.9 out of 5   10 reviews

Alum: Let me put it this way - I spent at least the first year of grad school crying about the realities of oppression I was learning about. My social work education changed my life, and I do attribute that to the academic rigor at Pitt. ... Read 10 reviews

University of Pittsburgh ,

PITTSBURGH, PA ,

10 Niche users give it an average review of 3.9 stars.

Featured Review: Alum says Let me put it this way - I spent at least the first year of grad school crying about the realities of oppression I was learning about. My social work education changed my life, and I do attribute... .

College of Health Sciences - Tarleton State University

Tarleton State University •

STEPHENVILLE, TX

• • Rating 5 out of 5   1

Florida International University

• • Rating 4.63 out of 5   287

Walla Walla University

COLLEGE PLACE, WA

• • Rating 4.36 out of 5   14

Showing results 1 through 25 of 310

Master of Social Work

Do you enjoy helping people improve their lives and solve stressful problems? Do you want a job where you can make a difference every day? If so, a career as a social worker may be right for you.

Social workers help communities in need by helping vulnerable people overcome complicated health, financial, psychological, and social issues. They work in a variety of settings, including government agencies, hospitals, nursing homes, and schools.

Some social workers start working in the field immediately after graduating from college with a bachelor of social work (BSW) or a related degree. However, a master's in social work (MSW) can boost your income and open up new career opportunities.

What Is a Master of Social Work?

A master of social work is an advanced degree that prepares students for administrative and clinical practice jobs in social work. You can expect to develop strong research skills, gain clinical experience, and learn advanced social work theories.

Generally, graduate students who pursue an MSW should expect the program to take two years — or four semesters — of coursework. However, some schools offer an accelerated one-year program for incoming students who already hold a BSW.

If you have a bachelor’s degree in a different field, such as English or psychology, you're still eligible for two-year MSW programs. The degree will provide you with a strong foundation in social work as well as more advanced knowledge.

Selecting a Specialization

Hundreds of colleges and universities offer graduate programs in social work. Many MSW programs allow students to specialize in particular areas of social work, depending on factors like available electives and faculty expertise.

Specialties include child and family social work, clinical social work, criminal justice social work, domestic abuse and trauma, geriatric social work, and substance abuse counseling. If you’re interested in working with particular groups or in specific settings, search for programs that align with your personal career goals.

Not sure what you want to specialize in yet? In advanced generalist MSW programs, you can gain a variety of skills that will allow you to succeed in any social work job.

Challenges in Master of Social Work Programs

Graduate degrees are more difficult and time-consuming than undergraduate programs. No matter the degree and school you choose, you can expect to spend long hours learning advanced theories, studying, and writing research papers. However, an MSW can pose unique emotional and mental challenges.

For instance, as an MSW student, you may:

• Encounter disturbing or upsetting course materials
• Experience burnout
• Work with people facing extreme difficulties, like homelessness and substance abuse

Despite these obstacles, an MSW can lead to a meaningful career that gives you a chance to make a tangible difference in your community.

Applying to Graduate Programs in Social Work

If you’ve decided to pursue an MSW, the next step is to apply to graduate schools . Although each program has individual application requirements, you can expect to submit materials such as:

• An application fee
• Letters of recommendation
• A personal statement
• Undergraduate transcripts

By pursuing a master's in social work, you'll be well on your way to developing advanced social work knowledge and launching a career that will have a positive impact.

How to become a research social worker

• How to become a research sw
• What is a research social worker
• What do research social worker do
• Salary and outlook

When people think about social work, research social work is probably not one of the first fields that comes to mind. Nevertheless, research social work actually plays an important role as its findings can dictate not only governmental policy, but also political reform as well as the allocation of funding. 

Research social workers need to be methodical, objective, and thorough in their research. As with any other field of research, the goal is not to confirm what you hope to be true, but rather figure out what is true. 

For example, suppose that a city program offers a $1 million grant to a local community led organization. Before that money can be spent, the grant stipulates that a study must be completed to find out what groups in the community need the most support. 

In this case, although the research social worker might have pre-existing ideas about how the money should be spent, it is their job to put their personal beliefs aside and complete an objective study of the community to determine where resources are lacking. 

The preceding example illustrates a case where a research social worker may be polling hundreds of thousands or people, looking at economic and housing data, and otherwise compiling a macro-view of the community. Research social work can also exist at the micro-level. 

Individual research 

Participatory research refers to research whereby a social worker integrates themselves with a person or family in order to understand the problems they face and, more broadly, what community resources are missing or inadequate. There are both advantages and disadvantages to this “micro-view” participatory research. 

Advantages 

• It’s possible to gain a very detailed view of a single person’s life and how they interact with the community. Much can be learned that would not otherwise reveal itself through a high level poll or questionnaire. 
• Due to the trust that can form between a community member and a research social worker, the “subject” may reveal more than they would with a questionnaire. 

Disadvantages 

• Participatory research is time consuming and resource heavy. For example, if a research social worker spends two days with a family, that’s time that they could have otherwise spent gathering data from hundreds or thousands of community members via more efficient means. 
• It can become very difficult to remain objective as participatory research can lead the researcher to believe that one family’s problems are the most pressing, even if data strongly indicates that other groups are in greater need. 
• Relationships can form between the social worker and the subject. While these are not necessarily negative, they may lead to biases in data collection which wouldn’t otherwise be prevalent with more impersonal research methods. 

Ultimately both macro and micro (participatory) research have a role to play in data gathering. Throughout their careers a research social worker will most likely conduct both kinds of research, and everything in between.

How research social workers need to conduct themselves 

In terms of participatory research it is important for a research social worker to take into account multiple voices from the community. So even if a research social believes they know which groups are most at risk they still need to conduct wide ranging interviews and remain objectively open to the answers that they receive. This really touches upon a key facet of research social work: objectivity. Being open to what the data is saying regardless of whether it confirms or denies existing views held by the research social worker. 

Also, it’s important to realize that research social workers may not be able to divulge the purpose of their research as they’re carrying it out. If participants knew the reason that the social worker was conducting a study they may be biased in how they present themselves or answer the social worker’s inquiries. This can actually prove frustrating for research social workers as they may not be able to answer even the most basic questions about what they’re doing. 

Why social work research is important 

We’ve covered why social research is important in regard to determining needs within a community and how that research can help to allocate funding to the proper areas. But research social work is also important in determining the efficacy of programs that have been implemented in the community. For example, research social workers can, 

• Administer before and after surveys to determine how the implementation of a new program has benefitted (or not benefitted) the community. 
• They may also conduct individual interviews with community members to find out how they feel about new programs. More specifically, these interviews may also be a chance to learn exactly how community members are benefitting from a program and also their thoughts on how it can be improved. 

Research social work is very important in that it helps to determine what programs are needed in a community and after the programs are created it is research social workers who measure their efficacy. 

While a “regular” social worker may spend their life seeing the trees (dealing with individual cases) it is the research social worker’s goal to see the forest. That is, understand the broader macro environment and the role that community programs play in it. 

Educational requirements to become a research social worker 

Most candidates should only consider taking a degree from a CSWE ( Council on Social Work Education ) accredited institution. Educational institutions without this accreditation may lack a rigorous teaching approach and degree holders from non-CSWE universities may find it more difficult to locate a good job. 

Research social work typically requires a candidate to have a Ph.D. as they will be expected to have a comprehensive understanding of statistics and how to compile the data that they collect. Thus research social work typically requires a large commitment in terms of schooling. 

In some cases, however, a social worker with a masters degree may be able to find work in the research field. Typically this person will handle assignments like distributing questionnaires and doing other data collection tasks in the neighborhood. A Ph.D. social worker will then compile that data and present the findings to local and federal government officials, among others. 

Why research social work can be difficult

One of the primary difficulties associated with social work research is that the social research worker’s role isn’t actually to help, but rather to study and gather data. This is not to suggest that the social worker must be robotic and ignore all problems, however, their role isn’t to solve but to observe. A research social worker may suggest that a “regular” social worker get involved but that’s typically the extent of what they can do. 

It can also be difficult doing participatory research, getting to know a subject or a family over the course of a day or two and then having to leave that family and move on. A normal social worker may stay with a family for months or even years, and enjoy a greater reward as that family’s situation improves. 

Thus social work research is suggested for those who understand their limited intervention role and are truly interested in data and devising the most effective ways to measure the efficacy of programs within the neighborhood. Research social workers can get their satisfaction from seeing community programs succeed, rather than working with individual subjects. 

Research social work career outlook 

It can be difficult to determine the career outlook specifically in regard to the research social worker. This is a very niche area of social work, all the more so since it typically requires a Ph.D. That being said, we can still gain valuable information by looking at overall trends for the social work field. 

The BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) estimates that from 2021 to 2031 there will be a 9 percent growth rate in the field of social work. In terms of actual numbers, 64,000 new social work jobs will be created by 2031. 

Research social worker salary  

Again, when it comes to determining the salary for a research social worker it’s difficult as there is little data available. That being the case we can still make a fairly good estimation of how much research social workers earn. 

According to HumanServicesEdu.org , “NASW found that a DSW or PhD can boost your earnings by around $17,000 over the baseline numbers you could expect with a bachelor’s.”

Overall we can see that research social workers tend  to earn more than other social workers and their job prospects are very good.

Frequently asked questions

A research social worker conducts research studies and evaluations to gather data and evidence related to social work practice and policies.

They use a range of research methods, such as surveys, interviews, focus groups, observation, or experimental designs, to answer research questions and test hypotheses.

A Bachelor’s degree in social work is the minimum requirement for most entry-level social work positions. However, many research social work positions require a Master’s degree in social work. Gain relevant work experience and develop research skills. You can also pursue a DSW or PhD to further your knowledge and expertise.

Research social workers need to be knowledgeable about different research methods, social policies, be able to analyze and interpret complex data.

Master of Social Work

NYU Silver's Master of Social Work (MSW) degree program opens doors to exciting career opportunities with our rigorous and innovative training, intensive professional development support and a strong alumni network. We approach social work through a social justice perspective and deliver an exceptional education to students interested in clinical social work practice. MSW students immerse themselves in a research-informed and hands-on curriculum, working with individuals, groups, and families.

The Master of Social Work program at the Silver School of Social Work offers opportunities to study policy and community practice as well as global social work, including study abroad courses. Our courses prepare students to make a positive impact in the world with the skills and intersectional lenses they’ll need to tackle complex social issues. Our esteemed faculty, which includes leading scholars, are trailblazers and working professionals who bring both academic and real-world experience into the classroom.

Explore Our MSW FAQs

Our MSW students benefit from small, personal class sizes. Most courses have a maximum of 25 students, while Practice I and II classes have a maximum of 15 students.

Silver’s Master of Social Work degree is attainable through a variety of pathways designed to meet student needs and allow them to pursue specializations and a wide range of electives. Students can choose to complete the program in a full-time or part-time option. In partnership with Sarah Lawrence College, NYU School of Law, NYU School of Global Public Health, and NYU Robert F. Wagner Graduate School of Public Service, we also offer four dual-degree program options  available in the areas of child development , public health , law , and public administration .

The Silver School of Social Work MSW program is fully accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). In accordance with CSWE accreditation standards, student learning outcomes are measured regularly. Review the most  recent learning outcomes here . Graduates have a strong track record of success in passing the New York State licensing exam at both the entry level and advanced clinical level.

Download Our MSW Viewbook

Please email the Admissions and Enrollment Services Office for additional information about MSW admissions, or call 212.998.5910 .

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do social workers make.

A social worker’s salary can vary depending on the role. 

Other factors that affect a social worker’s salary include:

Experience: Social workers with several years of experience in the profession will likely earn higher salaries than peers with less experience.

Education: Social workers with a master’s degree often have access to more advanced positions with higher salaries than entry-level positions that only require a bachelor's degree. An analysis of data from Salary.com found that the difference in median salary between a social worker with an MSW and one with only a BS is $9,000, which works out to $225,000 more for an MSW over a 25-year career. For NYU Silver Class of 2022, MSW graduates had a mean starting salary of $63,903, which was $13,410 more than the mean starting salary of that year’s BS in social work graduates – working out to more than $335,000 more over 25 years.

Location: Like many professions, social work salaries are often adjusted to the cost of living in the location of the role. For example, social workers in urban settings or areas with a higher cost of living often earn salaries adjusted for their location.

Licensing and Certification: Licensed Clinical Social Workers and other licensed social workers may earn higher salaries than those without licensure.

What can you do with a Master’s in Social Work?

An MSW opens up various rewarding job opportunities for those interested in making a positive impact in their careers and society. Here are some common paths and roles that individuals with an MSW often pursue:

Mental Health and Clinical Social Worker: Providing therapy services to individuals or groups in mental health clinics, hospitals, private practices, or substance abuse treatment centers. Other responsibilities in these roles include diagnosing and treating mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders.

Medical Social Worker: Helping individuals and families cope with the challenges of illness or disability, medical social workers collaborate with healthcare teams in hospitals and clinics to ease the emotional and psychosocial aspects of living with or caring for those with medical conditions.

School Social Worker: These professionals collaborate with teachers, parents, and administrators to create a more positive environment in schools and help students manage the challenges of adolescence like bullying, truancy, and family-related issues.

Child Welfare Specialist: Working with children and families involved in the child welfare system, these social workers conduct assessments to ensure child safety and well-being and facilitate reunification, adoption, or other permanency plans.

Geriatric Social Worker: Focusing on the unique needs of older adults and their families, these compassionate professionals provide support for issues related to aging, healthcare, and end-of-life care. They work in nursing homes, senior centers, or community organizations.

Macro Social Worker: Macro practice professionals engage in policy analysis, social welfare policy, advocacy, and community organizing. They work in nonprofit organizations, government agencies, or advocacy groups to address systemic issues and work toward social change.

Substance Abuse Counselor: Working in rehabilitation centers, outpatient programs, or community agencies, these social workers provide counseling, support, and intervention services to assist individuals struggling with substance use.

Private Practice: Licensed social workers can establish their own practice or work for an existing private counseling or therapy practice. This allows professionals to work with diverse clientele, address a range of mental health concerns, and support clients in the area that interests them most.

Research or Educator: Social workers can pivot into educational careers or contribute to the field’s knowledge in research roles. They can instruct at a university or training programs.

What is an MSW degree?

The Master of Social Work (MSW) educates professionals for the pursuit of social justice with an emphasis on direct social work practice that aims to improve biological, psychological, and social functioning through helping relationships. Dedicated to excellence in integrating teaching and learning in both classroom and community contexts, the MSW Program prepares its graduates to apply critical thinking, research-based knowledge and practice wisdom to restore, maintain, and enhance the functioning and well-being of individuals, families and communities, and promote effective and equitable social policies and social services.

How long does it take to get an MSW?

A traditional full-time MSW program typically takes about two years to complete. Part-time programs typically take three years to complete. The Silver School of Social Work’s Advanced Standing pathway is a two-semester route to the MSW degree. The Advanced Standing Master of Social Work option is available to those who have graduated within the past five years from a CSWE-accredited BSW. The Silver School of Social Work also offers a 16-Month Accelerated pathway to the MSW degree in which students complete the program in four consecutive semesters, including an intensive summer term.

Is an MSW worth it?

An MSW program helps students develop in-demand skills, increase their future earning potential, and expand their professional network. When deciding whether an in-person, online, or hybrid MSW program is worth the investment, it's important to research if the graduation outcomes align with your personal and professional goals. Benefits of an MSW include:

Career Opportunities: An MSW opens up a range of career options, especially in clinical settings, which often have higher-paying roles, as well as in social welfare policy and work with communities.

Increased Earning Potential: In many cases, students who complete MSW degrees have access to roles with higher salaries than those with a bachelor’s degree.

Personal Fulfillment: For students who are driven by a passion to make a positive impact in their communities and the lives of those around them, an in-person or online MSW program can provide the advanced education and training needed to effectively address complex social issues.

Licensing and Certification: Certain roles, especially those in clinical practice, require licensure. An MSW is often a prerequisite for obtaining licensure.

Networking and Professional Connections: The MSW program at NYU features outstanding faculty and attracts passionate, talented students from diverse backgrounds. This community of faculty, peers, and alumni will be extremely valuable as your professional network upon graduating.

Some of the highest-paying jobs in the field include:

Medical Social Worker: Social workers in healthcare settings, dealing with patients and their families, may have higher earning potential. They collaborate with healthcare teams to address the psychosocial aspects of medical conditions.

Mental Health and Clinical Social Worker: Clinical social workers, including those in private practice, may command higher salaries. They diagnose and treat mental, emotional, and behavioral issues, often requiring a Master of Social Work (MSW) and licensure.

Psychiatric Social Worker: Focused on mental health, a psychiatric social worker may work in hospitals, clinics, or community mental health organizations. Advanced education and experience can contribute to higher salaries.

Geriatric Social Worker: Specializing in issues related to aging, a geriatric social worker may work in nursing homes, senior centers, or healthcare institutions. Their expertise in elder care can lead to competitive salaries.

Medical/Health Services Manager: Professionals who transition into managerial roles within healthcare settings, such as director of social services, may achieve higher salaries. This often requires a combination of clinical and administrative skills.

Program Manager/Director in Nonprofit Organizations: Serving communities as a manager or director of social service programs in a nonprofit organization can be financially rewarding. These roles may involve overseeing a range of social services and community programs.

School Social Worker (with Advanced Certification): Social workers in schools, especially those with advanced certifications, may have higher earning potential. They address social, emotional, and behavioral issues in educational settings.

Forensic Social Worker: Professionals involved in the criminal justice system, providing support to individuals within legal contexts, may find competitive salaries in roles such as forensic social worker or court liaison.

Substance Abuse Counselor/Therapist: Specializing in substance abuse treatment, counselors and therapists in this field may earn higher salaries, particularly with advanced degrees and relevant certifications.

Researcher/Educator in Social Work: Social work professionals engaged in research or education at universities may have higher salaries. These roles often require advanced degrees and a strong research or teaching background.

Can I be a therapist with an MSW?

Yes, students who graduate with a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree can pursue a career as a therapist. Mental health and clinical social workers, who hold an MSW and obtain licensure, are well-equipped to provide therapeutic services.

Do you need a master’s to be a social worker?

The requirements for social work positions can vary based on the specific role and state. While it is possible to work in certain entry-level positions with a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree, many positions, including Licensed Clinical Social Worker, require completing an in-person, hybrid or online MSW program.

What is the difference between MSW and LCSW?

MSW stands for Master of Social Work, which is a graduate-level degree offered at a university. LCSW stands for Licensed Clinical Social Worker, which is an advanced professional designation indicating that a social worker is licensed to practice mental health and clinical social work. Most states require post-MSW entry-level licensure before one is eligible for the LCSW.

What is advanced standing MSW?

Advanced Standing is an accelerated, one-year path to the Master’s of Social Work offered at the NYU Silver School of Social Work. The Advanced Standing pathway is available to students who have earned a bachelor’s in social work from a CSWE-accredited undergraduate degree program within the past five years. Advanced Standing study is nearly, but not exactly, identical to the Specialized Practice level (2nd year) of the Two-Year pathway.

Are MSW programs competitive?

The competitiveness of an on-campus, online, or hybrid MSW program depends on the prestige of the program, the popularity of the school, the location of the campus (for on-campus programs), and the caliber of prospective students in the application pool. To be a competitive applicant wherever you decide to apply, be sure to research multiple programs. Tailor your application to each school and highlight your relevant experience as it relates to your interest in the program and future goals.

Do MSW programs require the GRE?

The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is not universally required for on-campus nor online Master of Social Work (MSW) programs. The NYU Silver School of Social Work MSW program does not require the GRE for admission.

Can you get an MSW without a BSW?

Yes, it is possible to pursue a master’s in social work without having completed a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW). Many MSW programs accept applicants with undergraduate degrees in various fields, allowing people from diverse educational backgrounds to bring their unique experiences to the field.

How hard is it to get into MSW programs?

The prestige of the program you’re considering as well as your aptitude contribute to the ease or difficulty of being accepted into an on-campus or online MSW program. A student who can show they have relevant skills and knowledge as well as a clear purpose will be a more competitive applicant. It’s also important to consider the popularity of the university you wish to attend. A reputable school, such as NYU Silver, tends to receive more applications.

Can you be a counselor with an MSW?

Yes, individuals with an MSW can pursue a career as a counselor. Professionals with an MSW are often trained in counseling and psychotherapy techniques, and they can work in various counseling roles.

Can you get an MSW with a Bachelor’s in Psychology?

Yes, a Bachelor’s in Psychology is often considered a relevant foundation for entry into a Master of Social Work program. Many MSW programs accept applicants with diverse undergraduate backgrounds. Prospective students can tailor their application to showcase how their Psychology background has prepared them for a career in social work.

How much does an MSW cost?

NYU Silver charges MSW students per enrolled credit/point each semester. Please visit the Silver MSW Tuition & Fees page for more information regarding tuition, fees, scholarships, and financial aid.

MSc Social Work Research

This programme creates links between social work research and practice in a range of settings. You will be taught the necessary skills to undertake research into social work and social care as a practice-based professional, a postgraduate research student or a policy-focused professional.   

This degree will help you acquire vital tools to maximise your work in addressing genuine issues of concern with policymakers, managers, practitioners and service users in social work and social care. 

The programme provides core research training in philosophy and research design in the social sciences, along with introductions to, and further approaches in, quantitative and qualitative methods in the social sciences.   

While the programme primarily focuses on 'research methods', it also has a clear focus on social justice and how research can improve policy and the lives of those it impacts. You can choose an optional unit from a range of policy areas such as child and family welfare, gender and violence, health and social care, poverty and social exclusion, and policy-oriented evaluation. The programme also provides the opportunity to further investigate policy areas of interest through the assignments and dissertation. 

We recognise that many of our students will have relevant experience as researchers, service managers/planners or policy advisers, and there will be space for you to reflect on and share your expertise in these fields.

Some units are taught in collaboration with other postgraduate programmes, providing a co-learning environment where you can interact and share insights with students working towards research degrees in public policy and policy research.  

Please note: This programme does not include practical training or lead to a professional qualification in social work. If you want to study for a qualification in social work practice, please see the MSc in Social Work .

On demand academic talks

Hear directly from an academic giving you a deeper insight into this programme.

Programme structure

The programme is delivered through a combination of intensive block teaching and weekly delivery, to ensure it is accessible to both postgraduate students as well as busy policy professionals and practitioners. You can accumulate credits flexibly and organise your patterns of attendance to suit your needs and circumstances. 

The MSc consists of five core units and one optional unit, along with a dissertation of 10,000 to 15,000 words. 

Visit our programme catalogue for full details of the structure of our MSc in Social Work Research.

World-leading research

The University of Bristol is ranked fifth for research in the UK ( Times Higher Education ).

94% of our research assessed as world-leading or internationally excellent.

Entry requirements

An upper second-class honours degree or international equivalent in a social science discipline: Sociology, Social Care, Social Work, Social Policy, Social Welfare, Public Policy, Public Administration, Business Administration, Management, Social Administration, Political Science, Psychology, Economics, Gender Studies, Development Studies, Health, History, Philosophy, Law.

We may consider subject not listed above if (a) 2.1 in any subject AND Masters degree in Social Work or (b) professional qualification in Social Work and 12 months relevant work/voluntary experience in social care role (CV required).

For applicants who are currently completing a degree, we understand that their final grade may be higher than the interim grades or module/unit grades they achieve during their studies.

We will consider applicants whose interim grades are currently slightly lower than the programme's entry requirements. We may make these applicants an aspirational offer. This offer would be at the standard level, so the applicant would need to achieve the standard entry requirements by the end of their degree. Specific module requirements may still apply.

We will consider applicants whose grades are slightly lower than the programme's entry requirements, if they have at least one of the following:

• evidence of significant, relevant work/voluntary experience (minimum 12 months) in the following sectors/areas: mid- to high-level policy/practice work for local or national government or third sector/voluntary/community-based organisation (Manager, Director, Academic, Researcher, Social Worker, Social Carer, Social Care Manager);
• a relevant postgraduate qualification (merit or above).

If this is the case, applicants should include their CV (curriculum vitae / résumé) when they apply, showing details of their relevant work experience and/or qualifications.

See international equivalent qualifications on the International Office website.

Read the programme admissions statement for important information on entry requirements, the application process and supporting documents required.

If English is not your first language, you will need to reach the requirements outlined in our  profile level E.

Further information about  English language requirements and profile levels .

Fees and funding

Fees are subject to an annual review. For programmes that last longer than one year, please budget for up to an 8% increase in fees each year.

More about tuition fees, living costs and financial support .

Alumni discount

University of Bristol students and graduates can benefit from a 25% reduction in tuition fees for postgraduate study.  Check your eligibility for an alumni discount.

Funding for 2024/25

Further information on funding for prospective UK and international postgraduate students.

Career prospects

This programme places strong emphasis on the development of social work/care research methods and analysis, as well as building substantive knowledge. Graduates from our MSc Social Work Research can go on to careers as social work and care researchers or analysts, or research commissioners/managers in public or private agencies, both in the UK and internationally.

Potential employers include local or central government departments; voluntary or charitable organisations; national or international non-governmental organisations; and global institutions such as the United Nations.

Alternatively, the programme provides students with the core training to further their career in academic research with a PhD in Social Work .

How to apply

Apply via our online application system. For further information, please see the guidance for how to apply on our webpages.

Overseas applicants: 24 July 2024. Home applicants: 9 August 2024.

Please note that due to high demand, some programmes may close earlier than advertised. Early applications are advised to avoid disappointment. Places are limited and allocated on a continuous basis from September 2023 until all places are filled.

Faculty of Social Sciences and Law

School for Policy Studies

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Social Work Research Methods That Drive the Practice

Social workers advocate for the well-being of individuals, families and communities. But how do social workers know what interventions are needed to help an individual? How do they assess whether a treatment plan is working? What do social workers use to write evidence-based policy?

Social work involves research-informed practice and practice-informed research. At every level, social workers need to know objective facts about the populations they serve, the efficacy of their interventions and the likelihood that their policies will improve lives. A variety of social work research methods make that possible.

Data-Driven Work

Data is a collection of facts used for reference and analysis. In a field as broad as social work, data comes in many forms.

Quantitative vs. Qualitative

As with any research, social work research involves both quantitative and qualitative studies.

Quantitative Research

Answers to questions like these can help social workers know about the populations they serve — or hope to serve in the future.

• How many students currently receive reduced-price school lunches in the local school district?
• How many hours per week does a specific individual consume digital media?
• How frequently did community members access a specific medical service last year?

Quantitative data — facts that can be measured and expressed numerically — are crucial for social work.

Quantitative research has advantages for social scientists. Such research can be more generalizable to large populations, as it uses specific sampling methods and lends itself to large datasets. It can provide important descriptive statistics about a specific population. Furthermore, by operationalizing variables, it can help social workers easily compare similar datasets with one another.

Qualitative Research

Qualitative data — facts that cannot be measured or expressed in terms of mere numbers or counts — offer rich insights into individuals, groups and societies. It can be collected via interviews and observations.

• What attitudes do students have toward the reduced-price school lunch program?
• What strategies do individuals use to moderate their weekly digital media consumption?
• What factors made community members more or less likely to access a specific medical service last year?

Qualitative research can thereby provide a textured view of social contexts and systems that may not have been possible with quantitative methods. Plus, it may even suggest new lines of inquiry for social work research.

Mixed Methods Research

Combining quantitative and qualitative methods into a single study is known as mixed methods research. This form of research has gained popularity in the study of social sciences, according to a 2019 report in the academic journal Theory and Society. Since quantitative and qualitative methods answer different questions, merging them into a single study can balance the limitations of each and potentially produce more in-depth findings.

However, mixed methods research is not without its drawbacks. Combining research methods increases the complexity of a study and generally requires a higher level of expertise to collect, analyze and interpret the data. It also requires a greater level of effort, time and often money.

The Importance of Research Design

Data-driven practice plays an essential role in social work. Unlike philanthropists and altruistic volunteers, social workers are obligated to operate from a scientific knowledge base.

To know whether their programs are effective, social workers must conduct research to determine results, aggregate those results into comprehensible data, analyze and interpret their findings, and use evidence to justify next steps.

Employing the proper design ensures that any evidence obtained during research enables social workers to reliably answer their research questions.

Research Methods in Social Work

The various social work research methods have specific benefits and limitations determined by context. Common research methods include surveys, program evaluations, needs assessments, randomized controlled trials, descriptive studies and single-system designs.

Surveys involve a hypothesis and a series of questions in order to test that hypothesis. Social work researchers will send out a survey, receive responses, aggregate the results, analyze the data, and form conclusions based on trends.

Surveys are one of the most common research methods social workers use — and for good reason. They tend to be relatively simple and are usually affordable. However, surveys generally require large participant groups, and self-reports from survey respondents are not always reliable.

Program Evaluations

Social workers ally with all sorts of programs: after-school programs, government initiatives, nonprofit projects and private programs, for example.

Crucially, social workers must evaluate a program’s effectiveness in order to determine whether the program is meeting its goals and what improvements can be made to better serve the program’s target population.

Evidence-based programming helps everyone save money and time, and comparing programs with one another can help social workers make decisions about how to structure new initiatives. Evaluating programs becomes complicated, however, when programs have multiple goal metrics, some of which may be vague or difficult to assess (e.g., “we aim to promote the well-being of our community”).

Needs Assessments

Social workers use needs assessments to identify services and necessities that a population lacks access to.

Common social work populations that researchers may perform needs assessments on include:

• People in a specific income group
• Everyone in a specific geographic region
• A specific ethnic group
• People in a specific age group

In the field, a social worker may use a combination of methods (e.g., surveys and descriptive studies) to learn more about a specific population or program. Social workers look for gaps between the actual context and a population’s or individual’s “wants” or desires.

For example, a social worker could conduct a needs assessment with an individual with cancer trying to navigate the complex medical-industrial system. The social worker may ask the client questions about the number of hours they spend scheduling doctor’s appointments, commuting and managing their many medications. After learning more about the specific client needs, the social worker can identify opportunities for improvements in an updated care plan.

In policy and program development, social workers conduct needs assessments to determine where and how to effect change on a much larger scale. Integral to social work at all levels, needs assessments reveal crucial information about a population’s needs to researchers, policymakers and other stakeholders. Needs assessments may fall short, however, in revealing the root causes of those needs (e.g., structural racism).

Randomized Controlled Trials

Randomized controlled trials are studies in which a randomly selected group is subjected to a variable (e.g., a specific stimulus or treatment) and a control group is not. Social workers then measure and compare the results of the randomized group with the control group in order to glean insights about the effectiveness of a particular intervention or treatment.

Randomized controlled trials are easily reproducible and highly measurable. They’re useful when results are easily quantifiable. However, this method is less helpful when results are not easily quantifiable (i.e., when rich data such as narratives and on-the-ground observations are needed).

Descriptive Studies

Descriptive studies immerse the researcher in another context or culture to study specific participant practices or ways of living. Descriptive studies, including descriptive ethnographic studies, may overlap with and include other research methods:

• Informant interviews
• Census data
• Observation

By using descriptive studies, researchers may glean a richer, deeper understanding of a nuanced culture or group on-site. The main limitations of this research method are that it tends to be time-consuming and expensive.

Single-System Designs

Unlike most medical studies, which involve testing a drug or treatment on two groups — an experimental group that receives the drug/treatment and a control group that does not — single-system designs allow researchers to study just one group (e.g., an individual or family).

Single-system designs typically entail studying a single group over a long period of time and may involve assessing the group’s response to multiple variables.

For example, consider a study on how media consumption affects a person’s mood. One way to test a hypothesis that consuming media correlates with low mood would be to observe two groups: a control group (no media) and an experimental group (two hours of media per day). When employing a single-system design, however, researchers would observe a single participant as they watch two hours of media per day for one week and then four hours per day of media the next week.

These designs allow researchers to test multiple variables over a longer period of time. However, similar to descriptive studies, single-system designs can be fairly time-consuming and costly.

Learn More About Social Work Research Methods

Social workers have the opportunity to improve the social environment by advocating for the vulnerable — including children, older adults and people with disabilities — and facilitating and developing resources and programs.

Learn more about how you can earn your  Master of Social Work online at Virginia Commonwealth University . The highest-ranking school of social work in Virginia, VCU has a wide range of courses online. That means students can earn their degrees with the flexibility of learning at home. Learn more about how you can take your career in social work further with VCU.

From M.S.W. to LCSW: Understanding Your Career Path as a Social Worker

How Palliative Care Social Workers Support Patients With Terminal Illnesses

How to Become a Social Worker in Health Care

Gov.uk, Mixed Methods Study

MVS Open Press, Foundations of Social Work Research

Open Social Work Education, Scientific Inquiry in Social Work

Open Social Work, Graduate Research Methods in Social Work: A Project-Based Approach

Routledge, Research for Social Workers: An Introduction to Methods

SAGE Publications, Research Methods for Social Work: A Problem-Based Approach

Theory and Society, Mixed Methods Research: What It Is and What It Could Be

READY TO GET STARTED WITH OUR ONLINE M.S.W. PROGRAM FORMAT?

Bachelor’s degree is required.

Master of Social Work

• Admissions & Advising
• MSW Plan of Study

Since 2005, UNC Wilmington’s Master of Social Work program has provided an engaging environment, meaningful field placements and collaborative projects centered in inclusion and equity to prepare students for a professional social work career.

Dynamic faculty with years of experience in the field are committed to preparing graduates to create solutions for societal problems that include social, racial, economic, health and mental health inequity. Graduates work in a variety of public and private settings that offer services that address every facet of life.

Learn with us and be the difference!

Clinical social work focuses on the assessment, diagnosis, treatment and prevention of mental illness, emotional and other behavioral disturbances. Individual, group and family therapy are common treatment modalities. Social workers who provide these services are required to be licensed or certified at the clinical level in their state of practice. Clinical social workers work in a variety of settings including private practice, hospitals, community mental health, primary care and agencies. ( NASW )

This is a three-year hybrid program (part online and part face-to-face) with field placement, a flexible option for students who are working full time, military affiliated, etc. Any undergraduate majors are welcome to apply.

View Part-Time course descriptions & curriculum guides

This is a two-year program with a field placement requirement of 900 hours over the course of three semesters. Students will be in classes 2-3 days a week and in their field placements during the rest of the week—a good option for traditional students. Any undergraduate majors are welcome to apply.

View Full-Time course descriptions & curriculum guides

Advanced Standing

This is a one-year program that runs May to May. Students will take “bridge” courses in the summer, specifically designed for recent BSW graduates, before joining the full-time curriculum in the fall semester. Only students with a Bachelors in Social Work are able to apply.

View Advanced Standing course descriptions & curriculum guides

Macro social work focuses on the interaction between client and large systems. Macro social workers support clients in a more holistic way by serving as an advocate for a vulnerable population locally and or globally. Their work might include making or influencing public policy, conducting research, working with government agencies, organizing activists or coalition groups, drafting petitions, supporting legislation or any other type of advocacy that doesn’t directly work with clients. ( NASW )

Full-and part-time options available.

View course descriptions & curriculum guides

Interested students may study abroad and participate in global social work through partnerships in London, Ireland and India. We offer certificates in addictions and veterinary social work, as well as a credential in School Social Work as well the Child Welfare Collaborative, a traineeship for future child welfare workers.

Explore More

• Admission Requirements
• Application Deadlines

Clinical Track Course Descriptions and Curriculum Guides

• Part-Time  (UNCW Catalogue)
• Full-Time  (UNCW Catalogue)
• Advanced Standing  (UNCW Catalogue)

Macro  Course Descriptions and Curriculum Guides

• Full-and Part-Time  (UNCW Catalogue)
• Student Handbook - PDF (This document is intended for print purposes. If you need this in another format, please contact the School of Social Work at 910-962-7283 or [email protected] .)

Field Education

• Field practicum  provides students with opportunities to learn and demonstrate social work skills.
• Meet the Faculty

Join one of our  student organizations  and explore our professional organizations, including the  Council on Social Work Education  and the  National Association of Social Workers .

Prepare for the workplace with information provided by the  NASW Social Work Career Center .

The School of Social Work baccalaureate and master programs are accredited by the  Council on Social Work Education . 

Contact the MSW Program

Primary Contact: Amy Van de Motter, MSW, LCSW

[email protected]

School of Social Work

Kristin Mapson, Ph.D., MSW

Program Coordinator & Professor [email protected]  

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School of Social Work

Online Master of Social Work

Graduate Online Social Work Courses

Below, the courses that shape the online Master of Social Work (MSW). Our carefully developed curriculum equips students with the knowledge and skills needed to navigate the complexities of direct social work practice.

View the Online MSW Plan of Study

Courses are delivered in a combination of synchronous (weekly online designated days and time) and asynchronous (weekly offline work) formats. 

Core and Elective Courses

• BASC 5300: Human Oppression
• BASC 5333: Research I: Research Methods for SW Practice
• BASC 5350: Analysis of Social Welfare Policy
• BASC 5362: HBSE: Macro and Micro Theories
• BASC 5390: Macro Foundation Practice
• BASC 5391: Micro Foundation Practice
• RSCH 5341: Advanced Research: Program Evaluation
• HBEL 5300: Substance Abuse 1
• SWEL 5318: Child and Adol Trauma and MH

Field Education Courses

FED 5351: Field Education Foundation I

• FED 5301: Field Education Seminar I
• FED 5352: Field Education Foundation II
• FED 5302: Field Education Seminar II
• IGFP 5353: Advanced Field Education III
• FED 5310: Field Education Seminar III
• IGFP 5354: Advanced Field Education IV
• FED 5311: Field Education Seminar IV

Individual, Group, and Family Practice (IGFP) Concentration Courses

• IGFP 5301: Practice with Individuals, Groups & Families
• IGFP 5302: Advanced Practice with IGF: Theoretical Approaches
• IGFP 5345: Clinical Conditions with Children and Adolescents
• IGFP 5303: Advanced Practice with IGF Across Settings & Populations
• IGFP 5346: Clinical Conditions with Adults and Older Adults

Basics (Social Work) (BASC) Courses

Basc 5300: human oppression – online (3-credit).

 Examines economic, political, social and cultural forces operating at global, national and local levels, which generate and maintain oppression based on race and ethnicity in the United States. Focuses on the oppression of the Black and Latino populations in the United States, highlighting the African-American and Puerto Rican experiences and perspectives. It will provide a framework for analyzing and understanding oppression. A historical perspective will be utilized to explore past and current oppression related to race and color, culture and ethnicity, social class, gender, sexual/emotional orientation and religion. Intercultural, intracultural, psychosocial, social and political responses to oppression will be addressed throughout the course. Required course for students in the M.S.W. program.

BASC 5333: Research I: Research Methods for SW Practice – Online (3-credit)

Basc 5350: analysis of social welfare policy – online (3-credit).

Provides a critical analysis of the historical roots of American social welfare policy, the formulation of policy, and the economic and political determinants of contemporary policy development. Examination and analysis of the inter-relationship between social welfare policy, the service delivery systems, and practice implications for private and public agencies and programs. Also includes the examination of international issues in social welfare policy and social service delivery. Students will analyze and apply the results of policy research relevant to social service delivery; understand and demonstrate policy practice skills in regard to economic, political and organizational systems; use them to influence, formulate, and advocate for policy consistent with social work values, and identify financial, organizational, administrative, and planning processes required to deliver social services. Required course for students in the M.S.W. program.

BASC 5362: HBSE: Macro and Micro Theories – Online (3-credit)

Emphasizes social work's "person in environment" frame of reference from both micro and macro perspectives. Content areas stressed throughout the course include theories and research about the interdependence and impact of social, political, economic, and cultural contexts on societal and individual well-being. Micro content areas include theories related to the biopsychosocial functioning of individuals, small groups and families in transaction with social, economic, political, and cultural contexts and forces. Cultural and ethnic diversity, institutional prejudice, especially racism and sexism, issues of social, economic and political justice and the process of social change as they impact micro and macro systems will be stressed. Values and ethical issues relevant to macro and micro social work will also be considered.

BASC 5390: Macro Foundation Practice – Online (3-credit)

Focus on macro practice foundation knowledge and skills associated with generalist practice in administration, community organizing and policy practice. Explores the history and place of macro methods in the evolution of the social work profession. Students are introduced to the unique language and perspective of macro practice as a capacity building and strength based intervention. Definitions of and ways to analyze communities, organizations and policies. Emphasis is given to strategies and tactics for achieving change in communities, organizations and policies, to improving services for populations at risk, and promoting diversity and distributive justice, including an international context. Particular ethical and value mandates and dilemmas associated with macro practice are identified throughout. Required course for students in the M.S.W. program. One of the two foundation practice courses taken the first semester of the first year of field placement.

BASC 5391: Micro Foundation Practice – Online (3-credit)

Provides a history of and a foundation for micro social work theory and practice emphasizing ecological, strengths and capacity building perspectives. Knowledge, values and skills associated with generalist practice with individuals, families and groups within the context of organizations and communities. Examines the mission of the social work profession and its value and ethical base, including its commitment to diversity, populations-at-risk and social and economic justice. Strategies for helping client-systems will include preparing for practice; developing mutual working agreements; engaging, assessing and formulating goals; implementing interventions; monitoring and evaluating progress; and terminating services. Emphasizes integration of course content with field experience. One of the two foundation practice courses taken the first semester of the first year of field placement. Required course for students in the M.S.W. program.

Field Education (Social Work) (FED) Courses

Weekly in-person hours at designated agency (4-credit).

Teaches students basic skills in social work practice with systems of all sizes including individuals, groups, organizations, and communities. This field experience course provides the foundation for the development of advanced skills in specific social work methods in advanced field experiences.

FED 5301: Field Education Seminar I – Online

This seminar helps students prepare for and make optimum use of their field education experience. Topics include the roles and responsibilities of the student within the agency setting, exploration and development of learning contracts, and the educational assessment of self as a learner in the profession. The seminar is used to identify issues that arise in the field and ways to deal with them.

FED 5352: Field Education Foundation II – (4-credit)

Continues to develop basic skills in social work practice with systems of all sizes, while adding increased emphasis on the students' development of skills in the students' major method. Required course for students in the M.S.W. program.

FED 5302: Field Education Seminar II – Online (1-credit)

This seminar helps students prepare for and make optimum use of their field education experience. Areas of seminar content include such topics as the roles and responsibilities of the student within the agency setting, exploration and development of learning contracts, and the educational assessment of self as a learner in the profession. The seminar identifies issues that arise in the field and ways to deal with them.

IGFP 5353: Advanced Field Education III – Online (4-credit)

Focuses primarily on the student's method concentration, emphasizing preparation for competent, advanced specialized practice.

FED 5310: Field Education Seminar III – Online

Igfp 5354: advanced field education iv – online (4-credit), fed 5311: field education seminar iv – online (1-credit).

This seminar helps students prepare for and make optimum use of their field education experience. Areas of seminar content include such topics as the roles and responsibilities of the student, field instructor and faculty advisor, exploration and development of the learning contract, and the educational assessment of self as a learner in the profession.

Individuals, Groups, and Families (Social Work) (IGFP) Courses

Igfp 5301: practice with individuals, groups & families – online (3-credit).

In-depth exploration of the skills of working with individuals, groups, and families. Social work practice with individuals, emphasizes the interdependence between assessment and intervention, the transactional nature of helping, and monitoring and evaluation of practice. Social work practice with groups, focuses on types of groups, leadership, forming and beginning the group, the role of mutual aid and use of program activities. Practice with families give emphasis to the family as a functional unit and the diversity of life style and structure and its capacity to respond to the needs of its members and changing environmental factors.

IGFP 5302: Advanced Practice with IGF: Theoretical Approaches – Online (3-credit)

Overview of theoretical approaches to working with individuals, groups and families. Helps students to think critically about the use of theory in practice, evidence based practice, and ways of learning and knowing, including use of supervision. Introduction to psychodynamic, attachment, cognitive, and behavioral, as well as solution-focused approaches and motivational interviewing. The stages of group development, group dynamics and other content related to social work practice with groups. Theoretical frameworks such as systems, multisystemic and attachment on which family practice approaches are based.

IGFP 5303: Advanced Practice with IGF Across Settings & Populations – Online (3-credit)

Builds upon content in previous IGFP courses about practice with individuals, groups and families within the context of oppression and privilege, while integrating core concepts related to trauma, strengths, resilience, and empowerment. Primary focus on the differential knowledge and skills needed to work effectively in various fields of practice (e.g., health care, schools,and the criminal justice, child protection, substance abuse and mental health systems). Systems of care, interdisciplinary teams, and policies impacting social work within each field of practice, as well as common clinical approaches and other interventions with the populations served in these settings.

IGFP 5345: Clinical Conditions with Children and Adolescents – Online (3-credit)

 Practice course paying equal attention to the values, skills, and knowledge required for social work practice with children, adolescents, and their families. These youth have a range of bio-psychosocial problems related to mental disorders. Students will learn a range of assessment and intervention skills and will become familiar with current psychiatric classification systems, such as the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM) and the International Classification of Diseases (ICD). Students will demonstrate the ability to access the most recent empirical and practice knowledge, and to develop skills related to work in a variety of mental health settings. Mental disorders will be learned within the context of larger bio-psychosocial systems. Attention is paid to differences based upon such variables as age, gender, ethnicity, race, religion, sexual orientation, and physical ability.

IGFP 5346: Clinical Conditions with Adults and Older Adults – Online (3-credit)

Practice course paying equal attention to the values, skills, and knowledge required for social work practice with adults and older adults who have a range of bio-psychosocial problems related to mental disorders. Students will learn a range of assessment and intervention skills and become familiarized with current psychiatric classification systems, such as the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM) and the International Classification of Diseases (ICD). Students will demonstrate the ability to access the most recent empirical and practice knowledge and to develop skills related to work in a variety of mental health settings. Mental disorders will be learned within the context of the larger bio-psychosocial system and attention is paid to differences based upon such variables as age, gender, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, and physical ability.

Research (Social Work) (RSCH) Courses

Rsch 5341: advanced research: program evaluation – online (3-credit).

Development of knowledge, attitudes and skills appropriate to the ongoing critical evaluation of social work practice with systems from diverse populations. Social workers have a responsibility to evaluate their individual practice effectiveness and the effectiveness of interventions used with clients in accord with both the ethical standards articulated in the NASW Code of Ethics as well as the accountability standards required by agencies and other funding sources. Prepares students to integrate evaluation methods into assessment, planning, intervention and evaluation of their professional social work practice. Provides students with the knowledge to develop skills for evaluating practice through the use of evaluation designs. Students will learn to employ these designs and to analyze the data drawn from these designs in order to inform professional practice decision-making.

Human Behavior Elective (HBEL) Courses

Hbel 5300: substance abuse 1 – online (3-credit).

Examines the special issues and problems in dealing with alcohol and drug abuse. Focuses on: developing a conceptual framework of drug abuse and addiction; major classifications of drugs; examining high risk populations with an emphasis on their unique problems and needs; integrating knowledge with practice by giving careful consideration to treatment issues such as identification, assessment, referral, therapeutic strategies, treatment modalities and settings; providing information on the role of federal, state, and voluntary organizations which impact on prevention, education and treatment programs. Elective course for Substantive Area: Focused Area of Study on Mental Health and Substance Abuse in Social Work Practice.

Social Work Elective (SWEL) Courses

Swel 5318: child and adol trauma and mh – online (3-credit).

Incorporates the new National Child Traumatic Stress Network core curriculum on child trauma (CCCT). The course conveys the crucial evidence-based concepts, components, and skills designed by the NCTSN to strengthen competency in assessment, referral, and treatment.

Application Deadline

Fall 2024: Apply by July 1, 2024

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Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers

Clinical research papers from 2019 2019.

Acculturation and Depression among Older U.S. Immigrants: A Systematic Review , Sunghwan Cho

Relationship as an Energetic Exchange: A Key Theory for the Nurtured Heart Approach , Inga Eanes

Birth and Pregnancy Termination Rates in The United States Since Perinatal Hospice Law Establishment , Chelsea Janey

Why Do Some Single Mothers Struggle More Than Others? , Tania Rhiger

The Bond We Share: Sibling Relationships Within Severe Mental Illness Through the Lens of Autoethnographic Research , Laura Rydberg

Clinical Research Papers from 2018 2018

Healing the Mind and Body: Practitioner Perspectives on Integrating Cognitive and Somatic Approaches in Psychotherapy with Refugees, Asylees, and Asylum Seekers , Amanda Ament-Lemke

Professional Perceptions of Youth Homelessness and Strengths Developed , Joelle Bellows

Sleep Deprivation and the Health of Firefighters , Bridget Bender

Effective Social Work Practice with Military, Veterans, and their Families , Katherine Boyer

Promoting Resilience and Preventing Sexual Offenses in Survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse: A Systematic Review , Cassie DeGraw

Therapist, Know Thyself: Self-Reflective Practice through Autoethnography , Nikki DiVirgilio

Foster Care and Education: Exploring the Success of Interventions Aimed to Improve Academic Achievement of Foster Children , Olivia Erickson

Early Interventions: Preventing at-risk youth from the path of Sexual Exploitation: A Systematic Review , Rahma Farah

Treatment Barriers in Mental Health: Perspectives of Using Mobile Technology , Ryan Goman

“Make ’em Laugh” The Interaction of Humor in the Therapeutic Treatment of Trauma: A Narrative Review , Katherine Goodman

The Role of Somatic Psychotherapy in Treating First Responders: Providers’ Perspectives , Maggie Graham

Utilization of Social Media in Strengthening Communication in Long Distance Relationships , Lexie Gutzmann

Medical Social Workers’ Best Practices in Supporting Autonomy at End of Life , Morgan Hanley

Women’s Prisons and Substance Abuse Treatment: A Systematic Review of Shame Interventions , Jamie Herman

Trauma-Informed Care For Youth In Foster Care , Jordyn Hubin

Integrating Trauma Informed Care into the Treatment of Adult Male Sex Offenders: A Systematic Review , Erica Janssen

Challenges and Opportunities in Accessing Geriatric Mental Health Services in Rural Minnesota , Kassara Kneeland

Professional Opinions of Effective Interventions for Adults with Psychotic Disorders Who Experienced Childhood Trauma , Jennifer Metzger

Neighbors Helping Neighbors: Co-housing Options for Older Adults to Age in Place , Kasey Meyer

Using an Integrative Psychotherapeutic Approach to Help Adults Cope with Chronic Pain , Bethany Miletich

Examining Services Effective at Preventing Domestic Homicide: Interviewing Relevant Stakeholders about Their Perceptions Regarding Their Role in Reducing the Recurrence of Domestic Violence , Katlin Morse

Secure Attachment Without Bars: Alternatives to Incarceration and Clinical Interventions to Treat the Mother-Infant Relationship , Krista Murphy

Trauma-Informed Care: Training and Implementation in the Foster Care System , Danielle Norgren

The Impacts of Supervision on Social Workers Who Experience Client Suicidal Behavior , Chelse Paulzine

The Impact of Minnesota Warriors Hockey on Post-Military Service Reintegration: A Pilot Study , Andrew Qualy

Non-pharmacological Interventions in Residents with Behavioral and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia , Kelli Ray

Emotionally Focused Therapy for Couples: A Treatment for Depression and Anxiety , Courtney Reinitz

Chemical Dependence Harm Reduction: A Needed Application for Social Workers , Josie C. Schmitz

Exploring Non-Pharmacological Interventions for Behavioral Symptoms of Dementia: A Social Work Perspective , Ashley Schoonover

Is Marketing Messing with Your Clients’ Heads? Brands, Identity, and Clinical Practice , Paul Schuster

A Systematic Review: Examination of Yoga-Based Interventions to Determine their Benefits and Effectiveness in Treating PTSD in Women , Jessica Skaare

Rural Service Providers’ Perceptions of Cultural Responsiveness to LGBT Older Adults , Lisa Twomey

Understanding the practitioner’s role in the therapeutic setting: working with youth that identify as Black or African American and LGBT , Katie L. Ubl

The Effects of Animal-Assisted Therapy in Older Adults with Dementia , Alison Waid Higgins

Impacts of and Alternatives to Solitary Confinement in Adult Correctional Facilities , Sarah Zyvoloski

Clinical Research Papers from 2017 2017

Mapping Social Justice: A Case Study of a School of Social Work Student-Led Social Justice Initiative , Lauren Abdill

Evaluating Child Maltreatment Prevention Programs & Services: A Qualitative Study , Laura Abrass

“I’m Tough, It’s Fine”: Prohibiting Restrictive Procedures and Seclusion in Educational Settings , Kaitlin Adams

Developmental Impact of Inclusion Classrooms on Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Systematic Review , Emily E. Aller

Involuntary Civil Commitment and Sobriety , Ana Anderson

A Case Study of Veteran Identity as a Female , Kimberly Anderson

Racial Differences in Veteran Service Connection Disability , Jonathan Arnold

A Qualitative Investigation of Parental Experiences with Play Therapy , Kaitlin Bach

Cognitive Behavior Therapy with Adults with Intellectual Disabilities: A Systematic Review , Crystal Barrera

Systematic Review of High School Dropout Prevention Programs , Dayne Bartlett

Identity and Belonging: Documentation Status and Mexican-origin children: A Systematic Review , Alicia Bauers

Removing Stigma and Reducing Anxiety: Social Work Professionals Integrating Essential Oils in Mental Healthcare Services with African American and Native American Clients , Kamara Bauman

What Can We Learn from Death and Dying? One Man’s Experience , Brooke K. Benson

Trauma in schools: Identifying and working with students who have experienced trauma , Amanda E. Berg

Unintended Rehabilitation: A Comparative Analysis of Prison Animal Programs , Mielissa Beseres

Understanding the Mental Health Impacts of Non-Kinship vs. Kinship Placements , Lena Bessas

Social Worker Perceptions on Education for Generalist and Specialist Roles , Jamie Blackledge

Strategies and Outcomes in Working with Adolescents Diagnosed with Conduct Disorder , Elisabeth A. Boegeman

Domestic Violence: How to Treat the Unseen Victims , Sarah Callahan

Birth Parents: Blogging The Emotional Journey Through Adoption , Kayla L. Christensen

Factors that Increase Successful Parenting Skills in Adult Survivors of Childhood Trauma, Neglect, and Abuse: A Systematic Review , Victoria A. Christian

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Veterans Experiencing Insomnia: A Systematic Review , Dustin Cobb

Posttraumatic Growth in United States Military Veterans , Angela Cox

Examining Post-Adoption Services: What Adoptive Families Need for Beneficial Outcomes , Lindsey Crawford

Addressing Needs Among Students Affected by Domestic Violence: Social Workers’ Perspectives , Kiah Dahlquist

Making & Sustaining Change from Psychotherapy: A Mixed Method Study , Kelsi Dankey, Heather Karson, Arielle R. Yahnke, Sara Lemon, Tricia Downing, Danae Hoffman, and Natia Wilcek

What is the Impact of Mental Health Courts? A Systematic Literature Review , Rachel Dean

Best Practices for Engaging Birth Mothers in Post-Adoptive Grief Work , Melanie DeJong

Evaluating the Effectiveness of Vocational Rehabilitation in Economic Outcomes for Adults with Disabilities , Susanne Desmond

Bicycles and Youth: Impacts , Elizabeth Drews

Lessons for Social Workers: A Review of the Latino/a Undocumented Immigrant Experience , Katie J. Ducklow

Aging Americans: Family Factors and Satisfaction with Life and Aging , Miranda Eastham

Intervention with Intimate Partner Violence: Application of Attachment and Personality Disorders , MaryBeth Ehlert

Transgenerational Transmission of Caregiver Behaviors Promoting Secure Attachments in American Indian Communities , Bryan Ellingson

Interventions to Alleviate the Psychosocial Needs of Hospice Family Caregivers: A Systematic Review , Nicole Engen

Spiritually Integrated Care for Veteran Trauma Survivors: A Quantitative Analysis , Krystle Englund

Guardian ad Litem Perceptions of Child Protection , Carla Evans

Factors Contributing to Success in Treatment for Individuals with a Dual Diagnosis , Logan Evenson

Systematic Review: Considerations for Women with Co-occurring Substance Use Disorder and PTSD , Brittany Feller

Mindfulness Practice with Children who have Experienced Trauma , Margaret Fischer

Officer-Involved Homicides of Unarmed Black Males: Perceptions of the African American Community , Sarah Fox

Intimacy after Sexual Trauma: Clinical Perspectives , Melissa Franckowiak

Interventions that Support Caregivers of Veterans with Traumatic Brain Injury: A Systematic Review , Melissa Franzen

Gaps in Mental Health Services in the Juvenile Justice System as Identified by Clinical Social Workers , Heather Fretty

Family Functioning and Secondary Traumatic Stress in Military Families: A Qualitative Study , Karlie Gams

Disability Accommodations in Postsecondary Education A Systematic Review , Kaitlyn Gartner

Perceptions of Diagnosing and Treating Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and Complex Trauma in Schools , Megan Gauer-Kloos

Clinician Support to Caregivers of Children with a Mental Health Disorder , Lauren Gavin

Effects of Yoga and Mindfulness-Based Practices on Stress and Anxiety in Children and Adolescents , Amanda Geldert

Intervention effectiveness following gender-based violence and forced migration: A critical systematic literature review and synthesis of qualitative studies from the voice of the client , Malory Giraldo

Identifying Protective Factors for Adult Children of Alcoholics , Jessica Goeke

"Si No Estuviera Conmigo, Yo Seria Muda en Este País": A Systematic Literature Review of Language Brokering Among Latinx Youth , Manuela Gonzalez

Postpartum Depression and Opinions on Screening , Jana Gorman

Identifying and Mitigating Caregiver Burnout: The Role of Adult Day Social Workers , Annika Grafstrom

Work and Quality of Life for Individuals with SMI: A Systematic Review , Scott Grandt

Analysis of Implementing Trauma Informed Programs in Grade Schools , Lilli Gray

Making it Right in the End: Conflict on the Hospice Interdisciplinary Team , Sarah Green

Supports and Barriers Experienced by Female Same-Sex Couples When Planning For Life as They Age , Johanna Guerkink

Sacred Shame: Integrating Spirituality and Sexuality , Alyssa J. Haggerty

Welfare Reform and Quality of Life: A Systematic Review , Brianna Heilman

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Graduate school of social work and social research.

Explore Your Social Work Path

Trauma-Informed Social Work Practice, Social Justice, and Social Change

What Do We Offer?

Explore our degree programs.

Master of Social Service (M.S.S.)

The Master of Social Service program is a carefully balanced curriculum, in accordance with Bryn Mawr’s mission to explore the variety of roles open to social workers, in the depth required for professional practice, and with the flexibility needed for continual growth in a changing world.

M.S.S. for Advanced Standing Students

The Advanced Standing M.S.S. program is designed for individuals who have completed a B.S.W. degree within the last five years from a Council on Social Work Education accredited school of social work.

Doctoral Program in Social Work (Ph.D.)

The country's first Ph.D. degree in social work was awarded at Bryn Mawr College in 1920. Today, we continue to value innovation and creativity to help our students become leading researchers, teachers, and scholar-practitioners.

M.S.S./M.P.H. Dual Degree

Our joint degree program with Jefferson College of Population Health offers students the opportunity to earn both their Master of Social Service and Master of Public Health in approximately three years for full-time students, with part-time study available. 

M.S.S. Certificate Programs

Students who are currently enrolled in the M.S.S. program are also eligible to pursue a Certificate Program. Courses taken for the certificate will also count toward M.S.S. elective credits.

Why Bryn Mawr?

Rigorous academics and close working relationships with faculty are just a few reasons Julie Zaebst, M.S.S. '08 chose Bryn Mawr.

Making a Difference

From faculty research to alumni achievements to student recognition, learn more about the people who make Bryn Mawr's Graduate School of Social Work and Social Research truly extraordinary.

Interview with Quanisha Green, M.S.S. '15

Ph.D. Student Annie Perepezko Receives CSWE Doctoral Student Policy Fellowship

Interview with Romana Lee-Akiyama, M.S.S./MLSP '09

Professional development opportunities.

Center for Professional Development

The Center for Professional Development   offers practical, relevant, and timely professional development, test prep and certificate programs to help you gain the skills, knowledge, and credentials you need to excel and advance in your workplace and career.

Nonprofit Executive Leadership Institute

Since 2004, the Nonprofit Executive Leadership Institute has helped nonprofit leaders become more effective agents of change.

Center for Child and Family Wellbeing

In 2002, The Graduate School of Social Work and Social Research (GSSWSR) launched the Center for Child and Family Wellbeing (CFWB). The Center has been built around the mission to foster an interdisciplinary focus on a broad range of issues and challenges faced by today's children and families.

Join a Supportive Community of Passionate Individuals

Romana Lee-Akiyama, M.S.S./M.L.S.P. '09 If you are somebody who really wants to make a difference in your community and the world, and you’re a serious student and want to be with other folks who will lift you up and help you fine tune your thought processes, then Bryn Mawr is the place to go.

Student Stories

Hear from our students about what makes the GSSWSR such a special community!

Matt Mundy M.S.S. '22

“My guiding light was wanting to help people, and as hard as things can get in graduate school, I just focused on my ‘why’: wanting to help others.”

Ivy Elwell M.S.S. '23 Goes from Stage to Service

“Whereas other programs I was considering made me feel like I had to fit into their mold, Bryn Mawr welcomed my background, and what I could bring to their program and the field.”

Master of Social Work by Research | UniSC | University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia

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Master of Social Work by Research

Use your research skills to drive social change in a dynamic profession that is constantly evolving to meet the changing needs of society and individuals. This advanced program lets you address the growing need for practice-based research by completing your own original research project.

In this program you will:

• Make an important contribution to your chosen area of social work practice
• Explore areas of professional interest and advance your academic qualifications in the field
• Work with highly experienced supervisors to complete an original thesis that contributes to the body of knowledge in your field
• Advance your research skills and build your knowledge of professional social work practice

CRICOS code

Indicative fees, indicative 2024 fees (a$), program detail, entry requirements, fees and scholarships.

• Blended Learning
• Dr Raj Yadav

A Higher Degree by Research (HDR) is a supervised research program that requires undertaking original research, resulting in a thesis, or a thesis and exegesis.

During the Master by Research program, Master by Research candidates are required to achieve several milestones that relate to their research training.

Milestones are program requirements and periodic assessments of candidature progression. Milestones are distributed throughout HDR candidature providing structure and mechanism for regular review and feedback on progress towards both the research project and attainment of the University’s  Research Graduate Attributes .

In addition to HDR program milestones, some candidates may also have:

• project milestones (such as external progress reports to third party funding providers) that they are required to contribute to; and
• scholarship conditions as specified in their scholarship conditions document
• Coursework (discuss with your proposed supervisor prior to applying)

Information on HDR milestones is available in the UniSC Higher Degree by Research Candidature Progression - Guidelines .

To be eligible for admission to a research Master degree, an applicant must hold:

(a) a Bachelor degree (AQF Level 7) with a Grade Point Average of 5.0 or higher on a seven point scale from a recognised higher education institution; or

(b) a Bachelor Honours degree (AQF Level 8) Class IIB from a recognised higher education institution; or

(c) a record of qualifications and/or professional research experience deemed to be equivalent to the standard of (a) or (b) as may be approved by the Research Degrees Committee, or the Chairperson acting on behalf of the Committee.

The prior study must be in an area of study relevant to the discipline area of the Master degree. If the prior study has not included an appropriate preparation in research methodology, the candidate will be required to undertake an appropriate research methodology course, as specified by the relevant Head of School, as part of their candidature.

The admission requirements for a specific Master degree may include additional requirements, such as a Bachelor degree in the relevant discipline, professional registration, a specified number of years of professional practice, or other requirements indicative of a suitable preparation to undertake a research program at Master level. Additional requirements should be discussed with your proposed supervision team prior to applying.

Refer also to the University’s English language requirements .

Admission is subject to availability of appropriate supervision and facilities.

English language requirements

If English is not your first language, you also need to meet the minimum  English language requirements  for your chosen program. If you do not meet the minimum requirements, you may like to enrol in one of our  English Language Programs .

Domestic higher degree by research applicants are assessed for a fee-offset scholarship as part the program admission assessment process.

If successful, this information will be included in the Description of Candidature which is provided with the Offer of Admission.

The maximum period of a fee-offset scholarship for full-time candidates is four years for Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) students and two years for Master by Research candidates (part time equivalent). 

After this time candidates will be liable for fees.

For information on how higher degree by research student fees are calculated, including the Student Services and Amenities Fee, visit the Higher Degree by Research Student Fee Calculation Information page.

International student fee information is available on the Tuition fees and other costs page. For information on how higher degree by research student fees are calculated, including the Student Services and Amenities Fee, visit the Higher Degree by Research Student Fee Calculation Information page. Visit the HDR scholarships page for information on available scholarships.

Estimated total tuition fees are based on 2023 rates and the minimum number of courses required within the programs standard duration.

Annual tuition fees are based on 2023 rates and the equivalent full-time student load as per the recommended study sequence in the relevant program.

Actual fees payable are based on the actual enrolment load in a teaching period (excluding Study Abroad and Postgraduate Qualifying Pathway).

All prices quoted are in Australian Dollars (A$).

HDR students can commence their Masters at any time 

No matter what kind of future you’re looking for, you can find it at UniSC. Our programs offer the choice and flexibility you need to get started on any career goal.

Visit How to apply for simple steps to submit your international student application and start your UniSC experience today.

Need help with submitting your application?

UniSC has appointed representatives to assist you with submitting your application and provide information about the steps you need to complete to begin your studies. You can contact a UniSC Representative in your area.

Any questions? Contact us .

Applications can be submitted at any time.

Visit the How to apply page for information on preparing and submitting your application.

Psychology and Social Work for a better tomorrow

You might also like..., undergraduate certificate in community services.

• Sunshine Coast , Moreton Bay
• 6 months full time or equivalent part-time
• Career outcomes Social services, Human services, Counselling, Social Work, Criminology and Justice

Diploma in Social Science

• Sunshine Coast
• 1 year full time or equivalent part-time

Bachelor of Social Work

• Sunshine Coast , Moreton Bay , Fraser Coast , Online
• 4 years full time or equivalent part-time
• Career outcomes Health, Mental health, Disability, Policy development, Centrelink, Child protection, Disability in schools

Master of Social Work (Qualifying)

• 2 years full time or equivalent part-time
• Career outcomes Social work, Health, Mental health, Family support, Child protection, Aged care, Youth work, Income support, Community development, Refugee and migrant support, Indigenous rights, Human service management, Government organisations, Community agencies, Private practice

Need advice on what to study or how to apply? 

Our student central team can help..

Call us  +61 7 5430 2890 Email us  [email protected] For locations and opening hours, visit Student Central .

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You are a domestic student if you are:

• an Australian citizen
• an Australian Permanent residency visa holder
• an Australian permanent humanitarian visa holder
• a New Zealand citizen

You are an International student if you are:

• a Temporary Resident (visa status) of Australia
• a Permanent Resident (visa status) of New Zealand
• a Resident or Citizen of any other country

STUDY LOCATION

At UniSC, programs are offered either on one of our campuses or fully online.

Full-time study is enrolling in three or more courses per study period, while part-time study is one or two courses per study period.

Some programs are offered as part-time only.

DOMESTIC STUDENTS

As a domestic student each study period you have the choice to switch between full-time and part-time study. You can choose to study either on campus or online, depending on the program offering.

INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

As an international student studying on a Student visa, you must study on campus and enrol full-time to finish your program within the set duration. This usually means enrolling in four courses per study period.

If you are an international student studying on any other visa type or if you are residing outside of Australia, you may study online and/or part-time.

Questions? Ask us anything about studying this program. Alternatively, contact Student Central with any student-related enquiries.

The thresholds presented here are from the Semester 1 2024 admissions intake and represent the minimum adjusted score (ATAR/Selection Rank) that was considered for an offer of a place to all applicants for that intake, as at the 15 January 2024 offer round. Minimum thresholds are subject to change each intake and should be used as a guide only for future intakes.

Learn more about ATARs and Selection Ranks .

Please note, adjustment factors towards an applicant's ATAR/selection rank do not apply to all UniSC programs. Learn more about Access UniSC .

This is an indicative fee for one year of full-time study. Actual fees will change based on courses selected and are subject to yearly increases.

You may be eligible for a government loan to defer payment. Learn more about fees .

Explore scholarships and bursaries to help you cover the costs of study.

We offer a range of study options to suit your location and learning style, as well as your life outside uni. Depending on your choice of degree, you may be able to choose to study on campus, online or a combination of both.

Learn more about UniSC's study options .

Prerequisites are minimum entry requirements and must be completed for offer of admission.

Recommended prior study is recommended but not required.

Subjects are expressed as Queensland senior subjects at level 3 and 4 completion level with grade of C. Refer to Subject prerequisite equivalents for more information.

Personalise your experience

Graduate Research

Master of Advanced Social Work (Research)

• Course code:   J17RE

Course overview

The Master of Advanced Social Work (Research) allows you to combine coursework with extensive independent research in social work. It encourages an advanced practice-oriented and theoretical approach, and supports self-directed, lifelong learning. To be eligible for the award of the degree, you must achieve an average grade of at least H3 (65%) or higher.

Commencement period

• You may commence at any time during the year between 1 February and 31 October. Commencement in January or December is not advisable.
• Commencement in the degree is subject to prior arrangement with your nominated supervisor (Scholarships have separate rules and you should seek approval from Melbourne Scholarships to vary your scholarship commencement).
• Please check with the relevant academic unit prior to making any arrangements for enrolment or travel.

Related study areas

• Health sciences
• Social work

Online Master's in Social Research and Analysis

Online master’s in social research and analysis.

The Master of Arts in Social Research and Analysis is a dynamic degree program that trains students to harness the power of data to improve programs, change social policies, market a product, execute an advertising campaign and inform business decision making.

Gain valuable skills in survey writing, focus groups moderating, ethnographic research, data analysis and data and text mining. Tailor your program by taking electives in social policy research, business analytics, communications and media, or earth and environmental sciences.

Attend one of our upcoming webinars to learn about Montclair’s Social Research and Data Analysis programs.

Information Sessions

Apply for: Fall 2024 Start class: September 4, 2024 Credit Hours: 30 Tuition & Aid

What Our Students Are Saying

Further Your Career Giovanni Exume, MA in Social Research and Analysis

Open New Doors Melissa Gonzalez, MA ’21 Social Research and Analysis

Flexible Online Format

An online course schedule provides you with the convenience and flexibility you need to earn your degree and still balance life’s priorities.

We Are Flexible Our 10 course, 30-credit Social Research and Analysis online master’s program is designed for full or part-time study with program completion in as little as 16 months.

Online Program Option Take all your classes online from any location, in the United States or anywhere in the world. Online courses are offered in both synchronous and asynchronous formats. All of the course offerings provide you with opportunities to engage fully with your peers and professors online.

What to expect as you move toward attaining your degree:

• All coursework can be completed online.
• Course content and course schedules are geared toward working professionals.
• Affordable tuition rate
• Interaction between your peers and faculty
• Full access to student support services including online library resources, Tier II technical support and career advising

Total Credits: 30

Experienced faculty are ready to help you launch a career with research at its center. In the program, you will take courses in survey writing, focus groups, ethnographic research, data analysis and data and text mining using software programs like R, SPSS and NVivo . You can also customize the degree to meet your career goals by choosing electives in social policy research, business analytics or communications and media.

View Courses

Social Research and Data Analysis professionals work in a variety of settings:

• Survey Research Specialist
• Senior Market Analyst
• DE&I Strategist
• Qualitative Researcher
• UX Researcher
• Business Analyst
• Research Associate
• Data Strategist
• Online Qualitative Researcher
• Ad Tech Associate
• Data Coordinator
• Research Analyst
• Clinical Data Coordinator

Recent graduates from the Social Research master’s program are employed in many fields:

The Department of Sociology has compiled a list of frequently asked questions .

Our career enhancing online graduate certificates in Customer and User Experience Research (CX and UX Research) and Data Collection and Management can be used toward earning the master’s degree.

The certificates provide short-term options to quickly build career enhancing knowledge for professional advancement and specialized skill building.

• Submit Online Application
• Transcript: One from each college attended.
• Letters of Recommendation: Two (optional), but recommended if your undergraduate GPA is below a 3.0
• A statement of purpose about your background, goals and interests in the program
• No GRE exam required
• The $60 application fee is waived for Online Programs.
• Graduate students from other programs can take courses as electives. Some advanced undergraduates also qualify to begin early. Please contact the graduate program coordinator for additional information.
• The Graduate School requires the equivalent of a U.S. bachelor’s degree in order to be eligible to apply for a graduate program. Applicants with non-U.S. degrees, please visit the  International Applicants page to review the U.S. degree equivalency information.

For more information, please contact Montclair Online. Email: [email protected] Phone: 973-655-7110

Coordinator: Dr. Christopher Donoghue

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Details: Social Work, Master's

Master's social work.

• All Programs
• Fairmount College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
• School of Social Work

Wichita State’s Master of Social Work (MSW) is a fully accredited program, with an emphasis in advanced generalist practice, designed to help you advance your career or enter the social work profession at an advanced professional level. The program combines quality classroom instruction and applied learning in community and state agencies throughout Kansas’ largest city.

Learn how Social Work is the right fit for you.

Applied learning at Wichita State

At Wichita State, applied learning is everything. In fact, every degree we offer has a guaranteed applied learning or research experience built right into it equipping you with the relevant skills and experience to make you workforce ready before graduation.

Admission to the program

Admission to the program requires:

• A bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year institution
• Evidence of a liberal arts background from an accredited college or university prior to enrollment
• A minimum 2.75 GPA based on the last 60 hours of coursework
• Completed applications to both the MSW program and the WSU Graduate School

For additional admission details, click on the link below.

Inside the Program

Social work students collaborate with veterans for Shift Space exhibit

Students pursuing a master's degree in social work can help make an impact in our local community.

A collaboration between the School of Social Work and the Robert J. Dole VA Medical Center gave students the opportunity to learn more about the plight of homeless veterans in Wichita.

The project, which was part of the Creative Empowerment in Helping Professions class, culminated in a public art exhibition that displayed the work of homeless and formerly homeless veterans.

The regular MSW program consists of 63 credit hours, including 47 credit hours of classroom work and 16 credit hours of supervised practicum.

The advanced standing program consists of 37 credit hours, including 29 credit hours of classroom work and eight credit hours of supervised practicum.

A graduate degree in social work from Wichita State opens doors to high-demand careers in a wide range of settings, from mental health clinics and schools to community development corporations and hospitals.

Similar Programs

• Programs and Courses

Master of Social Research

A single two year graduate award offered by the ANU College of Arts and Social Sciences

• Length 2 year full-time
• Minimum 96 Units
• Academic plan MSRES
• Post Nominal
• CRICOS code 082351J
• 830014 (M Social Res)
• Human Geography
• Dr Nicholas Biddle
• Admission & Fees
• Introduction

Career Options

Learning outcomes, inherent requirements, further information.

• Additional Information

Admission Requirements

Cognate disciplines, scholarships.

• Indicative Fees

Program Requirements

Specialisations, study options.

The Master of Social Research requires the completion of 96 units, of which:

96 units must come from 6000-level, 7000-level and 8000-level courses

A minimum of 48 units must come from completion of 8000-level courses

The 96 units must consist of:

24 units from completion of the following Introductory Methods courses:

SOCR8001    Statistics for Social Scientists

SOCR8082    Social Research Practice

SOCR8201    Introduction to Social Science Methods and Types of Data

SOCR8202    Using Data to Answer Policy Questions and Evaluate Policy

6 units from one of the following research projects courses:

SOCR8002    Survey Data Analysis

SOCR8003    Qualitative Research Analysis

SOCR8009    Quantitative data collection

18 units from completion of Social Research Methods Foundation courses, from any of the following lists:

Quantitative Data Analysis

DEMO8008    Principles of Population Analysis

SOCR8011    Mixed methods social research

Qualitative Data Analysis

CHMD8004    Qualitative Methodologies for Health Research

POLS8044    Qualitative Research in Politics

SOCR8008    Qualitative data collection

Social Research Methods Foundation

SOCR8004    Special Topic in Social Research

SOCR8006    Online Research Methods

24 units from completion of Advanced Methods or Discipline courses from any of the following lists:

Advanced Social Research Methods

DEMO8092    Life Course Analytics

EMET8014    Advanced Econometrics I

SOCR8010    Advanced Survey Data Analysis

SOCR8203    Advanced Techniques in the Creation of Social Science Data

SOCR8204    Advanced Social Science Approaches to Inform Policy Development and Service Delivery

Demographic Analysis

DEMO8024    Population and Society: Theory and Empirical Perspectives

DEMO8047    International Migration

DEMO8048    Gender and Population

DEMO8063    Spatial Population Data Analysis

DEMO8088    Population, Climate Change and Sustainable Development

DEMO8090    Population Issues in Asia and their Implications for World Development

DEMO8091    Population Projections and Dynamics

Analysing Crime and Justice

CRIM8001    Theories of Crime and Justice

CRIM8002    Cyber-security and Cybercrime

CRIM8003    Transnational and Organised Crime

CRIM8004    White Collar Crime: Fraud, Money Laundering and Corruption

HIST6232    Crime and Justice: Historical Dilemmas

REGN8001    Methods in Crime, Justice and Regulation

REGN8004    International Criminal Justice

Indigenous Research and Policy

HIST8016    Settler Societies and Indigenous Encounters

INDG8001    Australian Indigenous Development

INDG8003    Understanding Indigenous Wellbeing: Demographic and Socioeconomic Change

INDG8004    Australian Indigenous Policy

Policy Analysis

IDEC8003    Issues in Development Policy

IDEC8026    Quantitative Policy Impact Evaluation

IDEC8088    Cost-Benefit Analysis: Principles and Practice

POGO8025    Social Policy Analysis

POGO8029    Health Policy in a Globalising World

POGO8055    Case Studies in Decision Making

POGO8084    Principles of Social Policy

POGO8210    Case Studies in Economic Policy

Politics and Society

HIST6240    Democracy and Dissent: Europe Since 1945

MEAS8111    Islam, the West and International Terrorism

MEAS8121    Approaches to the Study of Modern Muslim Societies

MEAS8124    Islamic Banking: Debates and Development

MEAS8127    Islam and Sectarianism in the Middle East

POLS8019    Democracy and its Discontents

POLS8027    Terrorism and Counter-Terrorism

POLS8032    Globalisation: the Interaction of Economics and Politics

POLS8038    Comparative Political Institutions

POLS8039    Comparative Political Behaviour

POLS8040    Comparative Federalism

POLS8043    Violence and Political Order

POLS8046    Interest Groups, Advocacy and Public Policy

Analysing the Digital

SOCY6066    Social Science of the Internet

SOCY8015    Software Studies and Platform Sociology

SOCY8016    Qualitative approaches to the digital

24 units from completion of elective courses offered by ANU

Unless otherwise stated, a course used to satisfy the requirements of one list may not be double counted towards satisfying the requirements of another list.

• Social Research Methods

Admission requirements

At a minimum, all applicants must meet program-specific academic/non-academic requirements, and English language requirements. Admission to most ANU programs is on a competitive basis. Therefore, meeting all admission requirements does not automatically guarantee entry. 

Applicants must present a Bachelor degree or international equivalent with a minimum GPA of 5.0/7.0

Cognate disciplines

Anthropology, Criminology, Development Studies, Economics, Geography, Marketing, Media and Communication, Political Science, Psychology, Social Policy, Sociology

In line with the university's admissions policy and strategic plan, an assessment for admission may include competitively ranking applicants on the basis of specific academic achievement, English language proficiency and diversity factors. 

Academic achievement & English language proficiency

The minimum academic requirement for full entry and enrolment is a Bachelor degree or international equivalent with a minimum GPA of 5.0/7.0. 

However, applicants will first be ranked on a GPA ('GPA1') that is calculated using all but the last semester (or equivalent) of the Bachelor degree used for admission purposes. 

If required, ranking may further be confirmed on the basis of: 

• a GPA ('GPA2') calculated on the penultimate and antepenultimate semesters (or equivalent) of the Bachelor degree used for admission purposes; and/or

• demonstrating higher-level English language proficiency. 

Prior to enrolment in this ANU program, all students who gain entry will have their Bachelor degree reassessed, to confirm minimum requirements were met.

Further information: English Language Requirements for Admission 

Diversity factors

As Australia’s national university, ANU is global representative of Australian research and education. ANU endeavours to recruit and maintain a diverse and deliberate student cohort representative not only of Australia, but the world. In order to achieve these outcomes, competitive ranking of applicants may be adjusted to ensure access to ANU is a reality for brilliant students from countries across the globe.

Assessment of qualifications

Unless otherwise indicated, ANU will accept all Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) qualifications or international equivalents that meet or exceed the published admission requirements of our programs, provided all other admission requirements are also met.

 Where an applicant has more than one completed tertiary qualification, ANU will base assessment on the qualification that best meets the admission requirements for the program. Find out more about the Australian Qualifications Framework: www.aqf.edu.au

ANU uses a 7-point Grade Point Average (GPA) scale. All qualifications submitted for admission at ANU will be converted to this common scale, which will determine if an applicant meets our published admission requirements. Find out more about how a 7-point GPA is calculated for Australian universities: www.uac.edu.au/future-applicants/admission-criteria/tertiary-qualifications

Unless otherwise indicated, where an applicant has more than one completed tertiary qualification, ANU will calculate the GPA for each qualification separately. ANU will base assessment on the best GPA of all completed tertiary qualifications of the same level or higher.

Applications for course credit

Applicants with a Bachelor Degree or Graduate Certificate in a cognate discipline may be eligible for up to 24 units (one semester) of credit. 

Applicants with a Graduate Diploma or Bachelor degree with Honours in a cognate discipline may be eligible for up to 48 units (one year) of credit.

Indicative fees

For more information see: http://www.anu.edu.au/students/program-administration/costs-fees

For further information on International Tuition Fees see: https://www.anu.edu.au/students/program-administration/fees-payments/international-tuition-fees

ANU offers a wide range of  scholarships  to students to assist with the cost of their studies.

Eligibility to apply for ANU scholarships varies depending on the specifics of the scholarship and can be categorised by the type of student you are.  Specific scholarship application process information is included in the relevant scholarship listing.

For further information see the  Scholarships  website.

In a world increasingly reliant on data (big and small), a Master of Social Research from the ANU will give you the skills and experience to understand a changing Australian and global society, as well as the political, demographic and economic forces that shape and drive these changes. 

A Master of Social Research from the ANU Centre for Social Research and Methods will equip you with the practical skills to conduct, commission and evaluate research in the social sciences, and give you the opportunity to extend your skills in advanced research methods, and/or apply your skills to real-world policy and societal issues.

The program’s expert teaching staff are active researchers who can draw upon their wealth of local and international experience, as well as their connections with government and industry.

Graduates from ANU have been rated as Australia's most employable graduates and among the most sought after by employers worldwide.

The solid grounding in research methods at the heart of the Master of Social Research will open up a range of research career options within government, research organisations and in the private sector.

Graduates from ANU have been rated as Australia's most employable graduates and among the most sought after by employers worldwide.

The latest Global Employability University Ranking, published by the Times Higher Education, rated ANU as Australia's top university for getting a job for the fourth year in a row.

• summarise and critically review key studies in a particular substantive area of research;
• use theory and existing literature to formulate social research questions and hypotheses;
• construct and critically assess quantitative and qualitative social research designs;
• identify the key stages of the social research project, how the components within each phase fit together, and be able to apply this knowledge to real-world research projects;
• undertake basic statistical analysis appropriate for answering a stated research question;
• present and interpret basic statistical research results; and   

Information on inherent requirements is currently not available for this program

• Interested in writing a thesis? Check out the advanced version of this degree.
• Please be aware that any courses taken as part of the 24 units from completion of elective courses offered by ANU list will not count towards the advanced degree should you decide to transfer. This is because the advanced degree has no free electives, as they are in practice replaced by a 24 unit thesis.

Responsible Officer: Registrar, Student Administration / Page Contact: Website Administrator / Frequently Asked Questions

• Contact ANU
• Freedom of Information

+61 2 6125 5111 The Australian National University, Canberra CRICOS Provider : 00120C ABN : 52 234 063 906

Please visit our commencement page for all information regarding the  ceremony for Class of 2024 PhD, DSW, MSW and MSN graduates. 

Fall 2024 On-Campus MSW Application FINAL Deadline: July 16, 2024

Social work doctoral graduates awarded prestigious postdoc fellowships for novel research approaches

Academia can be a competitive landscape, but for two doctoral candidates completing their PhD studies in May 2024 at the USC Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work , it has been an opportunity to lift each other up. The educational journeys of Adriane Clomax (she/her) and Rory O’Brien (they/them) mirrored each other as recipients of the Oakley Fellowship endowed by the USC Provost. Only eight such fellowships are awarded to PhD candidates university-wide each year. As they now embark on the next phase of their social work careers, both have secured presidential postdoctoral fellowships from two of the leading universities in the country to further the exemplary work they began at USC. 

“I always tell Rory they are my good luck charm,” said Clomax. “We need to keep applying to things together.” 

Clomax and O’Brien are breaking ground in their respective research that supports underserved populations. Clomax is focused on the impact of employee-owned business in reducing the Black wealth gap, and O’Brien on changing policy and facilities for LGBTQ+ youth in educational settings. Both feel they received tremendous institutional support and mentorship during their studies that validated their unique voices and perspectives. 

Creating new paths to prosperity for Black communities

As the eldest sibling, and eldest grandchild, in her family, Clomax began her academic journey carrying the dreams of her parents and grandparents with her — to become a doctor or receive a master’s degree in business. Now, receiving her doctoral degree in social work, with an integrated business focus, she has certainly lived up to her family’s expectations. Her dissertation entitled “Searching for the Good in Capitalism: An Investigation of Employee Ownership,” creates a nontraditional, but highly effective, structure for business ownership that offers new pathways to prosperity for Black communities.

Her research finds its roots in a job she held with the Department of Parks and Recreation in her hometown of Chicago, following the completion of her Master of Social Work (MSW). The position allowed her to assist with a summer employment program to combat youth-involved violence. Clomax witnessed firsthand how supporting themselves through steady employment could be the difference between good and bad outcomes in a young person’s life.

“Using employment as an anti-violence strategy was effective,” Clomax said. “Giving young people well-paying jobs, particularly young people from lower-income communities, can have ripple effects through communities and build them up.” 

On the other hand, she also became acutely aware of how few and far between those good jobs were, and the difficulties in securing one without social, educational or economic advantages. Clomax became frustrated by the unequal distribution of resources and personal politics within the government system in Chicago. 

Unsure what her next step would be, Clomax knew she wanted to keep exploring ways to improve prosperity for underserved Black communities. A former mentor and alumna of the social work PhD program at USC, Dnika Travis, eventually encouraged Clomax to apply for the doctoral program, and to seek out Professor Michàlle Mor Barak .  

“Michàlle is amazing,” Clomax said. “She is a rock star in the field, but she will take her spotlight and shine it on you, whether you think you’re ready or not. She would create instances for me to stand up and represent her because she felt I had amazing things to say and put out in the world.” 

Clomax credits Mor Barak with much of what she has been able to achieve, for building up belief in herself and her ideas, and the career trajectory she is on now. 

“Adriane’s work is innovative and interdisciplinary,” Mor Barak said. “She has skillfully created national and international collaborations to foster research on understanding broad-based employee ownership. Her work is highly relevant for understanding and promoting social justice.”

During her PhD studies, Clomax attended a meeting of the Institute of Employee Ownership at Rutgers University, where research findings were presented that suggested employee ownership had the potential to close the wealth gap. 

“One of the biggest drivers of the wealth gap is capital gains through the stock market, and building wealth by selling stocks,” Clomax said. “When you work for an employee-owned business, you are gifted stock from your company rather than paying for it yourself. The longer you are with the company, the more stock you receive, and the more that stock increases in value. As a result, people can retire with huge capital gains. And Black and Latinx families are not really doing that.”

The concept of how employee ownership could potentially move a person with little educational or socioeconomic advantage into financial stability through long-term, generational wealth-building became the foundation for her dissertation. It is the work Clomax will continue in the fall as a Presidential Postdoctoral Fellow in the School of Management and Labor Relations at Rutgers University. Her next step is to create a program and system of information dissemination to educate Black business owners on how they can increase the standard of living and retirement options for their workers. 

“Maybe we’re not closing the income gap yet, but what this can do is provide a really nice living for folks who otherwise would not have this outcome option,” Clomax said. 

Connecting policy and personal impact for trans youth

Growing up in a suburb of Sacramento, O’Brien cannot remember a time when advocacy was not a part of their life — as a child with their parents, in high school and as an undergraduate in college — on issues ranging from anti-war to sexual, reproductive, racial and economic justice. Their interest in policy was a natural extension of those experiences. 

While working in Sacramento on a statewide project for LGBTQ+ mental health advocacy, O’Brien was introduced to the faculty leaders and work of the Center for LGBTQ+ Health Equity (CLHE) at USC Social Work. They felt the Center was the place to take the next step in their evolution as an academic, researcher and scientist influencing policy that made a meaningful difference in people’s lives. 

“It's been a joy to see Rory develop as a scholar,” said John Blosnich , director of CLHE and O’Brien’s dissertation mentor. “They have a depth of practical experience and compassion about their work that has really shone in this PhD program. Their ambition is also remarkable, always seizing opportunities and striving for the highest caliber venues to share their work on LGBTQ+ health equity. I can't want to see what comes next for Rory.”

With a dissertation entitled, “A Multiple Comparison Case Study of Los Angeles Area Public High Schools: LGBTQ+ Policies and Facilities, Student Advocacy, and Change in Policies and Facilities Over Time,” O’Brien’s research focuses on understanding the adoption and implementation of California educational policies intended to protect the rights of LGBTQ+ high-school students. They conducted an intensive study in ten high schools across five school districts in the Los Angeles area, including document collection, focus groups and campus observations through on-site visits. What O’Brien uncovered was a complicated system, varying from district to district and school to school. But there were some gems that stood out, with policy models that all schools should follow. 

In many ways O’Brien feels that their work has come full circle, from micro to macro policy and then back to how the policies impact individual lives. Their aptitude for the technical aspects of policy implementation have been particularly important in studying the ways in which these policies are implemented on the ground, and the barriers that are sometimes more technological than human. One example is how challenging it is to change the name of a transgender youth within school systems because the system was not originally built to accommodate it. And the inability to provide a name change within the system can have a profound impact on the youth’s educational experience. 

“There’s so many different ways to implement name change policies and so many pitfalls, some of which are very technical,” O’Brien said. “The goal of my research is always geared toward how to best inform the efforts of policymakers to adopt well-structured policy that is going to be implementable on the ground. Then to put evidence in the hands of social justice advocates who can push for that well-structured policy.” 

O’Brien points to the PhD faculty, dissertation committee and cohort of fellow candidates working across social work topics that supported them through a long and complex dissertation project. 

“I feel incredibly fortunate to be able to do this work, especially considering that my work is illegal today in so many states,” O’Brien said. 

O’Brien will continue their work in the LGBTQ+ space in their President’s Postdoctoral Fellowship at the University of Michigan School of Social Work, providing important data to guide policy decisions.

To reference the work of our faculty online, we ask that you directly quote their work where possible and attribute it to "FACULTY NAME, a professor in the USC Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work” (LINK: https://dworakpeck.usc.edu)

News Details

Exploring sustainable development & the human impact of natural disasters

Authored by: Carson Easterly

Photography by: Krista Patton

Faculty & Research

A Q&A with research assistant professor Chenyi Ma

What factors allow people to prepare for and recover from natural disasters?  Dr. Chenyi Ma , a research assistant professor at Penn’s School of Social Policy & Practice (SP2), conducts interdisciplinary research that investigates the role of inequality in disasters’ impact and points to policy solutions. Having first come to SP2 as a  PhD in Social Welfare  student, he now teaches SP2 students while conducting research on disaster risk reduction and sustainable development. 

What drew you to SP2 and Penn? 

Disaster research requires interdisciplinary collaboration, and Penn is the ideal place. I have mentors at SP2, Wharton, and Engineering and access to rich, multidisciplinary academic resources. SP2’s social justice mission and commitment to sustainable development also align with my values.

Twelve years ago, I came to SP2 as a student in the PhD in Social Welfare Program. I continued my research on the human impacts of natural disasters as a post-doctoral student.  Now, as a research assistant professor at SP2, I focus on the social determinants of health and behavioral outcomes in disaster contexts, including public health emergencies like the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Before joining Penn, you worked as a program officer for Education for Sustainable Development at the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF). How does that background connect to your research and teaching? 

My work at WWF focused on promoting a holistic approach known as Education for Sustainable Development (ESD). With a student-centered learning approach similar to social work education, ESD empowers individuals with the knowledge, skills, values, and attitudes needed to make informed decisions and take responsible actions for environmental integrity, economic viability, and a just society.  ESD also encourages researchers to employ Community-Based Participatory Action Research (CBPAR) — a collaborative research approach that involves community members — to foster both researchers’ and community members’ knowledge and ability to sustainably manage their local natural resources while respecting, and even sometimes using, indigenous culture, knowledge, and social infrastructure. Student-centered teaching and collaborative research continue to be important themes of my work.

How would you define sustainable development?

Sustainable development is about meeting present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet theirs. This approach encompasses social, economic, and political dimensions. My current research delves into the social dimension, recognizing that addressing environmental challenges requires collaboration and co-learning among natural and social scientists, professionals, and stakeholders to find solutions. 

You currently research social vulnerability and disaster preparedness, housing and urban resilience, environmental justice, energy policy, and social epidemiology. What drew you to these research interests?

One of the most important components of sustainable development is disaster risk reduction. As a student at Washington University’s Master of Social Work program and SP2’s PhD program, I began to think of questions about the people affected by disaster risk — for instance, who is more likely to suffer from damage as a result of natural disasters? Which survivors of disasters are more susceptible to mental illness? Do existing social policy programs adequately address the needs of disaster victims?

To answer these questions and others, I began to conduct empirical research. For example, using large datasets and GIS mapping, I led a project that examined the severity of home damage caused by Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico. Homes occupied by renters were four times more likely to have been destroyed than those occupied by homeowners. This is direct evidence that low-income renters are extremely socially vulnerable to housing damage caused by climate-related disasters.  

Through another study, I found there were racial and ethnic disparities in the prevalence of mental illness among Hurricane Sandy survivors in New Jersey and New York City. Such disparities, largely accounted for by different levels of exposure to a disaster, underscore the need for increased provision of social support to more susceptible groups to effectively mitigate these risks.

What kind of an impact do you hope your work can have on policy in the face of climate inequality?

I hope policymakers might consider public-private partnerships like the National Flood Insurance Program to address private insurance affordability for low-income households who are most vulnerable to housing damage. One of my recent research studies examined how income inequality could influence household consumption behaviors related to disaster preparedness, with a specific focus on private homeowners’ insurance. Observing Hurricane Maria survivors in Puerto Rico, the study found that private homeowners’ insurance — the most important financial tool to mitigate property losses — was unaffordable for low-income households, and income inequality further exacerbated this unaffordability.  

Another of my current studies provides new insight into how public assistance, such as cash transfer welfare programs, can effectively address vulnerable groups who have a high level of risk perception and the intention to prepare for disasters, yet lack the financial resources to do so. The study examines the progress of human behavioral changes for disaster preparedness along three developmental stages, from “not prepared,” to “have the intention to prepare,” and ultimately to “already prepared.” The preliminary findings of this study suggest disparities between Hispanics and non-Hispanic whites. While Hispanics are more likely to have the  intention  to prepare and exhibit higher levels of risk perception than non-Hispanic whites, they are less likely to take concrete actions of preparedness. This is largely due to the  unequal  access to preparedness resources between the two groups.  

You’ve taught the course Quantitative Reasoning and Program Evaluations at SP2. What are some highlights of your work in the classroom?   

The students and their research projects are always the highlight of my time in the classroom. I view my role as a facilitator who works with them to build their research capacity for completing their own projects. One significant component of ESD is learning by doing. My Penn students adopt a “learning by researching” approach to focus on ways in which their research projects can practically address critical issues in their communities, including environmental, health, and political issues. 

What are you looking forward to discovering next?

I am continuing to explore maladaptive responses to climate-related disasters and public health emergencies. My previous research found that natural disaster survivors often exhibit adaptation behaviors, including maladaptive behaviors like increased alcohol use, after a disaster when they lack financial assistance for recovery. For a current project, I am examining household decision-making processes and underlying maladaptive responses to energy insecurity during the pandemic. My hope is to provide new insights into how energy policies can be more responsive to future disasters. 

Chenyi Ma, MSW, PhD

Research Assistant Professor

office: 215.746.8976

machenyi@upenn.edu

Jack N. Averitt College of Graduate Studies

Master of Science in Criminal Justice and Criminology

About the program.

The Department of Criminal Justice and Criminology provides a comprehensive examination of justice, crime, and the law. Faculty teach and research a variety of topics reflecting their diverse social science backgrounds.

Our majors work toward a Master of Science in Criminal Justice And Criminology degree, which fosters a broad understanding of the nature of justice, crime and the law, in addition to the social, political, legal, philosophic and historical context in which questions of justice are addressed, both in the United States and around the world. Students are expected to develop not only knowledge but a commitment to public service, ethical consciousness, and leadership abilities. Through the course work in Criminal Justice and Criminology, students are equipped to become proficient writers, critical and independent thinkers, and effective communicators. Graduates of the Department of Criminal Justice and Criminology are prepared for graduate school, law school, and professions within the criminal justice system.

The Department of Criminal Justice and Criminology recognizes that the issues of crime and justice are complex, controversial topics that are open to several different interpretations. As such, we are committed to an open intellectual environment that encourages teaching, scholarship, and discussion from a diversity of theoretical perspectives and research methodologies.

The curriculum of the Department of Criminal Justice and Criminology reflects these values by offering a broad foundation of courses drawing on criminal justice, criminology, political science, sociology, public administration, and the law. The curriculum integrates these approaches to provide an understanding of the challenges of achieving justice in a complex society.

Ready to Apply?

Request information, criminal justice executive track, certificate in cybercrime, visit campus, or, you can :, admissions requirements.

• A Bachelor’s degree from an appropriately accredited, four-year institution in criminal justice/criminology or related field (that adequately prepares students for success in this field. This application requirement will be waived for applicants who successfully complete the Post-Baccalaureate Cyber Certificate.)
• A 3.0 cumulative grade point average or higher on completed requirements for a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution. (This application requirement will be waived for applicants who successfully complete the Post-Baccalaureate Cyber Certificate.)
• A Statement of Purpose detailing: a) academic background and/or professional credentials, b) relevant research and work experience, c) career goals and reasons for enrollment in this program.
• Two letters of recommendation addressing the applicant’s: 1) academic work; 2) professional experience, if any; 3) ability to handle master’s level curriculum, and 4) how the applicant can be expected to contribute to the program. (This application requirement will be waived for applicants who successfully complete the Post-Baccalaureate Cyber Certificate.)

*International transcripts must be evaluated by a NACES accredited evaluation service  and must be a course by course evaluation and include a GPA. ( naces.org )

Additional Admission Requirements - Executive Track

• A letter of recommendation from their current criminal justice employer/supervisor (in liu of two letters of recommendation). 
• Be a current POST-certified law enforcement officer in the state of Georgia.

Provisional Admission

Students whose GPA is under 2.75 may be granted provisional admission by the graduate faculty committee based on careful review of additional materials submitted. 

Reclassification

A student may be reclassified with regular admission providing that they have completed three program or related courses (9 hours), approved by their advisor, with a grade of no less than B for each class. Additional courses may be required to be completed prior to a student's reclassification that do not contribute to these nine hours (such as taking an undergraduate statistics course to prepare for graduate statistics). No more than nine hours may be earned under the provisional admission classification. After nine hours, the student must either be reclassified as a regular admission student or be removed from the program. 

Executive Track - August 31*

November 15 *

Executive Track - November 15*

Executive Track - Does Not Admit

NOTE: Due to current course offerings and visa requirements, international applicants can only be admitted in the Fall and Spring terms at this time.

*The application and all ​​required documents listed on the "admissions requirements" tab​ for the program must be received by the deadline.  If all required documents are not received by the deadline your application will not be considered for admission.

Program Contact Information

Program coordinators.

Adam Bossler, Ph.D. Co-Graduate Program Director Online Options Department of Criminal Justice and Criminology

Laurie Gould, Ph.D. Co-Graduate Program Director Face-to-Face Options Department of Criminal Justice and Criminology

Last updated: 3/28/2024

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Georgia Southern University College of Graduate Studies

Office of Graduate Admissions • P.O. Box 8113 Statesboro, GA 30460 • 912-478-5384 • [email protected]

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