The program of study leading to the Master of Social Work (MSW) degree with a specialization in integrative social work practice requires a minimum of 48 units (see below for exception for students with Advanced Standing). Of these, 30 units focus on foundational generalist training, while 18 units are dedicated to advanced specialized training.
The generalist practice curriculum (typically completed in the first two semesters of full-time study) introduces students to the core competencies and practice behaviors essential for professional social work, including the range of social welfare problems and programs, and the varieties of human behavior with which social work is concerned. At the same time, students learn the methods by which the social worker, the social agency and the organized community work with people and problems. Practicum education, under supervision in a social agency, is typically scheduled for two or three days per week for most students, enabling students to apply theory and concepts to actual practice. At the completion of generalist practice training, students are expected to have acquired a sense of professional responsibility and the ability to integrate and apply knowledge, skills, values and cognitive and affective processes to practice situations with individuals, families, groups, organizations and communities.
Students complete their specialized practice training in integrative social work typically in semesters three and four of full-time study. As part of the specialized practice curriculum, students build on the core competencies developed in the generalist curriculum and deepen their knowledge and skills in advanced social work practice.This component of the curriculum comprises 18 units of the total 48-unit curriculum. The integrative social work specialization includes 6 units of integrative practice, 3 units of integrative assessment and evaluation, 6 units of practicum training and a 3-unit elective offered by the School of Social Work, providing comprehensive and holistic training in advanced practice.
Students have the option to customize their education beyond their training in integrative social work by selecting a track (or “sub-specialization”). Tracks introduce students to practice with a particular client population, setting or system. Importantly, tracks are designed to deepen or broaden students’ expertise in integrative social work practice, complementing—rather than replacing—the core training in this specialization.
Each track consists of advanced, specialized course work on integrative practice (6 units) and assessment and evaluation (3 units); and practicum training (6 units). Some tracks require completion of a track-specific elective.
If chosen, tracks are completed within the minimum 48-unit MSW curriculum in alignment with Council on Social Work Education’s (CSWE) educational policy and accreditation standards. The availability of specific tracks may vary based on enrollment, scheduling and other institutional factors; some tracks may only be offered on-ground or online.
The program is available at these locations:
- University Park Campus (UPC): Offers fully on-ground and hybrid options, with hybrid students completing their generalist course work in person at UPC and their specialized course work online.
- San Diego Academic Center (SDAC): Offers a hybrid option, with hybrid students completing their generalist course work in person at SDAC and their specialized course work online.
- Virtual Academic Center (VAC): Offers a fully online option, with VAC students completing both their generalist and specialized course work online (excluding their practicum internship training).
The MSW can be completed through a full-time or part-time/extended option, allowing students to progress at a pace that fits their needs (typically four semesters for full-time and five or more semesters for part-time/extended). Additionally, students with a baccalaureate degree in social work from a CSWE-accredited program—earned within the timeframe specified by CSWE—may be eligible for advanced standing, which allows for an accelerated path to degree completion (usually three semesters instead of four). Unlike students completing the traditional curriculum, Advanced Standing students complete 24 units of training, consisting of 6 units of bridge courses and 18 units of specialized course work.
Special Note: MSW students are required to complete practicum education training as part of the program’s graduation requirements. Students typically complete four semesters of practicum education sequentially. However, the number of semesters and practicum hours may vary for part-time students, students with Advanced Standing, and transfer students, based on individual academic plans and placement availability. Students without Advanced Standing typically complete at least 1200 total practicum hours as part of their training, which includes a minimum of 1100 hours interning at assigned agencies (450 hours of generalist training and 650 hours of specialized training) and 100 hours attending the classroom portion of practicum education. Specific practicum expectations may vary based on individual circumstances, including compliance with legal and regulatory requirements for international students under Curricular Practical Training/Optional Practical Training (CPT/OPT). Exceptions to practicum hours or requirements are subject to review and approval.
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