MSSW Curriculum
Curriculum
The MSSW Program curriculum is rooted in social justice, human rights, professional integrity, anti-racism, anti-oppression, and trauma-informed care. The degree provides a deep understanding of social work practice and provides future social workers with the skills necessary to address complex social issues.
Our program offerings provide the proper credentials for career advancement in social work. We provide diverse paths toward obtaining your MSSW degree. Students can complete the degree by completing coursework on campus, 100% online, or taking a mixture of campus and online courses.
View the MSSW Program Student Handbook
Regular 60-Hour Program
The 60-credit hour program is designed for those who have earned a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution in any discipline other than social work. You can complete the MSSW degree as soon as 4 semesters.
Coursework requirements consist of:
- 45 credit hours of social work core curriculum coursework,
- 6 hours of practicum education and
- 9 credit hours of your choice of elective courses. Electives can be applied towards a concentration or dual degree.
Regular 60-hour Curriculum Guide
Advanced Standing 30-Hour Program (BSW Degree Only)
The 30-credit hour program is designed for those who have earned a bachelor's degree in social work (BSW) from a CSWE accredited or in candidacy social work program. You can complete the MSSW degree as soon as 2 semesters.
Coursework requirements consist of:
- 15 credit hours of core curriculum social work coursework,
- 6 hours of practicum education and
- 9 credit hours of your choice of elective courses. Electives can be applied towards a concentration or dual degree.
Advanced Standing 30-Hour Curriculum Guides
Concentrations and Dual Program Options
Concentrations and dual degrees are optional and not required to complete the MSSW degree. However, MSSW students can tailor their curriculum by selecting a concentration or being admitted to a dual degree program option.
Concentration Options:
Using the 9 elective credit hours, you can tailor your curriculum to focus on one of the following social work careers: Alcohol and Drug Counseling, Gerontology Social Work, Mental Health Social Work, Military Social Work, Psychosocial Oncology/Medical Social Work, and School Social Work. Information on Concentrations
Dual Program Options:
The Kent School offers a joint program that combines the MSSW with a graduate certificate in Latin American and Latino Studies. Additionally, the Kent School offers joint degrees with the Couple and Family Therapy Program (MSSW/MS CFT), the Brandeis School of Law (MSSW/JD), the Department of Pan-African Studies (MSSW/MA), the Department of Women's, Gender and Sexuality Studies (MSSW/MA), the Department of Philosophy/Healthcare Ethics (MSSW/MA), and the Louisville Presbyterian Seminary (MSSW/MDiv). Applications must be submitted independently to each academic unit/institution. In general, these programs require that the student take additional coursework, take the three MSSW electives in the other program and potentially take a targeted specialized practicum that has the focus of and is approved by the other program.
Practicum Education
Practicum education is the signature pedagogy in social work education. Students must complete a practicum placement as part of their MSSW curriculum and degree requirement. Practicum education aims to provide students with ongoing opportunities to learn and apply theoretical knowledge and practice through social work methods and skills.
The generalist and specialized academic years require an academic year-long practicum placement that averages 16 to 18 hours per week in an agency practicum placement. Our Practicum Education Office collaborates and supports students in all the logistical requirements to secure a placement in their surrounding area to meet the practicum requirements. Learn more about the practicum education at the Kent School Practicum Education Office page.
Contact Information: fieldedu@louisville.edu