Program Overview
Our mission is to prepare multiculturally responsive social workers to employ innovative methods of practice that promote the well-being of individuals, families and communities. We equip students to practice from a social justice perspective grounded in the realization of human rights.
WCU's MSW Program Specialization is Advanced Practice with Individuals, Families, and Communities, an approach to social work that addresses well-being from a trauma-informed, recovery perspective grounded in human rights. Focusing on human rights as the key to social justice and sustainable wellness, practitioners regularly engage advocacy, policy and research. Our unique, simulation-based curriculum provides students opportunities to demonstrate competency in utilizing this approach as they prepare to respond to complex and contemporary issues in a range of interprofessional settings.
The MSW program is offered at both our West Chester and Philadelphia campuses.
Program Highlights
- Knowledgeable and experienced faculty committed to excellent teaching, advancing the field through research, and improving the community
- One of the most affordable MSW programs in the region
- Recently redesigned curriculum
- Small class size (less than 20 students on average)
- Interdisciplinary opportunities through Graduate Certificate Programs
- Diverse elective offerings across two campuses and seven departments
- High touch academic advising model
- Suburban and urban campuses
- Study abroad opportunities
- Diverse student body
What can I do with this degree?
The possibilities of the MSW degree are extensive, intersecting countless fields and leading to a variety of careers.
- Clinical Social Workers and Counselors
- Group therapist
- Court and victim advocate; shelter advocate
- Advanced case manager; case manager supervisor;
social work supervisor - Prevention educator
- Child welfare worker
- Substance use disorders professional
- Forensic interviewer
- Housing counselor
- Diversity/inclusion workshop facilitator
- Nonprofit Administration
- Executive Director of a non-profit or civic organization
- Grants writer/administrator
- Fundraiser
- Development Director
- Program officer in grant making foundation
- Program evaluator
- Program/project coordinator or manager
- Public Advocacy and Administration
- Researcher
- Community organizer
- Policy analyst
- Community council representative
- School board member
- Prevention specialist
- Aid to statesmen/policy maker
- Client advocate
- Public policy advocate
MSW graduates are prepared to work in many fields including:
- Aging
- Child Welfare
- Criminal Justice
- Education/School Social Work
- Family Services
- Healthcare/Public Health
- Housing/Homelessness
- LGBTQ Rights
- Behavioral/ Mental Health
- Palliative and Hospice Care
- Prevention
- Rehabilitation
- Social development and community organizing
- Substance Dependency
- Veterans and Military
- Women’s Studies/Issues