The University of Georgia (UGA) offers a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree through its School of Social Work, which is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). The MSW program at UGA is designed to prepare students for advanced practice in social work, with a focus on promoting social justice, human well-being, and community empowerment. The program is grounded in a trauma-informed and evidence-based approach, recognizing the complex interplay between individual, family, community, and societal factors that shape human experience.
Program Overview
The UGA MSW program is a 60-credit hour degree that can be completed in two years of full-time study or three to four years of part-time study. The program is divided into two concentrations: Clinical Mental Health and Community Empowerment and Program Development. The Clinical Mental Health concentration prepares students for advanced practice in mental health settings, including assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of individuals, families, and groups. The Community Empowerment and Program Development concentration focuses on community-based practice, including program development, community organizing, and policy analysis.
Curriculum
The MSW curriculum at UGA includes a foundation year of coursework that provides a broad introduction to social work practice, including human behavior and the social environment, social welfare policy, research methods, and practice skills. The advanced year of coursework focuses on specialized knowledge and skills in the chosen concentration, including clinical assessment and intervention, community-based practice, and program evaluation and development. Students also complete a field education experience in a social service agency or organization, where they apply theoretical knowledge and practice skills in a real-world setting.
| Course | Credits |
|---|---|
| Human Behavior and the Social Environment | 3 |
| Social Welfare Policy | 3 |
| Research Methods | 3 |
| Practice Skills | 3 |
| Clinical Assessment and Intervention | 3 |
| Community-Based Practice | 3 |
| Program Evaluation and Development | 3 |
Admissions and Financial Aid
Admission to the UGA MSW program is competitive, with a limited number of seats available each year. Applicants must submit a completed application, including transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a personal statement. The program also requires a minimum GPA of 3.0 and completion of prerequisite coursework in statistics and human behavior. Financial aid is available through a variety of sources, including graduate assistantships, scholarships, and loans.
Faculty and Research
The School of Social Work at UGA has a diverse faculty with expertise in a range of areas, including clinical mental health, community empowerment, and social policy. Faculty members are actively engaged in research and scholarship, with a focus on promoting social justice and improving human well-being. Students have opportunities to work with faculty on research projects and to develop their own research skills through coursework and independent study.
- Clinical Mental Health
- Community Empowerment
- Social Policy
What are the admission requirements for the UGA MSW program?
+The admission requirements for the UGA MSW program include a completed application, transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a personal statement. The program also requires a minimum GPA of 3.0 and completion of prerequisite coursework in statistics and human behavior.
What are the concentrations available in the UGA MSW program?
+The UGA MSW program offers two concentrations: Clinical Mental Health and Community Empowerment and Program Development.
The UGA MSW program is designed to prepare students for advanced practice in social work, with a focus on promoting social justice, human well-being, and community empowerment. The program is grounded in a trauma-informed and evidence-based approach, recognizing the complex interplay between individual, family, community, and societal factors that shape human experience. With a diverse faculty, a range of research opportunities, and a commitment to promoting social justice, the UGA MSW program is an excellent choice for students who want to make a positive difference in the world.
