The MSW degree program prepares graduates for advanced clinical practice in settings such as mental health, child welfare, family services and medical social work. The program emphasizes ethical and knowledge-based practice and includes coursework in program development and the management of social work practice and service delivery.

The UNCW MSW program curriculum offers a foundation-focused first year and an advanced practice-focused second year.

Foundation Year Content:

• Human Behavior and Social Environment
• Social Research
• Social Policy
• Social and Cultural Diversity
• Populations at Risk
• Social and Economic Justice
• Clinical Practice
• Ethics

Advanced Year content:

• Clinical Practice
• Course Work in Advanced Clinical Research
• Organizational and Financial Context of Practice
• Diversity Issues in Practice
• Psychopathology

Extensive field placement in clinical practice settings with close supervision by faculty, clinical instructors and field supervisors is a key component of the MSW program. The guiding themes of curriculum and program development include up-to-date social work practice knowledge and skill, the strengths focus, career long learning, knowledge-based practice, technology, and leadership. With the department’s community and regional engagement every graduate student is provided an opportunity to work in social development programs and projects.