CAS.SWK.MSW.ST - Master of Social Work - Major in Social Work - Standard Track

The IWU MSW Program is a residential hybrid course of study that offers a personal, professional and innovative experience for all learners seeking to practice social work at the advanced practice level. Students will receive an integrative practice approach to the social work profession while learning to draw on individual and community strengths to work toward social justice in their respective communities. Advanced Practice social workers employ a range of problem-solving processes and clinical and research- based theories while using the skills of assessment, planning, contracting, implementation, evaluation and termination as they work with various client systems to enhance functioning and improve well-being.

The MSW program provides a biblical perspective on social and economic justice and the intrinsic worth of all people. The foundation year provides generalist social work theory, practice, policy, and research perspectives. The advanced practice year provides theory, practice, policy, and research in advanced social work practice with an emphasis on clinical skills.

The CAS Hybrid MSW offers two focuses: one in Clinical Addiction Counseling and the other in School Social Work. An option for a dual MA in Spiritual Care is also available.

The Clinical Addiction Counseling focus meets the growing need and shortage of therapists trained in addiction counseling. This focus will prepare students for licensure in addiction counseling upon graduation. The Hybrid MSW is an approved partner with Behavioral Health Academy (BHA), which is devoted to increasing the number of licensed addiction therapists. Students can choose to enroll in BHA, be eligible for stipend funding, gain additional preparation for dual licensure (LCSW and LCAC), and receive priority employment interviews upon graduation. BHA students must take an additional 3-hour online Psychopharmacology course during summer term.

The focus in School Social Work meets the growing need for licensed school social workers in the state of Indiana. This focus will prepare students for licensure in school social work upon graduation. IWU Hybrid MSW program is approved by the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) as an educational partner in school social work licensure.

Students interested in combining their social work practice with ministry have the option of earning a dual master's degree, MSW + MA in Spiritual Care. This option requires students to take additional coursework through the School of Theology and Ministry and extends their program by 10 to 14 months.

Students may enter the program in the Standard Track if they do not have an undergraduate social work degree from an accredited program. Advanced standing may be granted to students who have a BSW degree from an accredited social work program and have achieved a GPA of 2.7 or higher.

All course work in the residential hybrid program is taken in sequence as part of a cohort group. Courses follow the traditional semester-based format. Four courses are taken in the fall semester. Two courses are taken in the spring semester along with 6 credits of field placement. Students walk in graduation during the April ceremony; however, they do not receive their diploma until they complete 6 additional credits of field placement during summer term.