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Transformative Learning for Social Work Practice ONLINE, ADVANCED STANDING, AND IN-PERSON PROGRAMS

MASTER OF SOCIAL WORK PROGRAM

salemstate.edu/graduate

THE MASTER OF SOCIAL WORK PROGRAM SALEMSTATE.EDU/MSW • Study plans with flexibility, completed on a full-time or part-time basis • Integrated practice with an essential mix of clinical and selected macro skills for leadership and management • Social work practicum placements offered in various settings and across a broad geographic region

ABOUT THE SALEM STATE UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF SOCIAL WORK Salem State University’s Master of Social Work program (MSW) was the first public social work program in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Our dedicated and skilled faculty are committed to maintaining a rigorous, practical, and skillsbased curriculum grounded in the realities of social work practice in today’s changing world. For more than 30 years, our MSW program has committed itself to preparing social workers to transcend systems to work as clinicians, community change agents, and non-profit leaders. Our building, located at 287 Lafayette Street, has state-of-the-art classrooms, student study areas, attractive common spaces, and is conveniently located near the university’s Frederick E. Berry Library and Learning Commons and the Harold E. and Marilyn J. Gassett Fitness and Recreation Center. We hope you will choose to join our community of more than 2,500 diverse MSW alumni committed to social change based on equity and inclusion!

MISSION STATEMENT The MSW program fosters transformative learning experiences producing graduates who are leaders and practitioners of social change and social justice. Our highly skilled graduates practices from a multitheoretical perspective in our diverse and global society.

PROGRAM GOALS AND OBJECTIVES The Salem State University School of Social Work offers challenging and transformative learning experiences within the classroom environment, practicum education, and the community. Classroom activities are grounded in theory-driven practice and interventions, experiential learning, and case-based methodology.

EXAMPLE COURSE TITLES •

Human Behavior and the Social Environment

•

Historical and Contemporary Perspectives on Social Work and Social Welfare Policy

•

Social Work Practice with Individuals, Families and Groups

•

Dynamics of Privilege and Oppression

•

Integrated Practice and Theory for Children and Families or Adults and Families

•

Clinical Assessment and Diagnosis for Behavioral Health

•

Community Practice and Social Change

•

Evidence-Based Social Work Practice

•

Agency Management and Leadership Practice

Selected electives include Psychological Trauma: Assessment and Intervention in Social Work Practice, Substance Use Disorders and Addictive Behaviors, Death, Dying, Grief and Bereavement Across the Life Span, Social Work Practice with People with Disabilities, and International Travel Seminars.

FACULTY The MSW faculty engage students in a dynamic learning environment that prepares them for current practice challenges today. The faculty are scholar-practitioners with expertise in various areas of social work practice including: geriatric social work; social work in medical settings; child and family welfare; children’s behavioral and mental health; adult behavioral health; HIV/AIDS; disabilities; gun violence prevention; trauma; substance use disorders; queer joy; social policy analysis; and non-profit leadership .

MSW faculty regularly contribute to social work publications and presentations at regional, national, and international forums. Our core value of “leadership for the public good” is exemplified in our faculty service to local, national and international organizations and communities in the roles of researchers, practitioners, leaders, consultants, and board members.

INTEGRATED HEALTH AND BEHAVIORAL HEALTH PRACTICE SPECIALIZATION The MSW curriculum emphasizes preparation for direct social work practice. Our focus on integrating health and behavioral health practice is designed to meet the contemporary workforce needs in a wide range of settings across micro, mezzo, and macro systems. Course content underscores the major contributions MSW graduates are qualified to make in the future of healthcare systems that address both physical and behavioral health from the point of assessment through intervention. Integrated practice incorporates an ability to address multiple systems levels from micro through macro.

SALEM STATE’S MSW PROGRAM DEFINES INTEGRATED HEALTH AND BEHAVIORAL HEALTH PRACTICE AS: • Integrated practice perspective for micro, mezzo, and macro systems across settings • Integration of human behavior knowledge, practice, policy, research, and practicum education • Integrated understanding of physical, mental, and behavioral health across the lifespan

PRACTICUM EXPERIENCE Our practicum department works with each student individually to find the best fit for the required social work practicum experiences. Our MSW program has developed strong relationships with agencies and programs throughout Greater Boston, the North Shore, Merrimack Valley, and potential sites throughout central and western Massachusetts. We are grateful to have connections to more than 750 practicum placement partners across the Commonwealth.

SAMPLE SERVICE SETTINGS • Community-Based Behavioral Health Clinics • Community-Based Hospitals • Mainstream and Therapeutic Schools • Child and Family Services • Community Practice and Macro Policy Settings • Older Adult Service Providers • Hospice Agencies Our program requires two separate social work practicum experiences of 16 hours starting in the foundation year curriculum* and 20-24 hours per week in the advanced year curriculum. Practicums typically run from September through early May.** While in practicum, students are expected to engage in a once-a-month practicum education seminar. Student practicum sites are expected to be in-person in Massachusetts. Students who continue employment while in the program should make certain their employers allow for scheduling changes or flexibility of hours because internships often take place during typical hours (i.e., 9 to 6 PM) throughout the business week (i.e., Monday to Friday). A student’s current place of employment may fulfill at least one of the requirements for their practicum experiences. Under the supervision of experienced practitioners committed to best practices, students apply what they learn in the classroom and in the community.

*Students in the advanced standing program of study only complete one practicum experience, 20-24 hours a week, September through early May. ** Students in the Fall Start Program have the option to choose a summer block practicum.

CHOOSING A CURRICULUM FORMAT Salem State’s MSW program creates a unique experience through the choice of differing delivery formats to meet a student’s needs. Options available include: • Online Program • Online MSW Advanced Standing Program • Advanced Standing Program • Fall Start Program (in-person only)

PROGRAM OF STUDY

TIME TO DEGREE

CREDITS

PRACTICUM REQUIREMENT

PROGRAM START

MSW Online

3 years ExtendedTime (8 semesters)

62 credits

2 Practicums

Spring Semester (January)

MSW Advanced Standing Online

2 years Full-Time (4 semesters)

38 credits

1 Practicum

Summer Semester (May)

MSW Advanced Standing

1 year FullTime (3 semesters)

38 credits

1 Practicum

Summer Semester (May)

62 credits

2 Practicums, Summer block option available

Fall Semester (September)

2 years ExtendedTime MSW Fall Start

2 years Full-Time 3-4 years ExtendedTime

“Completing my MSW at Salem State University has been a remarkable journey that fills me with pride and gratitude. As a Hispanic, first-generation student, achieving this milestone holds special significance for me and my family. This accomplishment would not have been possible without the exceptional support and encouragement from the dedicated faculty and staff at Salem State University, who guided me every step of the way. Their commitment to helping students succeed has made a profound impact on my educational experience, and I am truly thankful for their unwavering belief in me.” — Nancy Martinez MSW ‘26G

ONLINE MASTER OF SOCIAL WORK salemstate.edu/mswonline

The online MSW program offers a unique, cohort-based model designed to benefit students who desire flexibility and rigor in their MSW program. Our online program has been thoughtfully designed for students to complete in under three years. • Take courses during the spring, summer, and fall semesters • Participate in weekly, synchronous courses offered virtually at 5 and 7 pm • Participate in two required social work practicums in Massachusetts with the option of completing them with their existing employer (provided they meet specific criteria) • Begin practicum during their third semester, which includes a monthly evening seminar • Participate in up to two in-person meetings during the academic year to support connection and community

WHY CONSIDER THE ONLINE PROGRAM? ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE Engage with highly trained faculty who support best practices for online learning and are committed to social justice.

ACCESSIBILITY Allows equitable access to education for diverse learners located throughout the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

CONVENIENCE Reduces the need for commuting to campus and allows for flexibility in managing multiple life responsibilities.

AUTONOMY Allows students to exercise autonomy while supporting self-directed learning.

YEAR ONE Spring (6 credits)

Summer (6 credits)

Fall (9 credits)

SWK 700 Human Behavior and the Social Environment (3 credits)

SWK 715 Dynamics of Privilege and Oppression (3 credits)

SWK 704 Social Work Practice with Individuals, Families, and Groups I (3 credits)

SWK 703 Historical and Contemporary Perspectives on Social Work and Social Welfare Policy (3 credits)

SWK 706 Community Practice (3 credits)

SWK 707 Evidence-Based Social Work (3 credits)

SWK 721 Practicum Education (16 hours/week) and Integrated Seminar (monthly) (3 credits)

YEAR TWO Spring (9 credits)

Summer (6 credits)

Fall (10 credits)

SWK 705 Social Work Practice with Individuals, Families, and Groups II (3 credits)

SWK 735 Clinical Assessment and Diagnosis for Behavioral Health (3 credits)

SWK 846 Health and Behavioral Health Policy and Services (3 credits)

SWK 869 Evaluation Research in the Human Services (3 credits)

SWK Elective (3 credits)

SWK 818A Integrated Practice and Theory for Adults and Families I (3 credits)

SWK 722 Practicum Education (16 hours/week) and Integrated Seminar (monthly) (3 credits)

SWK 841 Practicum Education (20-24 hours/week) and Integrated Seminar (monthly) (4 credits)

YEAR THREE Spring (10 credits)

Summer (6 credits)

SWK Elective (3 credits)

SWK 820 Agency Management and Leadership Practice (3 credits)

SWK 818B Integrated Practice and Theory for Adults and Families II (3 credits)

SWK 899 Integrative Case Analysis and DecisionMaking (3 credits)

SWK 842 Practicum Education (20-24 hours/week) and Integrated Seminar (monthly) (4 credits)

Total credits:

ADVANCED STANDING MASTER OF SOCIAL WORK salemstate.edu/msw

The advanced standing program is a 38-credit degree designed for students who have earned an undergraduate degree in social work or social welfare from a CSWEaccredited program. Students can complete the program either full-time or part-time. The Advanced Standing program offers two pathways, in-person and online. The advanced standing program requires a one-year practicum from September to May. • In the full-time advanced standing program, students begin practicum education at 20 hours per week throughout the academic year. • In the extended time advanced standing program, students begin practicum education during the second year of enrollment at 20 hours per week through the end of the final academic year.

ADVANCED STANDING ONLINE FULL TIME YEAR ONE Summer (9 credits)

Fall (10 credits)

SWK 735 Clinical Assessment and Diagnosis for Behavioral Health (3 credits)

SWK 818A Integrated Practice and Theory for Adults and Families I (3 credits)

SWK Elective (3 credits)

SWK 841 Practicum Education (20-24 hours/week) and Integrated Seminar (monthly) (4 credits)

SWK Elective (3 credits)

SWK 845 Adult Mental Health Policy and Services (3 credits)

YEAR TWO Spring (10 credits)

Summer (9 credits)

SWK 818B Integrated Practice and Theory for Adults and Families II (3 credits)

SWK 820 Agency Management and Leadership Practice (3 credits)

SWK 842 Practicum Education (20-24 hours/week) and Integrated Seminar (monthly) (4 credits)

SWK 899 Integrative Case Analysis and DecisionMaking (3 credits)

SWK 869 Evaluation Research in the Human Services (3 credits)

SWK Elective (3 credits)

Total credits:

ADVANCED STANDING ONLINE EXTENDED TIME YEAR ONE Summer (6 credits)

Fall (6 credits)

SWK 735 Clinical Assessment and Diagnosis for Behavioral Health (3 credits)

SWK 818A Integrated Practice and Theory for Adults and Families I (3 credits)

SWK Elective (3 credits)

SWK 845 Adult Mental Health Policy and Services (3 credits)

Spring (6 credits)

Summer (6 credits)

Fall (7 credits)

SWK 818B Integrated Practice and Theory for Adults and Families II (3 credits)

SWK Elective (3 credits)

SWK 820 Agency Management and Leadership Practice (3 credits)

SWK 869 Evaluation Research in the Human Services (3 credits)

SWK Elective (3 credits)

SWK 841 Practicum Education (20-24 hours/week) and Integrated Seminar (monthly) (4 credits)

YEAR TWO

YEAR THREE Spring (7 credits) SWK 842 Practicum Education (20-24 hours/ week) and Integrated Seminar (monthly) (4 credits) SWK 899 Integrative Case Analysis and DecisionMaking (3 credits)

Total credits:

ADVANCED STANDING FULL TIME YEAR ONE Summer (3-12 credits)*

Fall (13 credits)

Spring (13 credits)

SWK 735 Clinical Assessment and Diagnosis for Behavioral Health (3 credits)

SWK 818A or SWK 819A Integrated Practices and Theory for Adults and Families I; or Integrated Practices and Theory for Children and Families I (3 credits)

SWK 818B or SWK 819A Integrated Practice and Theory for Adults and Families II; or Integrated Practices and Theory for Children and Families II (3 credits)

SWK 838, or SWK 840, or SWK 846 Health and Behavioral Health Policy in Child, Youth, and family services; or Health and Behavioral Health Policy in Disability Services; or Health and Behavioral Heath Policy and Services (3 credits)

SWK 820 Agency Management and Leadership Practice (3 credits)

SWK 869 Evaluation Research in the Human Services (3 credits)

SWK 899 Integrative Case Analysis and DecisionMaking (3 credits)

SWK 841 Practicum Education (20-24 hours/week) and Integrated Seminar (monthly) (4 credits)

SWK 842 Practicum Education (20-24 hours/week) and Integrated Seminar (monthly) (4 credits)

Elective (9 credits) SWK Elective*

Total credits:

*3 electives to be taken throughout the program

ADVANCED STANDING EXTENDED TIME YEAR ONE Summer (3-12 credits)*

Fall (13 credits)

Spring (13 credits)

SWK 735 Clinical Assessment and Diagnosis for Behavioral Health (3 credits)

SWK 818A or SWK 819A Integrated Practices and Theory for Adults and Families I; or Integrated Practices and Theory for Children and Families I (3 credits)

SWK 818B or SWK 819A Integrated Practice and Theory for Adults and Families II; or Integrated Practices and Theory for Children and Families II (3 credits)

SWK 869 Evaluation Research in the Human Services (3 credits)

SWK 820 Agency Management and Leadership Practice (3 credits)

Summer (3-9 credits)

Fall (7 credits)

Spring (7 credits)

SWK Elective*

SWK 899 Integrative Case Analysis and DecisionMaking (3 credits)

SWK 841 Practicum Education (20-24 hours/week) and Integrated Seminar (monthly) (4 credits)

SWK 842 Practicum Education (20-24 hours/week) and Integrated Seminar (monthly) (4 credits)

YEAR TWO

Elective (9 credits) SWK Elective*

*3 electives to be taken throughout the program

Total credits:

“Salem State University is dear to me and holds a special place in my heart. I’ve had four family members graduate from Salem State. One of those four is my Grandmother, who obtained her BSW from Salem State. My grandmother is the reason I chose to become a social worker. Salem State allowed me to get both of my degrees while still being able to work and take care of myself. I met amazing professors and classmates who I now call my friends. During my years at Salem State I was pushed to my full potential and can see how I’ve grown personally and professionally as a result.” —Guyelle Saintil, MSW ‘26G

FALL START, IN-PERSON MASTER OF SOCIAL WORK

Students can choose from full- or extended-time programs to best meet their needs. Full-time students can complete the program in two years by taking 4-5 courses each fall and spring semester plus the 16-20 hour-a-week practicum experience throughout the academic year. Extended time students can complete the program in either three or four years by taking 2-3 classes each semester and choosing between a two-semester academic year practicum with 16-20 hours per week or a one-semester summer block practicum with 32-40 hours per week. Enrollment in the extended time option works well for students who are juggling responsibilities such as work and/or family. Students who continue employment while in the program should make certain their employers allow for scheduling changes or flexibility of hours, as courses are offered through the workday and cannot be guaranteed in the evening or online. Courses are delivered in a variety of formats, including in-person and online, but the fall start program cannot be done entirely online.

ACADEMIC AND PROFESSIONAL EXCELLENCE Our faculty understand that clinical licensure is essential to advancing the careers of our graduates. That’s why we actively support students in preparing for licensure exams, offering guidance and resources throughout their academic journey. The School of Social Work is proud to consistently lead in licensure pass rates among comparable state institutions – exceeding both the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and national averages.

COST For Massachusetts residents, each credit costs $545.60*, which includes tuition and fees. For non-Massachusetts residents, each credit costs $646.40*. For assistance funding your graduate education, options such as financial aid, graduate assistantships, employer reimbursement and tuition remission, and veteran’s benefits may be available. Learn more at salemstate.edu/gradfinaid. *Tuition and fees subject to change.

MSW APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS For complete information on admissions policies and standards, see salemstate.edu/graduate/admissions. • Online graduate admissions application—available at salemstate.edu/apply • Non-refundable $50 application fee • Official transcript or transcript evaluation documenting the award of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, a broad liberal arts background with substantial preparation in the social and/or behavioral sciences, and a minimum 3.0 GPA (on a 4.0 scale). Applicants with a GPA below 3.0 will be considered on a case-by-case basis. » If you completed more than 60 credits of your bachelor’s degree at another institution, please submit that transcript • Two professional statements, addressing specific prompts • Resume (relevant social and/or human service work is desirable but not required). • Two letters of reference

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS FOR ADVANCED STANDING APPLICANTS • Official transcript documenting the award of a bachelor’s degree in social work or social welfare from an accredited college or university, with a suggested minimum 3.0 GPA (on a 4.0 scale) » You must have completed the degree within 5 years of applying for acceptance into the advanced standing MSW program • One of your letters of recommendation should be completed by either a social work faculty member or your employed work supervisor • BSW Evaluation from your senior year practicum. This evaluation: » Should be completed by the individual at the agency who supervised you during your practicum » If applicants are currently in practicum, evaluations can be submitted at the end of the fall semester • If you are not able to obtain a copy of your senior practicum, please use the BSW Evaluation Form (found at salemstate.edu/graduate/admissions)

FOR INTERNATIONAL APPLICANTS • Proficiency in English is required of all applicants. Applicants whose native language is not English can fulfill proficiency requirements in a variety of ways. Please visit salemstate.edu/international for more information. • Degrees earned at an institution outside of the United States must be evaluated by one of five transcript evaluation companies (more information at salemstate.edu/graduate/admissions)

APPLICATION DEADLINES FOR 2027 EARLY ACTION

FINAL DEADLINE

MSW Online (Spring)

Monday, September 28, 2026

Monday, October 26, 2026

MSW Advanced Standing (Summer)

Monday, November 30, 2026

Monday, January 4, 2027 Full-time: Monday, February 22, 2027

MSW In Person (Fall)

Monday, January 11, 2027 Extended-Time: Monday, June 28, 2027

Apply: salemstate.edu/apply Financial Aid: salemstate.edu/finaid Email: gradadmissions@salemstate.edu Phone: 978.542.6200