LIVE YOUR PASSION FOR SOCIAL CHANGE with an MSW from the UW
FOUR REASONS to pursue your MSW at UW
TOP-RANKED EDUCATION
As one of the nation’s leading schools of social work, our renowned faculty, strong community partnerships, and 16 pioneering research centers are just some of the reasons to choose UW.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERTISE
Choose from three professional specialties:
The Administration and Policy Practice specialization prepares social workers to assume leadership roles in today’s complex human services organizations and policy arenas. Full-time students only.
The Community-Centered Integrative Practice specialization prepares students to be leaders in transformative and culturally responsive social work, equipping them with the skills required to drive social change across diverse communities. Full-time students only.
The Clinical Social Work specialization prepares students with the comprehensive skills necessary for clinical practice with individuals, families and small groups.
REAL-WORLD EXPERIENCE
Field education is the cornerstone of social work education. The MSW practicum component provides students with hands-on learning in communities where they can synthesize and apply their knowledge, skills and values. The School of Social Work coordinates with more than 600 community-based organizations to ensure that real-world experiences reinforce classroom learning and research.
SUPPORTIVE COMMUNITY
With an average class size of fewer than 25 students, social work students have the rare opportunity to build personal connections with faculty, classmates and community leaders. The professional networks within each cohort provide invaluable support for a successful social work career.
“ One thing I truly appreciate about UWSSW is the variety of community involvement it offers—whether through its institutional network with community-based organizations, the geographic advantage of being in the heart of Seattle, or opportunities introduced by my classmates.”
— Liza (MSW ‘25)
Clinical
Social Work specialization
FOCUSED TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES
Child Welfare Training and Advancement Program recruits and develops highly skilled, culturally competent public child-welfare social workers. Participants receive financial support in exchange for working at an eligible child welfare office post-graduation.
The Carol LaMare Endowed Fellowship in Integrative Oncology and Palliative Care supports MSW students specializing in oncology social work. Students receive mentoring and practicum placements in local cancer centers.
The Washington State Behavioral Health Workforce Development Initiative expands the number of masters-level social workers and mental health counselors in our state who serve populations with severe mental health or substance use issues. Grant recipients commit to post-graduate work in community-based behavioral health agencies or tribal health centers.
Social Work Practice with Latinx/é Communities offers targeted skill-building for MSW students committed to the health and well-being of the Latinx/é community.
Traineeship opportunities are contingent on funding and may vary from year to year.
FULL-TIME OPTIONS
Full-Time Two-Year
Our on-campus, Full-Time Two-Year Program combines classroom learning with hands-on fieldwork. Courses focus on social work history, professional identity, policy and social justice that build core social work practice skills across multiple social systems and among diverse populations.
Advanced Standing
Our on-campus, one-year Advanced Standing Program is for applicants who have an undergraduate degree in social work or social welfare from an accredited program. Students can complete their degree requirements more quickly and focus on what they feel most passionate about.
PART-TIME OPTIONS
Online
A part-time, three-year, fully online, synchronous program option designed to expand access to high quality graduate education for students across Washington State and the broader Pacific Northwest region who don’t already have their bachelor’s degree in social work.
Evening
A part-time, three-year program option for those who prefer in-person instruction outside of traditional business hours and don’t already have their bachelor’s degree in social work.
The MSW Program at the UW School of Social Work is dedicated to preparing professional social workers through rigorous, community-engaged, critically reflexive research, teaching and learning. The program is grounded in our commitment to racial, economic, gender and social justice informed by and for those living at the margins of our local, national, and global communities.
socialwork.uw.edu