Master of Social Work - Forensic Social Work

Program Description The Master of Social Work (MSW) degree program is designed to prepare students for advanced social work, with an emphasis on either community practice or forensic social work. The MSW degree prepares its graduates for work and leadership in broad and varied human service organizations which span child welfare, health and mental health, community planning, family services and the like. The curriculum is grounded equally in theory and practical application. The Forensic Social Work concentration prepares students for practice and advocacy in settings where human services and the legal system intersect. ​Students will be able to: Be knowledgeable of the profession’s ethics and value base and practice accordingly. Practice within the context of striving for justice and will therefore practice antidiscrimination, especially with respect to clients from historically oppressed groups including women, children, the poor, people of color, people with disabilities, the aged, gay, lesbian, and trans-gendered people, people from various ethno- cultural backgrounds, people with diverse religious beliefs, recently-arrived immigrants, and people for whom English is a second language. Apply select advocacy and social change strategies while working for justice. Apply the knowledge and skills of a generalist professional perspective to practice with client systems of all sizes. Apply select theoretical frameworks to understand human development and behaviors across the lifespan and interactions among and between individuals, families, groups, communities, organizations and institutions. Analyze and influence social policies and their impacts. Critically assess research, apply research findings to practice, and evaluate their own practice. Communicate effectively with multiple audiences, using various media. Use supervision effectively and accept constructive feedback regarding their practice interventions. Operate effectively within organizations and work to change organizations in the quest for justice. Apply select theoretical frameworks and constructs from community practice to analyze, intervene, and evaluate interventions with client systems of all sizes. Work collaboratively with professionals (including those from other disciplines) and autonomously. Be lifelong learners and be knowledgeable of licensure, continuing education, and on-going professional learning demands.