Master of Social Work

Become a Compassionate Leader in Health Care

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Program Highlights

  • Fixed tuition rate
  • Fast admission decisions
  • No GRE required
Locations Offered
Online program with
3 day on-campus immersion
Time to Completion
1 year for Advanced Standing

2 years for non BSW applicants

Full- and part time flexibility — go at your pace!
Credit Hours Required
30
Advanced standing

60
non BSW applicants

Professional preparation meets social responsibility

With the Master of Social Work from Saint Mary's College, you can make a difference in the lives of individuals, families, and communities. Our clinical degree program combines rigorous online coursework and field experience to prepare you for a rewarding career. You’ll learn to become a compassionate and effective social worker who is committed to social justice and helping others — particularly in hospital and health care environments.

Whether you’re a recent BSW graduate or a working professional seeking new opportunities, our MSW will give you the knowledge and skills to achieve your goals. In addition to the generalist education you’ll receive, you’ll specialize in clinical social work enabling you to work in mental health or health settings — with an added emphasis on aging available during your second year.

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Working with the social work faculty at Saint Mary’s has been such a unique experience because it’s a small student-to-faculty ratio. So, it really allows us to develop the kind of relationship with them that wouldn’t otherwise be possible at a large university.

- Therese Diamond ‘23

Earn a clinical degree with a call to social justice

With Saint Mary’s Master of Social Work, you’ll learn how to find practical solutions to social problems and pressing issues facing the most vulnerable. We’ll empower you to become a competent, empathetic social worker who can create positive change in people's lives. Our program will equip you to take on leadership positions as a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) in mental health, healthcare, and public service.

Hands-on learning in an online program

Our clinical degree program will provide you with valuable knowledge for any field requiring a deep understanding of human behavior. You’ll build upon relevant and specific experience with classroom learning complemented with professional placements in the field each semester.

Learn from dedicated, expert faculty

At Saint Mary’s, you’ll learn from experts in the current, complex field of social work. Our social work faculty will show you how to think critically and communicate effectively — essential skills in today's job market. In addition, you’ll have access to research opportunities in areas such as inclusivity, diversity and equity to prepare you for real-world challenges in the social work profession.

Discover your path to becoming a force for good

Master of Social Work Courses

60 credit hours

Generalist Courses (30 credit hours)
  • SW 500: Justice-Based Social Work Practice (Early start with immersion) (3)
  • SW 501: The Social Work Profession: Agent of Change (3)
  • SW 502: Crisis Intervention & Conflict Resolution (3)
  • SW 503: Generalist Practice: Individuals, Families & Groups (3)
  • SW 504: Generalist Practice: Communities and Organizations (3)
  • SW 505: Human Behavior in the Environment (3)
  • SW 506: Social Policy (3)
  • SW 507: Practicum & Integrative Seminar (3)
  • SW 508: Practicum & Integrative Seminar II (3)
  • SW 509: Research Methods in Social Work (3)

Specialization Courses (30 credit hours)
  • SW 600: Diversity, Equity & Inclusion in Social Work (Early start with immersion) (3)
  • SW 601: Clinical Social Work I (3)
  • SW 602: Clinical Social Work II (3)
  • SW 603: Practicum & Integrative Seminar III – Clinical Practice (3)
  • SW 604: Practicum and Integrative Seminar IV – Clinical Practice (3)
  • SW 605: Clinical Assessment & Diagnosis (3)
  • SW 606: Research Methods in Clinical Social Work (3)
  • SW 607: Clinical Policies & Services (3)
  • SW 6XX: Two Electives from the List Below (3 each)

Electives (offerings vary)
  • SW 608: Clinical Practice with Children and Adolescents (3)
  • SW 609: Clinical Practice with Adults (3)
  • SW 610: Trauma Assessment in Social Work (3)
  • SW 611: Substance Use Disorders (3)
  • SW 613: Clinical Supervision and Consultation (3)
  • SW 614: Family Violence (3)
  • SW 615: Palliative & End-of-Life Care (3)

Gain practical experience through field placements

Your clinical MSW education doesn’t stop in the classroom. To provide you with essential, real-world experiences, our faculty will help match you with a field placement in your community. In fact, you’ll be working in the field every semester. As you narrow your focus down to a specialization in your second year, your placement will change to ensure you are getting the most relevant experience possible to prepare you for future success.

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Make a positive impact in the world with a fulfilling career

The MSW program at Saint Mary's College provides you with the necessary training to lead positive change in your career. As society continues to face complex social issues, the need for skilled social workers will continue to increase, making this a promising career choice for those who are passionate about making a difference in people’s lives.

Jobs you could get

  • Child welfare specialist
  • Mental health case manager
  • Substance abuse counselor
  • Social worker
  • Medical social worker
  • School counselor
  • Traveling LCSW positions

Invest in your future

  • $745 per credit hour
  • Scholarship opportunities widely available
  • Application fee waivers (upon inquiry)
  • Yellow Ribbon eligible online program for current and former military

Salaries you could earn

Social workers in health settings earn an annual median salary of

$71,680

according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Opportunities near you

Employment of social workers is projected to grow

9%

2031, faster than the average for all occupations, per BLS data.

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Expert faculty + exceptional support

At Saint Mary’s, you’ll receive academic, career and financial aid support to help you obtain a meaningful career with a commitment to social responsibility. Our faculty members understand the complex field of social work. They will give you individualized attention to help you think critically and communicate effectively.

We’re here for you in the classroom and beyond

At Saint Mary’s, you’ll receive dedicated academic and professional support through your MSW program to ensure you reach your full potential. In addition, you’ll be part of a tight-knit, caring community committed to making a meaningful difference in the in the world.

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One of my main reasons for choosing Saint Mary’s social work program is that one of the core values is social justice, which is something that’s really important to me.

- Breyona Gray ‘23