2026-2027 Graduate Catalog

Department website: https://www.uwgb.edu/msw/

The MSW program prepares students for advanced practice social work in a variety of fields of practice. The curriculum is founded on the program’s mission and goals and emphasizes social justice advocacy, leadership, and social work with, and on behalf of, vulnerable families. The program offers both in-person and online options. The full-time curriculum can be completed in two calendar years for students entering at the Generalist level or one year for students entering at the Specialized level. A part-time program is also available which can be completed in nine semesters for students entering at the Generalist level or five semesters for students entering with advanced standing at the Specialized level. A key element of the program is the opportunity for students to integrate and apply their classroom learning in a field internship setting.

Admission Requirements

The program seeks applicants who have demonstrated academic potential for graduate study, readiness and suitability for advanced-level social work, and who are able to articulate a commitment to social work. In addition, the program seeks applicants with demonstrated human services experience and sensitivity to multi-cultural practice, social justice, and leadership/advocacy.

The Office of Graduate Studies sets minimum standards for admission requirements to all graduate programs. Please consult this section of the catalog to review requirements for admission, including the official transcripts you must submit.

In addition to the minimum requirements, this program also requires the following:

A 3.0 grade point average (GPA), measured on a 4.0 scale. GPA is based on the last 60 credits taken in bachelor’s degree studies or graduate level course work.
Two letters of recommendation from professional/academic individuals. These individuals should be able to attest to your ability to perform graduate-level/leadership work in Social Work. Applicants who graduated with an undergraduate degree within the past five years are strongly encouraged to have an academic reference from an institution of higher education (e.g., professor or advisor).
Statement of purpose.
An academic background in the liberal arts with completion of a minimum of 12 credits in the social sciences. Examples include coursework within or across the following disciplines: psychology, sociology, anthropology, economics and political science.
A total of four prerequisite courses are required and include one course from each of the following areas: Biological Life Sciences, Lifespan Development, Statistics, and Research Methods. Students who have a BSW degree are considered to have met all four prerequisites.
International students should consult the Office of Graduate Studies requirements for all international applicants in the front of the catalog. Additionally, applicants with social work degrees from international universities must substantiate their academic credentials via the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) International Social Work Degree Recognition and Evaluation Service (ISWDRES). Information is available online: https://cswe.org/Centers-Initiatives/Initiatives/International-Degree-Review.aspx

Preferred Qualifications

In addition to meeting the required admissions qualifications noted above, applicants with the following qualifications will be given preference for admission:

Demonstrated post-high school human services-related experience. Examples include paid employment, volunteer work, and internships.
Written communication that demonstrates clear and succinct conceptualization of ideas, application of critical thinking, the ability to coherently communicate and organize ideas, and the ability to write using correct grammar, spelling and syntax.
Commitment to social justice, advocacy, and multicultural practice on behalf of vulnerable and oppressed populations.

Students who do not meet the 3.0 GPA requirement or who have other deficiencies may be admitted on a provisional basis.

Additional Admission Information

The MSW program follows a cohort model and admits students once per year. Applications and specific instructions for submission are posted on the MSW program website in August with applications for priority review due on or before December 1. Only completed applications will be reviewed. Applications may be considered by cohort until the cohort has reached capacity. Applicants are encouraged to review the MSW program website for specific admission dates, fees, and application submission requirements.

Degree Requirements

For program applicants who do not have a Bachelor of Social Work degree, 56 credits are required for graduation. This includes a 26-credit two-semester Generalist curriculum (fall and spring), and a 30-credit three-semester Specialized curriculum (summer, fall and spring).

Part-Time Option

Students entering the Generalist Program complete the part-time option in four years. Students entering with advanced standing complete the part-time option in two years.

Course List
Code	Title	Credits
Generalist Curriculum:		26
SOC WORK 700	Gateway to the Profession of Social Work
SOC WORK 701	Contemporary Social Work Ethics
SOC WORK 702	Generalist Practice I
SOC WORK 704	Generalist Practice II
SOC WORK 707	Human Behavior and the Social Environment
SOC WORK 711	Foundations of Social Welfare
SOC WORK 712	Practicum I
SOC WORK 713	Seminar I
SOC WORK 714	Practicum II
SOC WORK 715	Seminar II
Specialized Curriculum:		30
SOC WORK 716	Practicum III
SOC WORK 717	Seminar III
SOC WORK 718	Practicum IV
SOC WORK 719	Capstone Seminar
SOC WORK 720	Diversity, Social Justice & Advocacy
SOC WORK 721	Advanced Practice: Multi-Level Family Systems
SOC WORK 728	Advanced Policy: Leadership, Advocacy and Practice
SOC WORK 731	Research for MSW Practice
Electives - complete 6 credits:
EDUC 552	Social and Family Influences on Development and Learning
MGMT 589	Organizational Behavior
PSYCH 544	Dying, Death, and Loss
SOC WORK 542	Psychopharmacology
SOC WORK 544	Grant Writing for Success
SOC WORK 655	First Nations Futures: Advanced Social Work Praxis and Sovereignty
SOC WORK 722	Social Work Management & Supervision in the Social Services
SOC WORK 723	Trauma Informed Care
SOC WORK 724	Motivational Interviewing
SOC WORK 727	Psychopathology in Clinical Social Work
SOC WORK 735	Emerging Issues in Child Welfare
SOC WORK 737	Crisis Intervention
SOC WORK 747	Clinical Theories for Mental Health Practice
SOC WORK 757	Social Work Practice in the Criminal Justice System
SOC WORK 761	Overview of Wisconsin DPI School Social Work Standards
SOC WORK 767	Assessing Risk, Resilience, and Psychopathology in Social Work
SOC WORK 777	Forensic Social Work: Policy and Practice
SOC WORK 795	Special Topics
SOC WORK 798	Independent Study
Total Credits		56

Applicants with a BSW degree may receive advanced standing status in the MSW Program if they meet one of the following two options described below.

Course List
Code	Title	Credits
Specialized Curriculum:		30
Required Courses:
SOC WORK 716	Practicum III
SOC WORK 717	Seminar III
SOC WORK 718	Practicum IV
SOC WORK 719	Capstone Seminar
SOC WORK 720	Diversity, Social Justice & Advocacy
SOC WORK 721	Advanced Practice: Multi-Level Family Systems
SOC WORK 728	Advanced Policy: Leadership, Advocacy and Practice
SOC WORK 731	Research for MSW Practice
Electives (choose 6 credits):
EDUC 552	Social and Family Influences on Development and Learning
MGMT 589	Organizational Behavior
PSYCH 544	Dying, Death, and Loss
SOC WORK 542	Psychopharmacology
SOC WORK 544	Grant Writing for Success
SOC WORK 655	First Nations Futures: Advanced Social Work Praxis and Sovereignty
SOC WORK 701	Contemporary Social Work Ethics
SOC WORK 722	Social Work Management & Supervision in the Social Services
SOC WORK 723	Trauma Informed Care
SOC WORK 724	Motivational Interviewing
SOC WORK 727	Psychopathology in Clinical Social Work
SOC WORK 735	Emerging Issues in Child Welfare
SOC WORK 737	Crisis Intervention
SOC WORK 747	Clinical Theories for Mental Health Practice
SOC WORK 749	Contemporary Interventions in Social Work Practice
SOC WORK 751	Social Work Practice in Schools
SOC WORK 753	Strengths-Based Leadership and Supervision
SOC WORK 757	Social Work Practice in the Criminal Justice System
SOC WORK 761	Overview of Wisconsin DPI School Social Work Standards
SOC WORK 767	Assessing Risk, Resilience, and Psychopathology in Social Work
SOC WORK 777	Forensic Social Work: Policy and Practice
SOC WORK 795	Special Topics
SOC WORK 798	Independent Study
Total Credits		30

Progress to Degree

Steps Toward the Degree

Prospective student submits an admission application and is recommended for admission.
Applicant is admitted to the Master of Social Work graduate program.
The student develops a Capstone project which is defined in consultation with the program faculty and adviser.
The student files an Application for Graduation with the Registrar’s Office through the Student Information System (SIS). The application must be completed and submitted to the Office of the Registrar in the fall semester for spring and summer semester graduates.
Upon successful completion of the Capstone project the instructor files the Approval of Thesis Defense or Project Presentation (GR-4 Form) with the Office of Graduate Studies.
Degree is awarded and graduate receives diploma.

Curriculum Guide

Plan of Study Grid
First Year
Fall		Credits
Generalist Curriculum
SOC WORK 700	Gateway to the Profession of Social Work	2
SOC WORK 702	Generalist Practice I	3
SOC WORK 711	Foundations of Social Welfare	3
SOC WORK 712	Practicum I	4
SOC WORK 713	Seminar I	1
	Credits	13
Spring
Generalist Curriculum
SOC WORK 701	Contemporary Social Work Ethics	3
SOC WORK 704	Generalist Practice II	3
SOC WORK 707	Human Behavior and the Social Environment	2
SOC WORK 714	Practicum II	4
SOC WORK 715	Seminar II	1
	Credits	13
Second Year
Summer
Specialized Curriculum
SOC WORK 728	Advanced Policy: Leadership, Advocacy and Practice	3
Elective		3
	Credits	6
Fall
Specialized Curriculum
SOC WORK 716	Practicum III	5
SOC WORK 717	Seminar III	1
SOC WORK 720	Diversity, Social Justice & Advocacy	3
SOC WORK 721	Advanced Practice: Multi-Level Family Systems	3
	Credits	12
Spring
Specialized Curriculum
SOC WORK 718	Practicum IV	5
SOC WORK 719	Capstone Seminar	1
SOC WORK 731	Research for MSW Practice	3
Elective		3
	Credits	12
	Total Credits	56