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 work with, and on behalf of, vulnerable families; social justice advocacy; and leadership. The program offers a full-time curriculum which can be completed in two calendar years for students entering at the Foundation level or one year for students entering at the Advanced level. A part-time program is also available which can be completed in nine semesters for students entering at the Foundation level or five semesters for students entering at the Advanced level. To meet the needs of working students, most courses in the program are offered evenings or Saturdays. Students also integrate and apply their classroom learning in a field internship setting.
Master of Social Work
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.
Required Qualifications
To be considered for admission to the MSW program, the following criteria must be met:
- An undergraduate degree from a regionally accredited university by the time classes start.
- A 3.0 grade point average (GPA), measured on a 4.0 scale. Consistent with Graduate Studies policy, students from schools not using a grading system will be evaluated on an individual basis. Students who do not meet the 3.0 GPA requirement or who have other deficiencies may be admitted on a provisional basis. Provisionally admitted students who receive at least a B grade in courses totaling nine credits of graduate work, after acceptance, will be fully admitted.
- 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 without a BSW degree who are applying for admission to the Foundation Program must have completed the Biological Life Sciences and Lifespan Development prerequisites prior to the start of the program. Statistics and Research Methods must be completed by the beginning of the Advanced year in the MSW program. Students who have a BSW degree are considered to have met all four prerequisites.
- International students must provide evidence of English proficiency. Please see the Graduate Studies website for more information.
- To be considered for admission, 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 here: http://www.cswe.org/CentersInitiatives/22207.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.
The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is not required.
Additional Admission Information
The MSW program admits students once per year. Applications and specific instructions for submission are posted on the MSW program website in the fall with applications due in January. 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, 64 credits are required for graduation. This includes a 30-credit two-semester foundation curriculum (fall and spring), and a 34-credit three-semester advanced curriculum (summer, fall and spring). Applicants with a BSW degree may receive advanced standing status in the MSW Program if they meet one of the following three options:
OPTION ONE: BSW degree from a baccalaureate social work program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) or those recognized by the International Social Work Degree Recognition and Evaluation Service. BSW degree must be obtained within seven years of the year of admission to the UW-Green Bay MSW program.
OPTION TWO: Successful completion of an MSW foundation curriculum at a CSWE-accredited program within seven years of the year of admission to the UW-Green Bay MSW program.
OPTION THREE: Must meet all three of the following criteria:
- BSW degree from a CSWE-accredited program,
- Current Wisconsin Social Work certification (training certificate excluded), and
- Post-BSW social work practice experience equivalent to three full-time years (approximately 6,240 hours). Work experience must be obtained within 10 years of the year of admission to the MSW Program.
Applicants are responsible for providing evidence of meeting the criteria in Option Three.
Part-Time Option
Students entering the Foundation Program complete the part-time option in four years. Students entering the Advanced Standing curriculum complete the part-time option in two years.
| Foundation Curriculum Requirements | ||
| Foundation Courses | 30 | |
| Contemporary Social Work Ethics | ||
| Generalist Practice I | ||
| Direct Practice Skills | ||
| Generalist Practice II | ||
| Macro Practice Skills | ||
| Human Behavior and the Social Environment | ||
| Foundations of Social Welfare | ||
| Field I | ||
| Seminar I | ||
| Field II | ||
| Seminar II | ||
| Elective (Choose three credits from the following list): | ||
| Social Work Management & Supervision in the Social Services | ||
| Psychopathology & Strength-Based Assessment | ||
| Emerging Issues in Child Welfare | ||
| Social Work and Crisis Intervention with Vulnerable Populations | ||
| Mental Health Theories | ||
| Treatment and Mistreatment of Offenders | ||
| Mental Health and Substance Abuse in Generalist Practice (Strengths and Psychopathology) | ||
| Legal Aspects of Social Work Practice | ||
| Special Topics | ||
| Independent Study | ||
| Organizational Behavior | ||
| Social and Family Influences on Early Development and Learning | ||
| Dying, Death, and Loss | ||
| Team Leadership | ||
| Public and Nonprofit Budgeting | ||
| Advanced Curriculum Requirements | 34 | |
| Field III | ||
| Seminar III | ||
| Field IV | ||
| Capstone Seminar | ||
| Diversity, Social Justice & Advocacy | ||
| Advanced Practice: Multi-Level Family Systems | ||
| Advanced Policy: Leadership, Advocacy and Practice | ||
| Research for MSW Practice | ||
| Advanced Program Evaluation | ||
| Advanced Practice: Community Empowerment | ||
| Electives (Choose six credits from the following list): | ||
| Contemporary Social Work Ethics (For BSW Students Only) | ||
| Social Work Management & Supervision in the Social Services | ||
| Psychopathology & Strength-Based Assessment | ||
| Emerging Issues in Child Welfare | ||
| Social Work and Crisis Intervention with Vulnerable Populations | ||
| Mental Health Theories | ||
| Treatment and Mistreatment of Offenders | ||
| Mental Health and Substance Abuse in Generalist Practice (Strengths and Psychopathology) | ||
| Legal Aspects of Social Work Practice | ||
| Special Topics | ||
| Independent Study | ||
| Organizational Behavior | ||
| Social and Family Influences on Early Development and Learning | ||
| Dying, Death, and Loss | ||
| Team Leadership | ||
| Public and Nonprofit Budgeting | ||
| Advanced requirement: Portfolio Project | ||
| Total Credits | 64 | |
Area of Emphasis
The MSW program offers an Advanced Generalist concentration with an Individualized Area of Emphasis option.
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 submits an Official Declaration of Master’s Degree (GR-1 Form) to the Office of Graduate Studies no later than the end of the semester in which the first six graduate credits are completed. This confirms the student’s enrollment in the program.
- The student develops a portfolio project which is defined in consultation with the program faculty and adviser.
- After receiving approval for the project proposal from the designated faculty member, the Approval for Candidacy for the Master Degree form (GR-2) is submitted to the Office of Graduate Studies.
- 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 prior to November 1 for fall semester graduates, and April 1 for spring and summer semester graduates.
- Upon successful completion of the portfolio 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.
Faculty
Akakpo, Tohoro Francis, UW-Green Bay, Assistant Professor. BA (1986) University of Benin, Togo, West Africa; MPA (1994) University of Michigan-Flint; MSW (2002) University of Michigan, Ann Arbor; Ph.D. (2008) Social Work, Michigan State University, East Lansing.
Fields of interest: include at-risk families and juvenile delinquents; juveniles transitioning from residential facilities into community; child abuse and neglect; international social work, child labor and human trafficking; and the role of non-governmental organizations in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Fletcher, Adrianne, UW-Green Bay, Program Lecturer and Field Coordinator. BA Psychology, Cleveland State, Cleveland, OH; Master’s degree, Social Science Administration (2005) Case Western Reserve, Cleveland, OH. Current Doctoral Candidate, Loyola University, Chicago; anticipated Ph.D., Social Work, spring 2015. Professional practice: 25+ years in child protective services, foster care, child analysis, adult, child and family therapy, Indian Child Welfare, and work with homeless Veterans.
Fields of interest: social worker attitudes and beliefs and influences on decision-making and disproportionality of minority children in the child welfare system.
Groessl, Joan, UW-Green Bay, Assistant Professor and BSW Field Coordinator. BSW (1984) UW-Green Bay; MSW (1989) UW-Milwaukee; PhD (2013) Marian University; LCSW.
Fields of interest: mental health (particularly seriously and persistently mentally ill); forensic and homeless populations and administration.
Higgins, Doreen, UW-Green Bay, Associate Professor and Collaborative MSW Program Coordinator. BSW (1990) UW-Green Bay; MSSW (1991) UW-Madison; Ph.D. Social Work (2008) University of Kansas.
Fields of interest: health care policy; minority health and health disparities; the racial wealth gap; community reentry of aging ex-offenders; social work education and aging curricula.
Jick, Karen, UW-Green Bay, Lecturer. BS Social Work (1972); MSSW (1974) UW-Madison. LCSW; ACSW.
Fields of interest: child welfare; behavior health issues for children; marriage and family therapy; field education for social work students; social work ethics; international studies.
Sallmann, Jolanda M., UW-Green Bay, Associate Professor. BSW (1992), MSW (1996) University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee; Ph.D. (2005) UW-Madison.
Fields of interest: violence against women across the life course, including its broader effects on mental health, substance use, criminal justice involvement, poverty and homelessness.
Trimberger, Gail E., UW-Green Bay, Assistant Professor and Program Chair. BSW (1981) UW-Eau Claire; MSSW (1982) UW-Madison; Ph.D. (2013) Marian University; LCSW.
Fields of interest: end-of-life, aging, grief, hospice and palliative care, bioethics.
Courses
SOC WORK 699. Travel Course. 1-6 Credits.
Travel courses are conducted to various parts of the world and are led by one or more faculty members. May be repeated to different locations.
P: cons of instr & prior trip arr & financial deposit.
SOC WORK 701. Contemporary Social Work Ethics. 3 Credits.
This foundation course is designed to introduce MSW students to a wide range of ethical issues that impact practitioners in various settings.
P: Admission to the MSW Program
Fall Only.
SOC WORK 702. Generalist Practice I. 3 Credits.
This course promotes MSW level development of skills necessary to practice social work with diverse client populations.
P: Admission to MSW Program
Fall Only.
SOC WORK 703. Direct Practice Skills. 1 Credit.
This foundation course is designed to introduce MSW students to a range of skills required for effective practice with individuals, families, and small groups.
P: Admission to the MSW Program
Fall Only.
SOC WORK 704. Generalist Practice II. 3 Credits.
This course promotes masters' level development of skills necessary to practice social work with diverse groups within organizations and communities.
P: Admission to the MSW Program
Spring.
SOC WORK 705. Macro Practice Skills. 1 Credit.
This skills lab introduces students to a range of skills required for effective practice with various professional and community groups, with organizations, and with communities.
P: Admission to the MSW Program
Spring.
SOC WORK 707. Human Behavior and the Social Environment. 3 Credits.
Integration of theories and models examining the complexity of person/environment functioning with respect to individuals, families, small groups, organizations, and communities.
P: Admission to the MSW Program
Spring.
SOC WORK 711. Foundations of Social Welfare. 3 Credits.
This course examines the origin and change of social welfare arrangements in the U.S. to meet human needs. It traces the evolution of the social work profession and social welfare efforts in relation to major economic, social, and political forces over time. Students are introduced to the processes of policy development and policy change and evaluate contemporary social policies affecting poor and disenfranchised groups in the U.S.
P: Admission to MSW Program
Fall Only.
SOC WORK 712. Field I. 1-4 Credits.
Supervised social work practicum experience in a human service agency setting.
P: Admission to MSW Program
Fall Only.
SOC WORK 713. Seminar I. 1 Credit.
This foundation seminar course focuses on the application and integration of social work knowledge, values and skills to supervised social work practice in human service settings. The course provides opportunities for immersion in professional social work practice issues and dialogue within a classroom seminar format. The field internship is completed concurrently with the course.
P: Admission to the MSW Program.
Fall Only.
SOC WORK 714. Field II. 1-4 Credits.
Supervised social work practicum experience in a human service agency setting.
P: Admission to MSW Program
Spring.
SOC WORK 715. Seminar II. 1 Credit.
This foundation seminar course focuses on the application and integration of social work knowledge, values and skills to supervised social work practice in human service settings. The course provides opportunities for immersion in professional social work practice issues and dialogue within a classroom seminar format. The field internship is completed concurrently with the course.
P: Admission to the MSW Program
Spring.
SOC WORK 716. Field III. 1-4 Credits.
Supervised social work practicum experience in a human service agency setting.
P: Completion of foundation curriculum or advanced standing.
Fall Only.
SOC WORK 717. Seminar III. 1 Credit.
This advanced seminar course focuses on the application and integration of advanced social work knowledge, values and skills to supervised social work practice in human service settings. This course provides opportunities for immersion in professional social work practice issues and dialogue within a classroom seminar format. The field internship is completed concurrently with the course.
P: Completion of foundation curriculum or advanced standing.
Fall Only.
SOC WORK 718. Field IV. 1-4 Credits.
Supervised social work practicum experience in a human service agency setting.
P: Completion of foundation curriculum or advanced standing.
Spring.
SOC WORK 719. Capstone Seminar. 1 Credit.
This advanced seminar course focuses on the application and integration of advanced social work knowledge, values and skills to supervised social work practice in human service settings. This course provides opportunities for immersion in professional social work practice issues and dialogue within a classroom seminar format. The field internship is completed concurrently with the course.
P: Completion of foundation curriculum or advanced standing.
Spring.
SOC WORK 720. Diversity, Social Justice & Advocacy. 3 Credits.
Social work advanced practice course on working with diverse groups and communities.
P: Completion of foundation requirements or advanced standing.
SOC WORK 721. Advanced Practice: Multi-Level Family Systems. 3 Credits.
Advanced social work theory and practice techniques for working with individuals and families.
P: Completion of foundation curriculum or advanced standing.
Fall Only.
SOC WORK 722. Social Work Management & Supervision in the Social Services. 3 Credits.
Advanced social work practice of management and supervision methods for students working in management positions at any level in social service agencies.
P: Admission to the MSW Program or consent of instructor.
SOC WORK 727. Psychopathology & Strength-Based Assessment. 3 Credits.
This course examines mental health and mental illness from a strengths-based social work perspective. Cultural and community factors in defining these issues are addressed.
P: Admission to MSW Program or consent of instructor.
SOC WORK 728. Advanced Policy: Leadership, Advocacy and Practice. 3 Credits.
This course examines the role of social workers as leaders in advocacy efforts in policy practice and social institutions to address the needs of vulnerable and oppressed populations. Students apply an analytical framework from a social justice perspective when analyzing social welfare policy to examine particular practice concerns.
P: Completion of foundation curriculum or advanced standing.
SOC WORK 731. Research for MSW Practice. 3 Credits.
Advanced research course that prepares students to evaluate their own practice and to carry out independent research projects.
P: Completion of foundation curriculum or advanced standing.
Fall Only.
SOC WORK 735. Emerging Issues in Child Welfare. 3 Credits.
Elective course examining contemporary child welfare policies and practices with emphasis upon child safety, permanency and well-being.
P: Admission to MSW Program or consent of instructor.
SOC WORK 736. Advanced Program Evaluation. 3 Credits.
This course focuses on evaluating social service delivery systems through the logic model and utilization-focused evaluation methods.
P: Completion of foundation curriculum or advanced standing.
Spring.
SOC WORK 737. Social Work and Crisis Intervention with Vulnerable Populations. 3 Credits.
This course contributes to development of practice competency with vulnerable and oppressed groups. The course teaches crisis intervention and emergency treatment approaches and then applies them to vulnerable populations of males and females in the United States.
P: Admission to MSW Program or consent of instructor.
SOC WORK 738. Advanced Practice: Community Empowerment. 3 Credits.
This course aims to prepare students for participation in the change process at the systems-level by building knowledge and skills in community organizing, program development, and fundraising.
P: Completion of foundation curriculum or advanced standing.
Spring.
SOC WORK 747. Mental Health Theories. 3 Credits.
This course examines the current mental health theories influencing social work direct practice.
P: Admission to MSW Program or consent of instructor.
SOC WORK 757. Treatment and Mistreatment of Offenders. 3 Credits.
Prepares social workers for an understanding of correctional models and their inherent values, bio-psycho-social theories of crime causation, and assessment and intervention skills within a generalist framework.
P: Admission to MSW Program or consent of instructor.
SOC WORK 767. Mental Health and Substance Abuse in Generalist Practice (Strengths and Psychopathology). 3 Credits.
The course will assist students to relate generalist practice social work theories to individuals with mental health and substance abuse challenges. The course will examine DSM-5 diagnosis, theoretical models and the implications of each approach relative to assessment and generalist practice settings. In addition, the course will integrate social justice and ethical frameworks in the assessment of mental health and substance abuse within generalist settings.
P: Admission to MSW Program or consent of instructor.
SOC WORK 777. Legal Aspects of Social Work Practice. 3 Credits.
This course provides students with the understanding of the field of forensic social work practice which includes both criminal and civil issues. Students will learn to conduct forensic assessments, write court reports, act as expert and fact witnesses and facilitate guardianships. The course covers practice knowledge and skills in a variety of contexts including child welfare, juvenile justice, adult corrections, victim/witness services, health/long-term care, mental health, domestic abuse and disability services. Students apply knowledge to ethical dilemmas encountered in the legal system and learn to advocate on behalf of clients.
P: Admission to MSW Program or consent of instructor.
SOC WORK 795. Special Topics. 3 Credits.
This course provides students an opportunity to strengthen social work practice in work with clients and/or social service agencies on topics such as mental health, addictions, violence or other areas of concern in social work practice.
P: Admission to MSW Program or consent of instructor.
SOC WORK 798. Independent Study. 1-3 Credits.
P: gr st.
Fall and Spring.
