Syracuse University Online Master of Social Work

Syracuse University offers online Master of Social Work (MSW) and Advanced Standing MSW programs with concentrations in Advanced Clinical Practice (ACP) and Advanced Integrated Practice (AIP). The MSW programs are offered through the School of Social Work at Falk College of Sport and Human Dynamics. The programs focus on ethical and professional behavior, human rights, social, economic, and environmental justice, diversity in practice, work with military personnel, research-based practice, and focused professional engagement with individuals, families, groups, institutions, and communities.

Applicants to the Advanced Standing MSW program must have a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). The program comprises 36 credits plus 500 field placement hours and can be completed in as few as 24 months. The traditional MSW program comprises 60 credits plus 1,000 field placement hours and can be completed in as few as 36 months. Courses last 15 weeks each with 14 weeks of classes and coursework, and one week for exams. Cohorts begin in January, May, and August.

Courses are fully online, with live weekly class sessions and accompanying coursework. Cohorts of students participate in class discussions, breakout groups, and group projects. Some field hours may occur online, and students will have the opportunity to observe clinical sessions. Syracuse University delivers courses through the Blackboard Learning Management System (LMS), and live sessions are recorded for later viewing. Online students can access university services, including one-on-one coaching, career services, a WeWork global membership, a worldwide network of professionals and alumni, and technical help.

The Advanced Clinical Practice concentration is for students who want to become mental health clinicians and become Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSW). LCSW exams are distributed by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) and licensure requirements may vary by state. Licensed Clinical Social Workers typically evaluate and diagnose patients, conduct psychotherapy, and work with individuals, families, and groups.

The Advanced Integrated Practice concentration prepares graduates for direct practice and leadership positions in human service organizations. These may include nonprofit organizations, healthcare systems, community organizations, and public facilities. Services may include guiding individuals and families through complex healthcare situations, short-term interventions, organizational development, social policy, community needs assessment, social research, working with adoptive families, or serving in public office.

The Traditional Master of Social Work includes the following foundational courses: Fundamentals of Social Work Practice I-II; Social Welfare Policy and Services; Persons in Social Context; Human Diversity in Social Contexts; Applied Research in Social Work; and Field Instruction I-II. Advanced foundational courses taken by Traditional and Advanced MSW students include Field Instruction III-IV, Psychopathology, and Family Systems Theory.

ACP concentration courses include Advanced Practice with Individuals, Families, and Groups; Social Work Practice in Mental Health; Mental Health Policy; Clinical Practice Evaluation; and Alcohol and Other Drugs in Social Work Practice. ACP students then choose nine credits of electives.

AIP concentration courses include

• Advanced Integrative Social Work Practice
• One of the following: Mental Health Policy or Family and Child Welfare Policy
• One Micro Practice course: Short-Term Intervention in Social Work; Practice with Children, Adolescents, and Families; Principles and Methods of Social Work Practice with Black Families; or Alcohol and Other Drugs in Social Work Practice
• One Advanced Macro Practice course: Supervision, Consultation, and Staff Development; Administration in Human Services; Proposal Writing and Program Development; Community Organization and Development; Seminar in Organizational Development and Leadership
• A third course from either the Micro Practice or Advanced Macro Practice course lists
• Either Program Evaluation or Clinical Practice Evaluation
• Six credits of electives

Electives include Introduction to Military Culture and Social Work Practice; Death, Dying, and Terminal Illness; Principles and Methods of Social Work Practice with Black Families; Practice with Children, Adolescents, and Families; and Seminar in Organizational Development and Leadership.

Syracuse University is accredited by The Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE). The MSW programs are CSWE-accredited.