Master of Social Work
Prepare for advanced social work practice in Mason’s MSW program. You’ll strengthen your interpersonal, research, and communication skills as you learn to transform communities and systems. Our Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)-accredited MSW program will prepare you to work with culturally diverse individuals and communities to promote social and economic justice and enhance human well-being. Ranked #39 among MSW programs at public institutions.
The MSW is offered in both on-campus and online formats. The content is the same, only the mode of delivery and schedule differs. Apply now to the on-campus program or learn more about the fully online option.
Flexible Formats
On-Campus, on-line, and hybrid formats are available. Students admitted to the on-campus program have the option of enrolling under a two-year, three-year, or four-year plan.
Interprofessional
Gain an interprofessional education that’ll prepare you to work in multi-disciplinary teams to deliver the best health outcomes for all.
Prepare For Licensure
The MSW curriculum prepares you to apply for clinical licensure in the Commonwealth of Virginia. To apply, you must complete the required 600 hours of advanced clinical practicum in your specialization year, or complete an additional 600 hours of supervised clinical work post-MSW.
The MSW program includes a generalist year and a specialization year.
Generalist Year
Generalist year curriculum includes courses in the foundations of social work; human behavior and social systems; poverty, oppression, and inequity; direct practice with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities; community practice across the life course; social work research; organizing and advocating for change; and psychopathology. In addition to coursework, student complete a generalist year practicum that includes tasks and interactions with individuals, families, groups, organizations and communities
Upon completion of the generalist year, students enter the specialization year.
Specialization Year
Specialization year students can select a specialization in Children, Youth & Families (CYF), or Adults & Healthy Aging (AHA). Specialization coursework addresses population-specific prevention, assessment, treatment, and evidence-informed interventions, build research and program evaluation skills, and help students master policy practice skills. Particular attention will be paid to cultural, social, and economic factors that influence client functioning and the worker’s equity skills. In addition to required specialization year courses, students choose 12 credit hours comprised of macro and clinical electives. Both AHA and CYF specialization practicum provide the opportunities for practicum experience in clinical (micro and mezzo) and macro service delivery.
Advanced Standing
Students who have earned a BSW degree from a CSWE-accredited program may quality for Advanced Standing, entering the programs as a specialization year student. The Advanced Standing MSW degree is 33 credits.
Hands on Experience
The MSW program features 1,050 hours of supervised practicum experience. Practicum placements are negotiated with input from each student and are designed to provide you hand-on experience.
FAQ
If you’re new to the social work field or Mason, you may have a lot of questions. From our admissions requirements to career opportunities, learn more about this program and the industry in our frequently asked questions.
Faculty
George Mason social work faculty are not only skilled educators dedicated to their students’ success, they are also industry-expert professionals who make impactful contributions to their field.
Opportunities
Through specialized training, students will acquire skills in research, program evaluation, assessment, intervention strategies, and practice skills to work with and enhance the quality of life of individuals, families, and communities.
Graduates will be prepared to work collaboratively with individuals, families, and communities, to stimulate positive change through clinical practice, advocacy, and social and political action, and address local, national, and global challenges.
Graduates interested in clinical practice are prepared to work with smaller systems such as individuals and families with both specializations providing a flexible foundation to build a career path. Both specializations provide the skills to work with larger systems, including roles within both governmental and non-profit organizations.
Outcomes
George Mason MSW alumni go on to make impressive contributions to their communities and to the social work field. They work in various areas of practice including behavioral health (mental health and substance use services), child welfare, accessibility and disability services, schools, international social work, older adults, and more.
Practice areas and potential roles include:
- behavioral health therapist
- licensed clinical social worker
- child welfare worker (e.g., adoption and protective services)
- employee assistance program worker
- child and family services worker
- military and veteran's affairs social worker
- non-profit director
- program manager
- social program planner and evaluator
- public policy analyst
- housing and community development worker
- community organizer and advocate
Information for International Students
The College's faculty and staff value diverse opinions, perspectives, and world views. An educational environment in which students are encouraged to explore and celebrate diversity provides a powerful foundation on which to launch successful careers in national and international health and human services organizations.
We encourage international students to apply to the Master of Social Work, which requires applicants to submit an application for graduate admission to the university.
Accreditation Information
The program is fully accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). Founded in 1952, CSWE is the national association representing social work education in the United States. Through its many initiatives, activities, and centers, CSWE supports quality social work education and provides opportunities for leadership and professional development, so that social workers play a central role in achieving the profession’s goals of social and economic justice