MSW Graduation Requirements @ School of Social Work | University of Missouri

The Curriculum is divided into two levels, Foundation and Concentration content.

The Foundation content comprises 24 credit hours and focuses on the development of generalist knowledge and skills in social work. A field practicum course is required in this cluster of courses. Foundation knowledge is assumed for BSW graduates who enter in the Advanced Standing program. However, Advanced Standing students must take the foundation research course.

The Concentration content comprises 36 credit hours. Students begin concentration coursework during the second semester of the regular program. Students select either the Clinical Practice or the Policy, Planning and Administration concentration, based on individual interests. Concentration requirements include electives and a selective that allow students to shape their own graduate education. The final phase of the Concentration curriculum consists of Graduate Field Practicum II (680 clock hours) and the Integrative Professional Practice Seminar.

Clinical Practice Concentration
Those who choose Clinical Practice are interested in strategies of direct intervention with individuals, families, small groups and communities. This concentration prepares social workers for clinical practice in a wide variety of social services organizations. Clinical Practice graduates serve in a variety of professional roles such as counselor, team leader, employee assistance specialist, diagnostician, therapist, educator, social broker, community advocate, consultant, and case manager.

Policy, Planning and Administration Concentration
Those who choose Policy, Planning and Administration are interested in strategies of intervention for social change at the macro-system level. This concentration prepares social workers for management, policy making and advocacy practice in a wide variety of social services organizations, foundations and political and government settings. Policy, Planning and Administration graduates serve in a variety of professional roles such as program administrator, program director, evaluator, researcher, and policy analyst throughout all areas of professional social work practice.

Graduate Field Practicum I, Social Work 7971 is a six (6) credit hour (16 clock hours a week) course taken in the spring semester of the first graduate year.

Graduate Field Practicum II, Social Work 8971 is a 12 credit hour (40 clock hours a week) course taken in the final spring semester of the second graduate year. This course is part of the Concentration segment of the curriculum. This placement begins the first working day in January and lasts until the end of the semester on a five-day-per-week basis, with no spring break. This placement enables students to receive intensive instruction and gain experience in the area of concentration. A Professional Practice Seminar accompanies this practicum and serves to integrate previous classroom course work with the field experience.

Field instruction assignments are collaborative decisions of the Director of Field, faculty adviser, student and, in some cases, the MSW Program Director. The School employs organizational resources throughout Missouri and the instructional services of a selected group of highly qualified, experienced field faculty. Field placements are developed to meet the learning needs of students. Most placements are in the state; however, arrangements for out of state placements can be made.