Graduate Program - Master of Social Work

The Master of Social Work program provides advanced professional study for women and men in social work. The program prepares social work practitioners for clinical social work practice and leadership with a focus on direct clinical services or clinical supervision and program management. The MSW program is jointly offered by the College of St. Catherine and the University of St. Thomas.

The MSW program emphasizes the development of the individual student. The curriculum through its focus on clinical social work practice, direct practice with individuals, and small groups and families, deals with problems including poverty, discrimination, mental illness, developmental disability and oppression. It emphasizes demonstrated mastery of knowledge as well as practice skills.

The curriculum is rooted in a philosophy of social responsibility and respect for individuals' rights. The development of a specific area of expertise is encouraged through the careful planning of a systematic program with individualized focus that incorporates the student's practice experience, and reflects the student's needs, practice and research interests.

The Regular Standing (RS) graduate program requires 60 semester credits, including 1,000 hours of field practicum and the completion of a clinical research paper.

Advanced Standing (AS) admission is available for students with an undergraduate degree in social work from a CSWE-accredited program.

Foundation and advanced courses include study in human behavior and the social environment; social policy and services; research, generalist and clinical social work practice; field work; social work values and ethics; diversity; social and economic justice; and populations- at-risk.

Courses are offered in the late afternoon and early evening to accommodate graduate students who are working professionals. A weekend cohort program meets once a month. Although primarily serving students who commute from Greater Minnesota and surrounding states, the weekend cohort option is available for students in the seven-county metro area as well.

For more information about the Master of Social Work program, contact: Office of Admission The College of St. Catherine 2004 Randolph Ave., St. Paul, MN 55105. Or call (651) 690-6933. The toll-free number is (800) 945-4599, Ext. 6933.