Social Work, M.S.W.
Student Handbook Field Education Policy and Procedures Manual
Saint Louis University's Master of Social Work (M.S.W.) degree prepares social work professionals for work with vulnerable populations facing health, social, and economic challenges.
Social workers are educationally prepared to provide services including therapy, policy advocacy, case management, group work, crisis intervention, children and family practice, and leadership for nonprofit organizations. M.S.W. level social workers work are employed in a wide variety of human service organizations including family and community centers, mental health and treatment centers, hospitals, schools, nonprofit agencies, residential children’s or adult centers, justice centers, and many more organizations.
SLU's M.S.W. program offers multiple course delivery formats to assist students who are working full- or part-time and for students who want to progress faster by taking additional credits per semester. Formats include the traditional 15-week format (two-and-a-half-hour classes, fall and spring semesters) and a ten-week format (three-and-a-half-hour classes, summer semester). Electives may also be offered in the following formats: two intersession periods of week-long classes, online blended classes or five consecutive Saturday sessions (9 a.m. to 4 p.m.).
Curriculum Overview
SLU's M.S.W. curriculum includes generalist foundation courses, advanced practice courses in an area of concentration, and field practicum. The generalist foundation courses provide the basic social work theory and methods for working with individuals, families, and groups, organizations, and communities.
Students then select an advanced practice area of concentration and proceed with taking these courses. Saint Louis University's School of Social Work offers three concentrations:
- Applied Behavior Analysis
- Clinical
- Community and Organization
SLU's M.S.W. degree is 57 credits, with full-time and part-time options available. Students with a Bachelor of Social Work degree from a Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) accredited program many earn up to 18 credits of advanced standing toward the M.S.W. degree.
Applied Behavior Analysis Concentration
The applied behavior analysis concentration focuses on evidenced-based methods to assist children, adults, and organizations in changing behavior. Curriculum prepares students to be eligible to become a board-certified behavior analyst.
Clinical Concentration
The clinical concentration focuses on assessment, intervention, and outcomes in clinical work with individuals, families, groups, or larger systems. Courses focus on working with diverse families and family systems across a developmental life span using core clinical approaches to engagement, assessment, intervention, and evaluation of outcomes in a variety of clinical practice settings.
Community and Organization Concentration
This community and organization concentration focuses on mezzo and macro level community work, such as community organizing and advocacy, nonprofit administration and local, state and national policy advocacy and implementation.
Fieldwork and Research Opportunities
During the coursework, students will also be mentored by a M.S.W. field instructor while working in a social work capacity in the community.
Students can further specialize their studies through coursework or practicum experiences in the following areas:
- Community Mental Health Practice
- Criminal Justice
- Gerontology
- Global Social Work
- Health Practice
- Nonprofit Administration
- Practice with Children and Youth
- School Social Work
- Substance Use Disorder Treatment
- Therapy with Individuals and Families
- Trauma-Informed Practice
- Veteran Services
Careers
SLU's M.S.W. program is ranked in the top 20 percent of social work programs nationally. Possible careers include work in the fields of health care, mental health, school, child welfare, family services, criminal justice, gerontology, policy, advocacy, administrative and community development.
Admission Requirements
- A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university
- Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00
Application Requirements
- Application form and fee $65
- Transcript(s)
- Three letters of recommendation (two academic, one professional)
- Résumé
- Interview
- Professional goal statement
Requirements for International Students
TOEFL of 92 or higher or PTE Academic score
All admission policies and requirements for domestic students apply to international students along with the following:
- Demonstrate English Language Proficiency
- Proof of financial support must include:
- A letter of financial support from the person(s) or sponsoring agency funding the time at Saint Louis University
- A letter from the sponsor's bank verifying that the funds are available and will be so for the duration of study at the University
- Academic records, in English translation, of students who have undertaken postsecondary studies outside the United States must include the courses taken and/or lectures attended, practical laboratory work, the maximum and minimum grades attainable, the grades earned or the results of all end-of-term examinations, and any honors or degrees received. WES and ECE transcripts are accepted.
Application Deadlines
All applicants who apply by the priority deadline of March 1 for Fall and October 1 for Spring are reviewed for merit-based scholarships. Applications will continue to be accepted and reviewed for admissions until August 1 for Fall and December 1 for Spring. To be considered for a graduate assistantship, students must fill out the GA application found under the Scholarship and Financial aid tab by March 1.
Review Process
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. As soon as an application is complete, it is reviewed. Admission decisions are based upon overall application. Clinical experience, potential or demonstrated leadership, and some background in research are important factors that are taken into consideration.
Advanced Standing
Students who have completed a bachelor's degree in social work from an eligible, CSWE accredited program, can receive up to 18 credits of “advanced standing” toward a Master of Social Work at Saint Louis University; approved advanced standing students will need to complete only 39 credits of master's coursework.
To be eligible, students must have:
- Undergraduate cumulative GPA of 3.0
- Earned grades of ‘B’ or better in undergraduate social work courses
- Have completed his/her bachelor’s at a program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education
- No additional transfer credits will be accepted.
Scholarships and Financial Aid
We recognize that when choosing to continue your education, cost can be a concern. To help ease that decision, we have identified the following financial aid resources.
FASFA and Other Resources
All incoming students should complete the application for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). A step-by-step guide to submitting your FAFSA is available online.
Saint Louis University Student Financial Services provides a Graduate Financial Aid Handbook that outlines the process of financing your graduate education.
The following links to resources in Saint Louis University Student Financial Services may also be helpful:
Paying Your Bill and Payment Plans
Scholarships
New and continuing students are eligible for merit-based scholarships. Prospective students who apply for admission by the priority deadline are automatically screened for scholarship eligibility. No additional application is required; awards are based on information provided in the admission application.
Priority Deadlines
March 1 for Fall
October 1 for Spring
Please note that the terms of scholarship are subject to change if the student petitions for a degree transfer or fails to remain in good academic standing.
Fellowships
The Doerr Fellowship for Equity and Inclusion is a full-tuition fellowship funded by the School of Social Work for new and continuing students. A separate application is required with a deadline of March 1. This fellowship requires that recipients serve as members of the School of Social Work's Equity and Inclusion Committee. Recipients will also be expected to actively participate in the diversity, equity, and inclusion activities sponsored throughout the year by the Doerr Center.
Newly accepted master's or doctoral students and students in the first year of a program are eligible to apply for a University-wide Diversity, Dissertation or Presidential fellowship. You must first submit the full application minus the nomination letter to the School of Social Work by Jan 2 to be considered for nomination. Please click here for more details on application components. Completed applications including all application components minus the nomination letter should be submitted as a PDF to Kristi.richter@slu.edu.
Graduate Assistantships
By filling out a Graduate Assistantship application you will automatically be considered for a full or partial graduate assistantship with the School of Social Work. Assistantships are appointed for one year. Students must reapply to be considered for a second year and there are no guarantees that recipients will receive subsequent/continuing assistantships.
Full Graduate Assistantship are University-funded assistantships (UFA) are awarded by the School of Social Work. They are assigned and funded for two semesters, a duration of 9 months, 20 hours per week, working with designated faculty. Most Full Assistantships are assigned to help faculty with research (GRA) and a small number may be assigned to assist with administrative work (GA), or faculty teaching (GTA). The Full Graduate assistant works with one or two faculty, depending on faculty needs. Time is divided between both faculty mentors, if assigned two. Students who receive a fully-funded UFA in one year may not receive a UFA in subsequent years, although they remain eligible for partial assistantships throughout their pursuit of a graduate degree in the School of Social Work.
Benefits include:
• 18 credit hour tuition remission (9 per semester)
• 9-month stipend (paid in 9 equal payments at the end of the month – August through April)
• Health insurance for 9 months.
Partial Graduate Assistantship are funded and awarded by the School of Social Work. They are assigned and funded for two semesters, a duration of 9 months, 8-16 hours per week, working with assigned faculty. Partial Assistantships may be assigned to assist with administrative work (GA), research (GRA), or faculty teaching (GTA). Depending on the hours assigned, tuition benefits will differ; health insurance and stipends are not awarded with Partial Assistantships.
Current Students
Current students may be eligible for conference/training funding, graduate assistantships and scholarships. For more information and applications, visit the School of Social Work's Google Site.
Accreditation
The baccalaureate social work program at Saint Louis University has been continuously accredited since 1974.
The master’s social work program at Saint Louis University has been continuously accredited since 1930.
Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)
1701 Duke Street, Suite 200
Alexandria, VA 22314-3457
Phone:+1.703.683.8080
- Graduates will be able to identify as a professional social worker and conduct oneself accordingly.
- Graduates will be able to apply social work ethical principles to guide professional practice.
- Graduates will be able to apply critical thinking to inform and communicate professional judgments.
- Graduates will be able to engage diversity and difference in practice.
- Graduates will be able to advance human rights and social and economic justice.
- Graduates will be able to engage in research-informed practice and practice-informed research.
- Graduates will be able to apply knowledge of human behavior and the social environment.
- Graduates will be able to engage in policy practice to advance social and economic well-being and to deliver effective social work services.
- Graduates will be able to respond to contexts that shape practice.
- Graduates will be able to engage, assess, intervene, and evaluate.
- Graduates will be able to engage with individuals, families, groups, organizations & communities.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Generalist Foundation Courses | ||
| SWRK 5702 | Social Policy | 3 |
| SWRK 5725 | Human Behavior & the Social Environment | 3 |
| SWRK 5750 | Social Work Practice with Individuals, Families, & Groups | 3 |
| SWRK 5751 | Social Work Practice with Communities & Organizations | 3 |
| SWRK 5819 | Foundation Integrative Practice Seminar | 1 |
| SWRK 5841 | Master of Social Work Foundation Practicum | 2 |
| Hallmark Courses | ||
| PUBH 5010 | Mission and Practice of Global Public Health | 3 |
| SWRK 5707 | Policy Practice for Social Justice | 3 |
| Research Methods Courses | ||
| SWRK 5787 | Research Methods I | 3 |
| Concentrations | 33 | |
Select one of the following: | ||
| Total Credits | 57 | |
Applied Behavior Analysis Concentration
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Advanced Practice Concentration Courses | ||
| SWRK 5746 | Principles & Concepts in Applied Behavior Analysis | 3 |
| SWRK 5747 | Assessment & Selecting Interventions in Applied Behavior Analysis | 3 |
| SWRK 5748 | Behavior Change & Processes in Applied Behavior Analysis | 3 |
| SWRK 5749 | Behavior Change & Ethics in Applied Behavior Analysis | 3 |
| SWRK 5774 | Measurement & Experimental Design in Applied Behavior Analysis | 3 |
| SWRK 5930 | Special Topics | 3 |
| Concentration Practicum | ||
| SWRK 5822 | Concentration Practicum I | 2 |
| SWRK 5823 | Concentration Practicum II | 3 |
| SWRK 5824 | Concentration Practicum III | 3 |
| SWRK 5820 | Concentration Integrative Practice Seminar | 1 |
| SWRK 5830 | ABA Integrative Practice Seminar II | 0 |
| SWRK 5840 | ABA Integrative Practice Seminar III | 0 |
| Concentration Electives | 6 | |
Select six credits † | ||
| Total Credits | 33 | |
| † | Up to 6 credits may be taken outside of Social Work (SWRK) courses. |
Clinical Concentration
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Advanced Practice Concentration Courses | ||
| SWRK 5700 | Values & Ethics in Social Work | 3 |
| SWRK 5733 | Advanced Social Work Practice | 3 |
| SWRK 5734 | Human Behavior & the Social Environment Part II | 3 |
| SWRK 5762 | Diagnosis & Assessment in Clinical Practice | 3 |
| SWRK 5788 | Research Methods II | 3 |
| Concentration Practicum | ||
| SWRK 5820 | Concentration Integrative Practice Seminar | 1 |
| SWRK 5842 | Clinical 1st Concentration Practicum | 2 |
| SWRK 5843 | Clinical 2nd Concentration Practicum | 3 |
| Concentration Electives | ||
| Select 12 credits † | 12 | |
| Total Credits | 33 | |
| † | Up to 6 credits may be taken outside of Social Work (SWRK) courses. |
Community and Organization Concentration
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Advanced Practice Concentration Courses | ||
| SWRK 5700 | Values & Ethics in Social Work | 3 |
| SWRK 5721 | Community Theory & Practice | 3 |
| SWRK 5785 | Organizational & Program Planning | 3 |
| SWRK 5788 | Research Methods II | 3 |
| Concentration Practicum | ||
| SWRK 5820 | Concentration Integrative Practice Seminar | 1 |
| SWRK 5832 | Community & Organization 1st Concentration Practicum | 2 |
| SWRK 5833 | Community & Organization 2nd Concentration Practicum | 3 |
| Concentration Electives | ||
| Select 15 credits † | 15 | |
| Total Credits | 33 | |
| † | Up to 6 credits may be taken outside of Social Work (SWRK) courses. |
Continuation Standards
Students must maintain a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.00 in all graduate/professional courses.
Roadmaps are recommended semester-by-semester plans of study for programs and assume full-time enrollment unless otherwise noted.
Courses and milestones designated as critical (marked with !) must be completed in the semester listed to ensure a timely graduation. Transfer credit may change the roadmap.
This roadmap should not be used in the place of regular academic advising appointments. All students are encouraged to meet with their advisor/mentor each semester. Requirements, course availability and sequencing are subject to change.
Applied Behavior Analysis Concentration
| Year One | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | |
| SWRK 5750 | Social Work Practice with Individuals, Families, & Groups | 3 |
| SWRK 5751 | Social Work Practice with Communities & Organizations | 3 |
| SWRK 5702 | Social Policy | 3 |
| SWRK 5725 | Human Behavior & the Social Environment | 3 |
| Credits | 12 | |
| Spring | ||
| SWRK 5707 | Policy Practice for Social Justice | 3 |
| SWRK 5841 | Master of Social Work Foundation Practicum 1 | 2 |
| SWRK 5819 | Foundation Integrative Practice Seminar | 1 |
| PUBH 5010 | Mission and Practice of Global Public Health | 3 |
| Elective | 3 | |
| Credits | 12 | |
| Summer | ||
| SWRK 5930 | Special Topics | 3 |
| SWRK 5787 | Research Methods I | 3 |
| Credits | 6 | |
| Year Two | ||
| Fall | ||
| SWRK 5822 | Concentration Practicum I 2 | 2 |
| SWRK 5820 | Concentration Integrative Practice Seminar | 1 |
| SWRK 5746 | Principles & Concepts in Applied Behavior Analysis | 3 |
| SWRK 5774 | Measurement & Experimental Design in Applied Behavior Analysis 3 | 3 |
| Credits | 9 | |
| Spring | ||
| SWRK 5747 | Assessment & Selecting Interventions in Applied Behavior Analysis | 3 |
| SWRK 5748 | Behavior Change & Processes in Applied Behavior Analysis | 3 |
| SWRK 5823 | Concentration Practicum II 4 | 3 |
| SWRK 5830 | ABA Integrative Practice Seminar II | 0 |
| Credits | 9 | |
| Summer | ||
| SWRK 5749 | Behavior Change & Ethics in Applied Behavior Analysis 5 | 3 |
| SWRK 5824 | Concentration Practicum III 6 | 3 |
| SWRK 5840 | ABA Integrative Practice Seminar III | 0 |
| Elective | 3 | |
| Credits | 9 | |
| Total Credits | 57 | |
| 1 | Must be taken concurrently with SWRK 5819 Foundation Integrative Practice Seminar (1 cr) |
| 2 | Must be taken concurrently with SWRK 5820 Concentration Integrative Practice Seminar (1 cr) |
| 3 | Sub for SWRK 5788 Research Methods II (3 cr) |
| 4 | Must be taken concurrently with SWRK 5830 ABA Integrative Practice Seminar II (0 cr) |
| 5 | Sub for SWRK 5700 Values & Ethics in Social Work (3 cr) |
| 6 | Must be taken concurrently with SWRK 5840 ABA Integrative Practice Seminar III (0 cr) |
Clinical Concentration (Full Time)
| Year One | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | |
| PUBH 5010 | Mission and Practice of Global Public Health | 3 |
| SWRK 5750 | Social Work Practice with Individuals, Families, & Groups | 3 |
| SWRK 5751 | Social Work Practice with Communities & Organizations | 3 |
| SWRK 5702 | Social Policy | 3 |
| SWRK 5725 | Human Behavior & the Social Environment | 3 |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Spring | ||
| SWRK 5841 | Master of Social Work Foundation Practicum 1 | 2 |
| SWRK 5819 | Foundation Integrative Practice Seminar | 1 |
| Clinical Concentration Core Course | 3 | |
| Clinical Concentration Core Course | 3 | |
| SWRK 5707 | Policy Practice for Social Justice | 3 |
| Elective | 3 | |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Year Two | ||
| Fall | ||
| SWRK 5842 | Clinical 1st Concentration Practicum 2 | 2 |
| SWRK 5820 | Concentration Integrative Practice Seminar | 1 |
| SWRK 5700 | Values & Ethics in Social Work | 3 |
| SWRK 5787 | Research Methods I | 3 |
| SWRK 5733 | Advanced Social Work Practice (or Elective) 3 | 3 |
| Elective | 3 | |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Spring | ||
| SWRK 5843 | Clinical 2nd Concentration Practicum | 3 |
| SWRK 5788 | Research Methods II 4 | 3 |
| Elective | 3 | |
| Elective | 3 | |
| Credits | 12 | |
| Total Credits | 57 | |
| 1 | Must be taken concurrently with SWRK 5819 Foundation Integrative Practice Seminar (1 cr) |
| 2 | Must take concurrently with SWRK 5820 Concentration Integrative Practice Seminar (1 cr) |
| 3 | SWRK 5733 Advanced Social Work Practice (3 cr) must be taken either concurrently or after SWRK 5842 Clinical 1st Concentration Practicum (2 cr). |
| 4 | Must be taken in the semester immediately following SWRK 5787 Research Methods I (3 cr) |
Clinical Concentration (Part Time)
| Year One | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | |
| SWRK 5725 | Human Behavior & the Social Environment | 3 |
| SWRK 5750 | Social Work Practice with Individuals, Families, & Groups | 3 |
| Credits | 6 | |
| Spring | ||
| SWRK 5702 | Social Policy | 3 |
| SWRK 5751 | Social Work Practice with Communities & Organizations | 3 |
| Credits | 6 | |
| Year Two | ||
| Fall | ||
| PUBH 5010 | Mission and Practice of Global Public Health | 3 |
| SWRK 5841 | Master of Social Work Foundation Practicum 1 | 2 |
| SWRK 5819 | Foundation Integrative Practice Seminar | 1 |
| Credits | 6 | |
| Spring | ||
| SWRK 5700 | Values & Ethics in Social Work | 3 |
| SWRK 5707 | Policy Practice for Social Justice | 3 |
| Credits | 6 | |
| Year Three | ||
| Fall | ||
| Clinical Concentration Core Courses 2 | 3 | |
| Clinical Concentration Core Courses | 3 | |
| SWRK 5787 | Research Methods I | 3 |
| Credits | 9 | |
| Spring | ||
| SWRK 5788 | Research Methods II 3 | 3 |
| Elective | 3 | |
| Elective | 3 | |
| Credits | 9 | |
| Year Four | ||
| Fall | ||
| SWRK 5842 | Clinical 1st Concentration Practicum 4 | 2 |
| SWRK 5820 | Concentration Integrative Practice Seminar | 1 |
| SWRK 5733 | Advanced Social Work Practice (or Elective) 5 | 3 |
| Credits | 6 | |
| Spring | ||
| SWRK 5843 | Clinical 2nd Concentration Practicum | 3 |
| Elective | 3 | |
| Elective | 3 | |
| Credits | 9 | |
| Total Credits | 57 | |
| 1 | Must take concurrently with SWRK 5819 Foundation Integrative Practice Seminar (1 cr) |
| 2 | Students can begin taking electives when they begin Concentration Core Courses and can add a three-credit elective to any semester beginning in Semester Five. |
| 3 | Must be taken in the semester immediately following SWRK 5787 Research Methods I (3 cr) |
| 4 | Must take concurrently with SWRK 5820 Concentration Integrative Practice Seminar (1 cr) |
| 5 | SWRK 5733 Advanced Social Work Practice (3 cr) must be taken either in concurrently or after SWRK 5842 Clinical 1st Concentration Practicum (2 cr). |
Community and Organization Concentration (Full Time)
| Year One | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | |
| PUBH 5010 | Mission and Practice of Global Public Health | 3 |
| SWRK 5750 | Social Work Practice with Individuals, Families, & Groups | 3 |
| SWRK 5751 | Social Work Practice with Communities & Organizations | 3 |
| SWRK 5702 | Social Policy | 3 |
| SWRK 5725 | Human Behavior & the Social Environment | 3 |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Spring | ||
| SWRK 5841 | Master of Social Work Foundation Practicum 1 | 2 |
| SWRK 5819 | Foundation Integrative Practice Seminar | 1 |
| Community & Org Concentration Core Course | 3 | |
| Community & Org Concentration Core Course | 3 | |
| SWRK 5707 | Policy Practice for Social Justice | 3 |
| Elective | 3 | |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Year Two | ||
| Fall | ||
| SWRK 5842 | Clinical 1st Concentration Practicum | 2 |
| SWRK 5820 | Concentration Integrative Practice Seminar | 1 |
| SWRK 5700 | Values & Ethics in Social Work | 3 |
| SWRK 5787 | Research Methods I | 3 |
| Elective | 3 | |
| Elective | 3 | |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Spring | ||
| SWRK 5843 | Clinical 2nd Concentration Practicum | 3 |
| SWRK 5788 | Research Methods II 2 | 3 |
| Elective | 3 | |
| Elective | 3 | |
| Credits | 12 | |
| Total Credits | 57 | |
| 1 | Must be taken concurrently with SWRK 5819 Foundation Integrative Practice Seminar (1 cr) |
| 2 | Must be taken in the semester immediately following SWRK 5787 Research Methods I (3 cr) |
Community and Organization Concentration (Part Time)
| Year One | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | |
| SWRK 5725 | Human Behavior & the Social Environment | 3 |
| SWRK 5750 | Social Work Practice with Individuals, Families, & Groups | 3 |
| Credits | 6 | |
| Spring | ||
| SWRK 5702 | Social Policy | 3 |
| SWRK 5751 | Social Work Practice with Communities & Organizations | 3 |
| Credits | 6 | |
| Year Two | ||
| Fall | ||
| PUBH 5010 | Mission and Practice of Global Public Health | 3 |
| SWRK 5841 | Master of Social Work Foundation Practicum 1 | 2 |
| SWRK 5819 | Foundation Integrative Practice Seminar | 1 |
| Credits | 6 | |
| Spring | ||
| SWRK 5700 | Values & Ethics in Social Work | 3 |
| SWRK 5707 | Policy Practice for Social Justice | 3 |
| Credits | 6 | |
| Year Three | ||
| Fall | ||
| Community & Org Concentration Core Course 2 | 3 | |
| Community & Org Concentration Core Course | 3 | |
| SWRK 5787 | Research Methods I | 3 |
| Credits | 9 | |
| Spring | ||
| SWRK 5788 | Research Methods II 3 | 3 |
| Elective | 3 | |
| Elective | 3 | |
| Credits | 9 | |
| Year Four | ||
| Fall | ||
| SWRK 5842 | Clinical 1st Concentration Practicum 4 | 2 |
| SWRK 5820 | Concentration Integrative Practice Seminar | 1 |
| Elective | 3 | |
| Credits | 6 | |
| Spring | ||
| SWRK 5843 | Clinical 2nd Concentration Practicum | 3 |
| Elective | 3 | |
| Elective | 3 | |
| Credits | 9 | |
| Total Credits | 57 | |
| 1 | Must take concurrently with SWRK 5819 Foundation Integrative Practice Seminar (1 cr) |
| 2 | Students can begin taking electives when they begin Concentration Core Courses and can add a three-credit elective to any semester beginning in Semester Five. |
| 3 | Must be taken in the semester immediately following SWRK 5787 Research Methods I (3 cr) |