Social Work, MSW

Charlotte Williams, MSW Graduate 2022

Explore the possibilities with our flexible Clinical MSW program.

Westfield State University’s Clinical MSW Degree Program is a gateway to a rewarding career in social work across Massachusetts and the surrounding region. Upon completion, you'll be ready to conquer the state social work licensure exam and proudly hold the title of Licensed Certified Social Worker (LCSW).

Rest assured, our Clinical MSW program is not just comprehensive; it's accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), assuring you that your education aligns perfectly with your clinical aspirations.

Flexibility is key. Attend classes online or on campus during convenient Monday and Thursday evenings from 5:15 p.m. to 9 p.m. with the exception of practicum experiences. We understand the importance of hands-on training, and while some placements may offer flexibility, many require daytime availability. If you're already a social work graduate, explore our Advanced Standing MSW Degree Program designed just for you.

Available Specializations:

  • Child, Youth, and Family 
  • Health Social Work 
  • Latinx Community Health 
  • Substance Use and Addictions   

Explore Specializations

Program Highlights

  • On campus or online
  • No difference in tuition for in- and out-of-state students
  • 37-66 credits depending on your program of study
  • Department of Children and Families Fellowships offered through WSU

Make a lasting, positive impact on lives and communities with your MSW degree.

Gain the advanced clinical skills and knowledge you need to be an effective change maker, helping those who need it most.

Be prepared, be empowered – your journey to an impactful clinical social work degree starts here.

  • A student smiles while engaging in conversation in a group.

    Built-in flexibility

    Choose the learning path that suits you best at Westfield State University – immerse yourself in on-campus classes for an interactive, in-person experience, or opt for the flexibility of our online program. Our consistent Monday and Thursday evening classes from 5:15 p.m. to 9 p.m. provides a balanced schedule.

    And here's the exciting part – with the exception of practicum placements, you have the freedom to complete some coursework online, fitting seamlessly into your busy schedule. Your education, your way!

  • A student reads information displayed on a poster.

    Hands-on experience

    We offer real-world hands-on learning experiences designed to shape your skills through practicum experiences. Your journey includes a comprehensive 400-hour generalist practicum and an enriching 500-hour advanced clinical practicum.* 

    At each step, you'll be surrounded by dedicated professionals eager to share their skills, time, and knowledge. Practicum placements aren't just opportunities to learn; they're gateways to practical, career-ready expertise that will set you apart in the field. Get ready to transform your classroom knowledge into tangible skills, preparing you for success in the world beyond.

    *Advanced standing students complete only the 500-hour advanced clinical practicum.

  • A student talks to a child.

    Focused on clinical practice

    Start your journey with a solid foundation in general social work practice, laying the groundwork for what comes next. As you progress, brace yourself for an exciting leap into advanced curriculum, squarely focused on honing your clinical practice skills. Here, you'll cultivate not just knowledge but the values and skills vital for championing and advocating for your clients.

    But that's not all – our program doesn't just stop at clinical expertise. We're dedicated to molding well-rounded professionals, ensuring you master the everyday aspects of social work practice. Get ready to evolve into a skilled, compassionate advocate, equipped to navigate the complexities of clinical practice.

Navigate your path to success with our detailed course plans.

Program Details

Program Mission

The mission of the MSW degree program at Westfield State University is to prepare advanced-level social work practitioners who have specialized knowledge for clinical practice that is based on a firm generalist foundation. 

The program places emphasis and value on the development of students who will practice in their areas of competence, maintain ethical standards, and demonstrate leadership within their community as collaborative practitioners who are committed to addressing social, racial, and economic injustice. 

The clinical training program is built on a strong generalist foundation and is grounded in biological, psychological, and social theoretical paradigms that will promote a spirit of inquiry and critical analysis for developing theories for social work practice. Students will gain competencies in developing and applying practice modalities that are rooted in various forms of evidence. 

As graduates complete their advanced training, they will develop a commitment to life-long learning through self-reflection, meeting changing social needs, critically evaluating and integrating emerging practice proficiencies, increasing their levels of cultural competence, and engaging in ongoing skill development to meet the demands of advanced roles and responsibilities. 

The program at Westfield is committed to providing leadership throughout the practice community in evaluating and analyzing existing and emerging areas of knowledge to advance social service delivery, social policies, and direct practice with the vulnerable, disenfranchised, and marginalized populations that are served by social workers. 

Learning Outcomes

Goal # 1: The program prepares graduates who will have mastered the knowledge, values, and skills of the social work professional generalist practice core.

Goal #2: The program prepares graduates who will have advanced knowledge, values, and skills for clinical social work practice.

The accomplishment of these goals will be demonstrated by the achievement of the following competencies:

  • Competency 1: Demonstrate ethical and professional behavior
  • Competency 2: Engage diversity and difference in practice
  • Competency 3: Advance human rights and social, economic, and environmental justice 
  • Competency 4: Engage in practice-informed research and research-informed practice
  • Competency 5: Engage in policy practice
  • Competency 6: Engage with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities
  • Competency 7: Assess individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities
  • Competency 8: Intervene with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities
  • Competency 9: Evaluate practice with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities

I chose the Master of Social Work program because the field is so diverse and offers a wide breadth of opportunities like working in hospitals, schools, or even in public policy. Aside from the career opportunities, social work is such a unique and important career choice because its primary purpose is enhancing the well-being of others.

Miki Kahn, ’24

What can you do with a master’s in social work?

Your MSW degree will allow you to build your career in areas such as:

  • Child and family social worker
  • Clinical social worker
  • Community outreach
  • Human services specialist
  • Juvenile court liaison
  • Probation officer
  • Therapist or counselor
  • Substance abuse counselor
  • Rehabilitation case worker
  • School social worker
MSW Graduate Student Smiling in Academic Building Hallway

Course Requirements

Program Description

Westfield State University's Masters of Social Work Program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) with a single concentration in clinical practice. Students may choose to focus their electives and advanced policy class in a concentration area: Child, Youth and Family; Health Social Work; Substance Use and Addictions; or Latinx Community Health (the required concentration courses are in English and Spanish or Spanish).

Program Objectives

The mission of the MSW program at Westfield State University is to prepare advanced level social work practitioners who have specialized knowledge for clinical practice that is based on a firm generalist foundation.

The program places emphasis and value on the development of students who will practice in their areas of competence, maintain ethical standards, and demonstrate leadership within their community as collaborative practitioners who are committed to addressing social, racial, and economic injustice.

The clinical training program is built on a strong generalist foundation and is grounded in biological, psychological, and social theoretical paradigms that will promote a spirit of inquiry and critical analysis for developing theories for social work practice. Students will gain competencies in developing and applying practice modalities that are rooted in various forms of evidence.

As graduates complete their advanced training, they will develop a commitment to life-long learning through self-reflection, meeting changing social needs, critically evaluating and integrating emerging practice proficiencies, increasing their levels of cultural competence, and engaging in ongoing skill development to meet the demands of advanced roles and responsibilities.

The program at Westfield is committed to providing leadership throughout the practice community in evaluating and analyzing existing and emerging areas of knowledge to advance social service delivery, social policies, and direct practice with the vulnerable, disenfranchised, and marginalized populations that are served by social workers.

 

Program Goals

Goal # 1: The program prepares graduates who will have mastered the knowledge, values, and skills of the social work professional generalist practice core.

Goal #2: The program prepares graduates who will have advanced knowledge, values, and skills for clinical social work practice.

 

The accomplishment of these goals will be demonstrated by the achievement of the following competencies:

Competency 1: Demonstrate ethical and professional behavior

Competency 2: Engage diversity and difference in practice

Competency 3: Advance human rights and social, economic, and environmental justice

Competency 4: Engage in practice-informed research and research-informed practice

Competency 5: Engage in policy practice

Competency 6: Engage with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities

Competency 7: Assess individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities

Competency 8: Intervene with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities 


Competency 9: Evaluate practice with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities

 

 

Admission Requirements

All applicants should follow the following process and meet the described requirements, including specific additional requirements for Advanced Standing applicants:

  • Applicants should obtain an application packet from the MSW Program or the Office of Graduate and Continuing Education.
  • Applicants must have a Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university. To apply for Advanced Standing the candidate must have a BSW from a CSWE accredited program.
  • Applicants must have an undergraduate degree that included a clear liberal arts base and a firm foundation in the social sciences, American national government and human biology. Applicants should identify their social science, government and human biology courses on the application form. Students who do not meet this requirement may be accepted into the program, but may be required to take courses to meet these requirements prior to starting the program.
  • Applicants need a 2.8 overall undergraduate GPA. For Advanced Standing candidates, the applicant should also have a 3.0 social work GPA. In extraordinary circumstances both requirements can be waived by the Admission Committee.
  • Applicants need to complete the Graduate Admission form, specifying Traditional MSW program or Advanced Standing MSW Program and whether they would like to attend full-time or part-time.
  • Applicants need to have three letters of reference completed, including one academic reference. Advanced Standing applicants need to have one of their letters of reference from their BSW Program Director (or his/her designee). A letter from a Field Placement supervisor is highly recommended.
  • Applicants need to submit a current resume.
  • Applicants need to complete a professional statement that describes:
    • reason(s) for interest in entering the field of social work; 
    • assessment of personal strengths and limitations related to the profession; 
    • examination of life experiences and relationship of these experiences to career choice, including evidence of a commitment to aiding people who are oppressed and/or members of vulnerable populations (good examples are prior work, civic or volunteer experiences); and 
    • assessment of personal values and congruence of these beliefs with the social work profession's value system. (We suggest that applicants review the NASW Code of Ethics prior to writing the professional statement). 

 

The professional statement will be evaluated in regard to the above requirements. The professional statement will also be considered a writing sample that demonstrates the applicants' ability to express themselves clearly and professionally.

Though human services experience is not required, applicants are strongly encouraged to describe any prior volunteer or work experience in their professional statement and include it on their resume. Professional experience is viewed positively and taken into consideration when making admissions.

The MSW Program does not require standardized testing (GRE or MAT) for admission to the program.

 

Application Deadlines


All application materials must be received by February 1st for your application to be reviewed.

The MSW program has an early decision application deadline of December 1 with admissions decisions sent out in mid-February. The traditional application deadline is February 1 with admission decisions sent out the end of March.

 

Notification of Acceptance

Notice of acceptance will occur on or about April 15 for study beginning the following September (there are no midyear admissions). Within ten days of receiving notification, accepted applicants must confirm in writing their intention to enroll in the program and submit a non-refundable

 

 

 

Program Requirements

The MSW Program curriculum at Westfield State University is divided into two parts, a generalist practice foundation curriculum that is common to all graduate social work programs and an advanced curriculum in clinical practice that is designed to give students advanced clinical knowledge, values, and skills. The foundation curriculum includes classroom work and a 400-hour, hands-on generalist field practicum. The advanced curriculum includes classroom work and a 500-hour, hands-on clinical field practicum. Since applicants with a BSW from an accredited social work program have already completed the requirements for the foundation curriculum, these applicants may be admitted to the Advanced Standing program. Students admitted to the Program with Advanced Standing may enter the program at the advanced level following completion of a summer Bridge course.

Students have the option to complete their MSW Program on-ground at our Westfield, MA campus or completely online, both options are delivered through a hybrid format.  

 

Curriculum for the Traditional Program (66 credits)

Curriculum for the Advanced Standing Program (37 credits)

**Elective Courses
Concentrations

Each concentration requires 3 courses, a required advanced policy analysis course, and two electives

Children, Youth & Families

The Children, Youth & Families concentration prepares advanced level social work practitioners by gaining focused knowledge and skills for clinical practice working with children, youth and families that is based on a firm generalist foundation. Students will gain competencies in developing and applying practice modalities that are rooted in various forms of evidence and understood within the context of applicable social policies and systemic barriers and protective factors.

  • SOCW 0631 Advanced Policy: Child Welfare 
  • Choose 2 electives
    • SOCW 0653 Social Work Practice with Children and Youth
    • SOCW 0659  Trauma Treatment in the Public Sector
    • SOCW 0651  School Social Work

 

Health Social Work

The Health Social Work concentration prepares advanced level integrated behavioral health social work practitioners by gaining focused knowledge and skills for clinical practice working within various settings that address health and wellness. Grounded in a generalist foundation, students gain advanced competencies for interprofessional collaboration and addressing the social determinants of health as they work to impact systemic change and achieve greater health equity for their clients.

  • SOCW 0658  Advanced Policy: LGBTQ+ Populations
  • Choose 2 electives
    • SOCW 0655  Social Work Practice in Health Care and Aging
    • SOCW 0656  Social Work Practice with Grief and Loss
    • SOCW 0623  Integrated Behavioral Health 
Substance Use & Addictions

The Substance Use and Addictions concentration prepares advanced level social work practitioners by gaining focused knowledge and skills for clinical practice working with individuals, groups, and families affected by addiction.  Students will gain competencies in developing and applying practice modalities and the use of community-based supports throughout the phases of treatment and recovery. Content will be contextualized within applicable social policies while examining systemic barriers and protective factors.

  • SOCW 0698 Advanced Policy: Mental Health and Substance Use
  • SOCW 0652  Substance Abuse Treatment
  • Choose 1 elective
    • SOCW 0699 ST: Crisis Treatment and Suicide
    • SOCW 0654  Advanced Practice with Groups
Latinx Community Health

The Latinx Community Health concentration prepares advanced level social work practitioners to work with the Latinx community by examining the effects of macro level, structural inequities that exist in the U.S. and their intersection with the social determinants of health. The effects of structural racism, and societal exclusion will be integrated into a clinical practice model that enables social work students working with the Latinx community to better assess, diagnose and treat the health needs of the Latinx community. Dynamics pertaining to immigrant integration, including refugee, asylum and immigration policy and contemporary frameworks of acculturation and their implications for the health assessment of Latinx clients will be introduced and applied. Dynamics specific to bilingualism, transnationalism, culture, race and racialization will be explored within the supervisory relationship, the social work-client relationship, and the engagement process of Latinx clients in medical and behavioral health services.

Students in the Latinx Community Health concentration will take courses taught in a bilingual, English/Spanish format. Course lectures will be delivered in English, with content provided in Spanish for students who are bilingual and/or want to increase their Spanish fluency skills for clinical practice; students will complete in-class exercises in the language that they are most comfortable in, and that reflects the language spoken with their clients.

  • SOCW 0698 Advanced Policy: Promoting Racial and Social Equity*
  • Two electives
    • SOCW 0699 Trauma and Social Identity*
    • SOCW 0699 Theories of Supervision for Latinx Professionals*

*Courses are delivered in English/Spanish bilingual

 

 

Get big school features with small school advantages.  

We offer high-quality academics, unique learning opportunities, and a gorgeous campus—and we have small classes, accessible faculty, and one-on-one support. 

You'll join fellow motivated graduate students ready to make the most of the college experience through active participation. Become part of a caring and committed community that understands and embraces the bridge between academic study and civic responsibility.

  • Wide

    selection of electives to explore interests

  • Clinical focus

    based on a strong generalist foundation

  • Accomodating

    schedule with onground and online program options

Learn from the experts

The Social Work Department at Westfield State University is led by expert professors who have real-world experience working as counselors, clinical therapists, case managers, child protective workers, administrators, and community organizers. Small classes afford plenty of opportunity to connect one-on-one with your professor, as well as to collaborate and network with your fellow students.

Dr. Ziblim Abukari, Associate Dean of the School of Health, Natural Sciences, and Human Services

Frequently Asked Questions

Why should I earn my MSW degree from Westfield State University?

Starting with a comprehensive general overview, our program seamlessly evolves into an advanced curriculum that places a strong emphasis on developing clinical knowledge, instilling core values, and honing essential skills. Get ready to witness your understanding of social work as you progress through a curriculum designed to shape compassionate and skilled clinical practitioners.

How long does it take?

Westfield State University’s MSW Program is tailored to your unique journey. If you hold a BSW or B.A. in Social Work from a CSWE-accredited institution, our Advanced Standing Program awaits you. Our focused 37-credit curriculum is designed for go-getters like yourself, offering the flexibility to complete it in one exciting year full-time or over two years part-time.

For those without an undergraduate degree in social work, our Traditional Program is here to shape your expertise. Immerse yourself in a comprehensive 66-credit program, offered over two enriching years full-time, or adapt it to your schedule over three or four years part-time. Your journey to a Master's in Social Work is personalized, flexible, and full of opportunities for growth and success!

View Program Completion Plans

What is your on-campus MSW degree program like?

Students attend classes in person on the Westfield campus on Monday and Thursday evenings, along with coursework online (Hybrid model). Approximately 20% of the program curriculum is completely asynchronous online. The required field internships are completed in person within a 60-mile radius of Westfield.

Classes are held between 5:15 p.m. and 9 p.m. or are online (but please note that daytime availability may be needed to complete practicum placements).

What is your online MSW degree program like?

Students attend classes on Zoom on Monday and Thursday evenings, along with asynchronous coursework (Hybrid model). Approximately 20% of the program curriculum is completely asynchronous online. For the 2023-2024 academic year, Advanced full-time and full-time traditional programs of study internships are to be completed in Massachusetts. All 2024-2025 academic year internships can be completed in Massachusetts and within a 50-mile radius from Massachusetts in the following states: Vermont, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Connecticut, and New York. Starting in the 2025-2026 academic year, all internships can be completed in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont, Rhode Island, Connecticut, and New York. 

Classes are held between 5:15 p.m. and 9 p.m. or are online (but please note that daytime availability may be needed to complete practicum placements).

Is Westfield State University accredited? 

Westfield State University is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE) and our master’s in social work program, including the online learning option, is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).

What are the admissions requirements for the Master of Social Work program?

The MSW degree program will accept applications for both the on-campus and online programs.

Both program options will accept applications for the Traditional 66-credit program including the full-time (2-year), accelerated part-time (3-year) and part-time (4-year) options and the Advanced Standing 37-credit program including the full-time (1-year) and part-time (2-year) options.

If you would like to have an admission packet emailed to you, or have questions about admission, please call us at 413-572-8461 or email graduate@westfield.ma.edu.

Admission Process & Requirements:

All applicants should follow the process below and meet the described requirements. (Specific additional requirements for Advanced Standing applicants are identified.)

1. Applicants should apply online at connect.westfield.ma.edu/apply/

2. Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. To apply for Advanced Standing, the candidate must have a BSW from a CSWE-accredited program.

3. Applicants must have an undergraduate degree that included a clear liberal arts base and a firm foundation in the social sciences, government, and human biology. (Applicants should identify their social science, government, and human biology courses on the application form. Students who do not meet this requirement may be accepted into the program but will be required to take courses to meet these requirements prior to starting the program.)

4. Applicants need a 2.8 overall undergraduate GPA. For Advanced Standing candidates, the applicant should also have a 3.0 social work GPA. In extraordinary circumstances, both requirements can be waived by the Admission Committee.

5. Applicants need to complete the MSW form, specifying Traditional MSW program or Advanced Standing MSW program and whether they would like to be full-time or part-time.

6. Applicants need to have three letters of reference completed, including one academic reference. Advanced Standing applicants need to have one of their letters of reference from their BSW Program Director (or his/her designee). A letter from their Practicum Placement Supervisor is highly recommended.

7. Applicants need to submit a current resume.

8. Applicants need to complete a professional statement that describes: 

  • reason(s) for interest in entering the field of social work;  
  • assessment of personal strengths and limitations related to the profession;  
  • examination of life experiences and relationship of these experiences to their career choice. Discuss here evidence of your commitment to aiding people who are oppressed and/or members of vulnerable populations (good examples are prior work, civic or volunteer experiences); and  
  • assessment of personal values and congruence of these beliefs with the social work profession's value system (we suggest that you review the NASW Code of Ethics prior to writing the professional statement).  

The professional statement will be evaluated regarding the above material and also will be considered a writing sample to evaluate your ability to express yourself in written form. Applicants who believe that they have extraordinary circumstances regarding the GPA requirements must include their rationale for their request to have the GPA requirement waived.

Though human services experience is not required, applicants are strongly encouraged to describe any prior volunteer or work experience in their professional statement and include it on their resume. Professional experience is viewed positively and considered when making decisions regarding admissions and waiving GPA requirements.

Do I have to submit GRE or MAT standardized test scores when I apply?

The MSW degree program does not require standardized testing (GRE or MAT) for admission to the program.

What are the application deadlines for the MSW degree program?

All application materials must be received by February 1 for your application to be reviewed.

The MSW degree program has an early decision application deadline of December 1 with admission decisions sent out in mid-February.  

The traditional application deadline is February 1 with admission decisions sent out the end of March.

Within 10 days of receiving acceptance notification, students must confirm their intention to enroll in the program, as well as submit a $150 non-refundable deposit. This deposit will be credited to the student’s first semester bill.

Where can I find the MSW program’s assessment of student learning outcomes?

All Council on Social Work Education programs measure and report student learning outcomes. A measurement benchmark is set by the social work programs for each competency. An assessment score at or above that benchmark is considered by the program to represent mastery of that particular competency.  

You can learn more about these assessments and our program outcomes on the Assessment of Student Learning Outcomes page.

How much does Westfield State University cost?

Westfield State University offers a comprehensive university experience at an affordable cost—with many options for financial aid. Visit our Cost and Aid page to learn more. 

Do you offer graduate assistantships?

Yes, a limited number of graduate assistantships are available each year for graduate students. These opportunities are competitive and are awarded to students with excellent academic records who are enrolled in a graduate degree program.

This valuable opportunity can enhance your academic journey and provide valuable experience. Don't miss out on the chance to be part of this enriching program!

Learn more about graduate assistantships 

Will I receive academic support?

MSW students are matched with a dedicated advisor – your compass through class choices, concentrations, and beyond. Beyond academics, your advisor becomes a mentor, guiding you on further education and career paths. We're not just about classes; we connect you to resources like the Banacos Center and the Reading & Writing Center. Join group advising sessions during registration for added support. At every step, we're here to ensure your success is our priority.

Is graduate housing available?

Discover graduate living at Welch Hall Apartments – your gateway to a vibrant community and tailored amenities. Choose from four-person apartments featuring single and premium single rooms, all inclusive of utilities and internet. Make connections by signing up as a group or embark on an individual adventure with like-minded roommates. Revel in the comfort of fully furnished apartments, boasting a well-equipped kitchen with a breakfast bar, cozy bathrooms, and inviting shared living spaces.

Your convenience is our priority – enjoy free laundry facilities on campus and parking at an affordable rate. Immerse yourself in academic pursuits with easy access to the campus library or prioritize your well-being at our fitness centers.

Whether you prefer cooking with your roommates or opting for a meal plan, relish access to an array of campus dining options, including late-night and takeaway choices. Elevate your graduate experience with Welch Hall Apartments – where living meets exceptional comfort and convenience.

For more information contact housing@westfield.ma.edu or 413-572-5402.

Use Your BSW to Fast-Track Your MSW

Congratulations on earning your BSW from an accredited social work program! If you're looking to take the next step, Westfield State University’s MSW Advanced Standing program makes it easy to move forward. This accelerated 37-credit program lets you earn your MSW in just one year full-time or two years part-time. With a summer bridge course, you'll start at an advanced level, expanding your knowledge and building on your existing skills. It’s a great way to enhance your career and make a greater impact in the field.

Integrated Behavioral Health Collaborative

The Integrative Behavioral Health Collaborative (IBHC) began in 2017 through a $1.3 million grant from the Health Resources Services Administration (HRSA) to increase capacity among social workers by offering advanced-year students a $10,000 training stipend to provide integrated behavioral health (IBH) across the medically underserved areas in Western and Central MA. Over the next four years, 81 MSW students were trained within community partner sites to provide IBH services, and 32 IBH training modules were produced with free continuing education units.

FREE IBHC MODULES

In 2021, the IBHC expanded with a $1.5 million HRSA grant to begin the Integrated Behavioral Health Equity Project. Over the next four years, 92 MSW students will receive a $10,000 training stipend to work with our community partner sites addressing social determinants of health. Students complete health equity projects designed to systemically dismantle the structures that perpetuate racial and health inequities.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE IBHC

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Social Work, MSW