Social Work - Advanced Standing - (Policy, Administration and Community Practice), MSW
Advocacy, Community, Management, Planning, Policy, Population, Public, Rehabilitation, evaluation
Do you want to pursue social and economic justice? You can be prepared for professional leadership in macro social work through this program, with a particular emphasis on serving the populations of the Southwest.
Students in the policy, administration and community practice specialization of the MSW learn skills to intervene across the macro level of society: in systems, institutions, agencies, organizations, laws, policies, programs and communities. Students complete a practicum in government, nonprofit, social service, advocacy and policy, or research agencies.
The Master of Social Work degree is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education and certified by the Network for Social Work Management.
- College/school:
Watts College of Public Service & Community Solut
- Location: Downtown Phoenix, ASU at Tucson
39 credit hours and a portfolio, or
39 credit hours and a thesis, or
51 credit hours and a portfolio, or
51 credit hours and a thesis, or
60 credit hours and a portfolio, or
60 credit hours and a portfolio (MSW/MPA concurrent degree), or
60 credit hours and a thesis, or
60 credit hours and a thesis (MSW/MPA concurrent degree)
Required Core (3 credit hours) Policy, Administration and Community Practice Concentration (21 credit hours) Electives (9 to 36 credit hours) Culminating Experience (0 or 6 credit hours) Additional Curriculum Information Students on the 51 credit hour path have an undergraduate CSWE-accredited Bachelor of Social Work degree. Students on the 60 credit hour path have an undergraduate degree that is not directly in social work or community advocacy. Students in this path may need to take foundation coursework as part of their elective coursework to satisfy CSWE requirements. Students should see the academic advisor when selecting courses. All credit hour path criteria must be approved by the academic unit prior to selection in the iPOS. The academic unit advises and monitors students to ensure they choose the appropriate coursework. Core course selection depends on the student's background. Students complete a practicum and choose one of the culminating experiences above. The amount of elective coursework allowed depends on the credit hour path chosen and the culminating experience selected. Electives may be selected from offerings at the School of Social Work or from courses offered through other departments with the approval of the Master of Social Work program coordinator.
SWG 510 Foundation Practice I (3) or
SWG 514 Bridge Seminar I (3)
SWG 623 Program Evaluation (3)
SWG 632 Policy Practice (3)
SWG 643 Advanced Practicum: Planning, Social Work Administration and Community Practice I (3)
SWG 644 Advanced Practicum: Planning, Social Work Administration and Community Practice II (3)
SWG 681 Leadership and Administration (3)
SWG 682 Community Participation Strategies (3)
SWG 685 Program Planning in Social Services (3)
SWG 599 Thesis (6) or
portfolio (0)
Students on the 39 credit hour path have an undergraduate Council on Social Work Education-accredited BSW in social work or equivalent degree with a GPA of 3.20 in their junior and senior year within the last 6 years.
Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and the Watts College of Public Service and Community Solutions.
Applicants must have a BSW from a Council on Social Work Education-accredited program with a minimum GPA of 3.20 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last two years of work leading to the Bachelor of Social Work (junior and senior GPA). Applicants must have received their Bachelor of Social Work degree no more than six years prior to the date of admission to the Master of Social Work program.
All applicants must submit:
- graduate admission application and application fee
- official transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate work
- three letters of reference
- professional resume that includes volunteer and paid work experience
- statement of educational and career goals
- proof of English proficiency
Additional Application Information
An applicant whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency regardless of their current residency.
A combination of academic and professional references is desirable. References from friends, family members or personal therapists are not accepted. At least one of the three required references must be from the applicant's Bachelor of Social Work field instructor or, if employed in a social work-related job for two or more years, from the applicant's supervisor.
Guidelines for writing the statement can be found on the program website.
Applicants should see the program website for application deadlines.
Students should contact the School of Social Work with any questions about the application process.
| Session | Modality | Deadline | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Session A/C | In Person | 02/01 | Final |
Program learning outcomes identify what a student will learn or be able to do upon completion of their program. This program has the following program outcomes:
- Plan, implement and evaluate evidence-based interventions
- Applying theoretical concepts related to policy, administration and community in the field practicum setting
- Apply professional values and ethics during the advanced policy, administration and community field practicum
The program prepares professional social workers for leadership in social change.
Graduates work for social justice and human rights through building sustainable systems that support peoples' social well-being, often by addressing the root causes of social problems and by reforming unjust policies. Policy, administration and community practice roles include program planning and evaluation; policy development and analysis; political advocacy and lobbying; organizational leadership, management and supervision; grant writing; community development, organizing and social movement building.
Career examples include:
- community advocate
- community organizer
- grant and fund developers
- nonprofit leadership and management
- policy analyst
- social services administration
ASU programs that may lead to professional licensure or certification are intended to prepare students for potential licensure or certification in Arizona. Completion of an ASU program may not meet educational requirements for licensure or certification in another state. For more information, students should visit the ASU professional licensure webpage.
School of Social Work
|
UCENT 800
mswadvising@asu.edu
602-496-0800
3 year programs
These programs allow students to fast-track their studies after admission and earn a bachelor's degree in three years or fewer while participating in the same high-quality educational experience of a 4-year option. Students should talk to their academic advisor to get started.
Accelerated master's
These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).
Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Acceptance to the graduate program requires a separate application. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master’s during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
