University of Denver Online Master of Social Work (MSW@Denver)

The University of Denver (DU) offers an online Master of Social Work (MSW@Denver) through the Graduate School of Social Work. Applicants with a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree enter the Advanced Standing MSW program, others enter the Traditional MSW program. Students choose one of two tracks: Mental Health and Trauma or Health, Equity, and Wellness.

MSW@Denver focuses on social justice and change. In fact, one course is focused on how power, privilege, and oppression affect individuals, families, and communities regarding social and economic justice. Graduates are prepared to promote equity and advocate for and empower oppressed and underserved populations. Throughout the program, the curriculum promotes critical thinking, value-based, ethical decision-making, and creativity in applying social work skills.

The Mental Health and Trauma concentration prepares students to work in settings that support mental wellness and recovery. The curriculum focuses on theories and skills that promote trauma-informed and non-oppressive clinical decision-making methods and treatment. Focusing on the intersection of mental health, substance abuse, and trauma, this degree path seeks to prepare graduates to empower the individuals, families, and communities affected by these issues, especially those who would normally not have access to the care they need.

The Health, Equity, and Wellness concentration combines health and wellness with social work in skills, theories, and evidence-based practice. Students become aware of healthcare trends, social justice in health, collaboration with healthcare providers, and the mind-body connection, taking a holistic approach to social work. This degree path also focuses on the health and wellness of individuals, families, and communities, health care reform, and health promotion for underserved and marginalized populations.

Graduates may go on to direct practice social work, or non-traditional social work careers such as policy analysts, behavioral health clinicians, mental health evaluators, psychiatric social workers, community and economic developers, and mental health counselors. MSW@Denver meets the eligibility requirements for the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) exam and is not designed for initial licensure. Licensure requirements differ by state and may include credentials such as:

• Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW)
• Associate Clinical Social Worker (ASW)
• Licensed Social Worker (LSW)
• Masters Social Worker (MSW)
• Licensed Graduate Social Worker (LGSW)
• Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCWS)
• Certified Social Worker (CSW)
• Licensed Certified Social Worker (LCSW)
• Certified Advanced Practice Social Worker (CAPSW)

Social work courses are delivered as live, interactive class sessions where learning, collaboration, group work, and discussions occur weekly. Other coursework may include case studies, quizzes, polls, readings, recorded videos, and group activities. These assignments are discussed at the live, weekly class sessions.

Students can communicate with faculty during live class sessions or virtual faculty office hours, create and deliver presentations, carry on group discussions, and share files in the online campus. University resources, technical support, and library and career services are available.

The traditional MSW program comprises 81 quarter credits plus 900 field hours. It can be completed in three pathways: 21 months of accelerated study, 27 months of full-time study, or 48 months of part-time study.

The Advanced Standing MSW program comprises 54 credits plus 500 field hours. It can be completed in 12 months of accelerated study, 18 months of full-time study, or 24 months of part-time study.

Start dates land quarterly in January, March, May, and September. Online MSW students can complete 200 hours of field internship through the University of Denver’s virtual field experience option.

Foundation MSW courses include Integrated Social Work Practice for Social Justice; Clinical Social Work Skills; Introduction to Graduate Internship; Human Behavior in the Social Environment; Foundation Seminar I-III; Foundation Field Internship I-IV; Community/Macro Social Work Theory and Practice; Social Policy Analysis, Advocacy, and Practice; and Clinical Social Work Theory and Practice.

Advanced courses include Power, Privilege, and Oppression; Evidence for Practice; and Concentration Field Internship I-IV. Both concentrations complete Integrated Healthcare: Models and Practice; Applied Practice Evaluation Research; Assessment of Mental Health Across the Lifespan; Mental Health and Healthcare Policy; Methods for Evaluating Practice/ Programs; and Leadership and Supervision Skills.

Mental Health and Trauma concentration courses include Intersections of Mental Health, Substance Use, and Trauma; Cognitive Behavioral Therapies; Trauma-Informed Assessment and Intervention; and Disproportionality and Disparity Across Systems.

Health, Equity, and Wellness concentration courses include Social Work Practice in Health and Evolving Perspectives and Trends in Health and Wellness. Other courses may be required to meet the credit requirements, and students can tailor their degrees to meet their career goals.

The University of Denver is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). The online Master of Social Work program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).