MSW in Social Work

The goal of the MSW program in the School of Social Work at the University of Southern Maine is to prepare students for advanced social work practice.  Grounded in a commitment to professional ethics, social and economic justice and the empowerment of client systems, advanced social work practice builds upon the generalist social work practice model and the 10 core competencies.  These core competencies, as outlined in the Educational Policy and Accreditation Standards (2008) of the Council on Social Work Education, relate to: professional identity; ethical practice; critical thinking; diversity; human rights and social justice; research; human behavior and the social environment; social policy; evolving contexts of social work practice; and professional interventions at multiple levels.

Advanced social work practice involves the specific acquisition and demonstration of complex knowledge and skills from a wide variety of disciplines and the application of a full range of sophisticated intervention strategies with individuals, families, groups, organizations and communities.  The choice of appropriate intervention strategies for distinct situations is evidence-based, which assumes the presence of empirical data gained from scholarly research and practice wisdom.   The intervention cycle in advanced social work practice encompasses discrete periods of:  (1) fact-finding and initial assessment; (2) direct and indirect involvement with an individual, group, family, organization, or community in need of assistance; (3) ongoing assessment as the professional engagement continues; and, (4) evaluation of the effectiveness and efficiency of planned outcomes. 

Under this structure of advanced social work practice, starting during the 2011-2012 academic year, 2  concentrations  are offered  within the MSW curriculum:  (1) a Direct Practice concentration that prepares  clinicians, counselors, therapists, case managers, and case consultants who work with individuals, families and groups; and, (2) a Macropractice concentration that prepares supervisors, administrators, program planners,  policy analysts and practioners, community organizers and consultants who work  with organizations and communities. Both concentrations are introduced by means of educational content throughout the foundation year of the MSW program and are individually supported by course assignments, field work placements and elective courses during the concentration year of the MSW program.