Academic Concentrations at the University of Maryland School of Social Work
Selection of a concentration in the Advanced Curriculum is required. Concentrations available are clinical and Management and Community Organization (MACO). Each concentration has specific course requirements in addition to those required in the specialization. Clinical
Co-Chairs: Kathleen Deal, PhD and Michael Woolley, PhD
The goal of the clinical program is to educate a practitioner who works to improve the quality of life and enhance the social functioning of individuals, families, and small groups through direct service. Clinical social workers are active in the promotion, restoration, maintenance, and enhancement of the functioning of their clients and clients’ systems, in the prevention of distress, and in the provision of resources. Management and Community Organization (MACO) [view maco web site]
Chair: Michael Reisch, PhD
The MACO concentration represents the macro arm of social work, which seeks to develop new and better services, social programs, and social policies. Macro social work practice includes community organizing and development, social planning, policy analysis and development, political and social action, and government and nonprofit agency administration and resource development. Advanced field instruction for MACO students includes opportunities to practice program development, community organizing, legislative advocacy, employee assistance, and grassroots leadership development. Many of these field placements include stipends. Secondary Concentration Option
It is also possible to elect a secondary concentration in conjunction with a primary one. A secondary concentration will expose the student to some of the content from the other concentration through study in two courses. A secondary concen-tration may be most attractive to the student with many years of work experience prior to enrolling in the master’s program, or the student who will work in areas where a variety of social work functions are vested in one person. A student interested in this educational plan would satisfy all of the requirements for either the clinical or MACO concentration, including the diversity requirement. The student would also complete two courses from the other concentration. To have MACO as a secondary concentration, a student must complete either SWOA 703 or SWOA 704, and another SWOA course. To have clinical as a secondary concentration, a student must complete either SWCL 700 or SWCL 744, and another SWCL course. Thirty-six advanced credits are required at a minimum. top
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