University of Maryland Master of Social Work Program

The UMMSW program prepares future social work practitioners and leaders through a combination of coursework and supervised real-world experiences in the field, with a strong focus on justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion. Our students work across the spectrum of social work with individuals, families, groups, organizations, communities, and society—and build on this strong foundation to practice at an advanced level of clinical and/or macro social work.

Whether you are considering applying to one of our many program options, recently received an acceptance letter from admissions, or are already an enrolled student, this page will link you to everything you need to know.

Admissions

Applications are open for all MSW program options for Spring 2024 and Fall 2024.

If you are considering applying to the MSW program at UMB, we encourage you to create an account in our application portal so that you can receive Admissions updates (by email and/or text), review the application, and register for information sessions and online chat sessions

We recommend reviewing the Academic Catalog & Viewbook - University of Maryland, Baltimore to learn more about the multiple opportunities available to students in our MSW program. The FAQ page is a helpful resource to review as you decide whether to pursue a graduate degree at the UMB SSW. 

Locations

  • Baltimore

    Baltimore

    Our Baltimore campus is in the heart of downtown where students can walk to shops, restaurants, stadiums, theatre productions, and the newly renovated Lexington Market.

    Baltimore
  • Shady Grove

    Shady Grove

    Our Shady Grove campus is conveniently located in Rockville—perfect for students from Northern Virginia, DC, and the central, capital, and southern counties of Maryland.

    Shady Grove
  • Online MSW

    Online MSW

    Our Online MSW is for students with a Maryland address who are currently working in the social work field and have an interest in online learning and virtual engagement. 

    Online

Curriculum

Your specific curriculum requirements and plan of study are based on whether you are a traditional MSW student or an Advanced Standing student; when you entered the program; your campus location, and whether you started as a Part-Time or Full-Time student. Use the curriculum overviews from the year you entered, as well as the sample plans of study to guide your time here.  You may also want to review our course offerings and descriptions.  

Foundation Curriculum

The goal of the Foundation Curriculum, including the Foundation Field practicum, is to provide all traditional MSW students with a sound, broad base for future practice.  Foundation coursework provides educational and skill development in the values, concepts, and processes that are the core of social work practice.  

Foundation Field Practicum 

The Foundation Field practicum is an internship that provides students with opportunities to apply generalist social work skills learned in the classroom in a real-world setting. Some key features of Foundation Field include:   

  • Placements begin in late August and end in mid-April 
  • 2 days per week, typically during regular business hours 
  • Must be taken with SOWK 630 and 631 in fall and SOWK 632 in spring  
  • Referrals for field placements are based on where the student lives, and most placements within a 50-mile radius 
  • Offers supervised practice experience with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities with progressive responsibilities throughout the year 

Foundation students also participate in a field seminar throughout the academic year. The Field Seminar provides the opportunity for students to consider and critically reflect upon the implications of privilege and oppression in their placement experiences. Field Seminar also creates a space for students to discuss their field experiences and the application of theory in practice. 

For more detailed information about Field Practicum, the best place to start is the Field Calendar 2022-2023 and Field Manual 2022-2023

Students who are working need to plan for release time for two eight-hour days to participate in Foundation Field. The majority of available field placements are on weekdays during regular business hours.  

 

Advanced Curriculum

In response to student feedback and changes in the social work profession, we are in the process of revising our Advanced Curriculum. Please review the Advanced Curriculum options based on your year of admission and specific program. 

  • Part-time students entering SSW Fall 2022 or later
  • Full-time traditional students entering SSW Fall 2023 or later
  • Advanced Standing students entering SSW Spring 2024 or later

In the advanced curriculum, students have course requirements and an Advanced Field Practicum based on their selection of the Clinical, Macro, or Dual concentration. 

For Traditional MSW students, 33 credits of Advanced Curriculum includes: 

  • One (1) advanced policy course 
  • Four (4) 3-credit advanced methods courses 
  • Two (2) elective courses  

For Advanced Standing students coming in with a BSW, 36 credits of advanced curriculum includes an elective in addition to the courses listed above.   

  • Part-time students who entered SSW prior to Fall 2022  
  • Full-time traditional students entering SSW prior to Fall 2023  
  • Advanced Standing students entering SSW prior to Spring 2024 

In addition to a concentration, these students are required to select a specialization in one of six fields of practice. Students may also select a sub-specialization, depending on their specialization.   

Advanced Field Practicum 

The Advanced Field practicum is based on the student’s concentration and interest. Some key features of Advanced Field include 

  • Begins in late August and ends in mid-April  
  • 3 days per week, typically during business hours on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays 
  • Students can choose the Advanced Extended field option of 2 days per week (days specified by the Field agency) that ends in late July (for a July graduation date) 
  • Must be taken with a methods course within concentration each semester. 

For more detailed information about Field Practicum, the best place to start is the Field Calendar and Field Manual

Students who are working need to plan for release time for three eight-hour days to participate in Foundation Field. The majority of available field placements are on weekdays during regular business hours.

Clinical Concentration

The clinical concentration provides a comprehensive gateway into the world of clinical social work. Students in the clinical concentration complete coursework and a field practicum that prepares them to provide a range of therapeutic services to children, adolescents, adults, older adults and their families across multiple settings using a variety of treatment modalities. 

For a list of requirements for Hybrid and Advanced Standing students, explore the curriculum overviews.  

Clinical field work 

In the advanced year, clinical field placements provide an intensive learning experience across a variety of settings throughout the region and abroad. Examples of these settings include:   

  • in-patient and out-patient behavioral health facilities and community-based clinics 
  • health care settings  
  • departments of social service 
  • child welfare settings 
  • the Veterans Administration  
  • non-profits 
  • court systems 
  • employee assistance programs 
  • schools 

 

Leadership, Policy & Social Change Concentration

The Leadership, Policy & Social Change concentration prepares graduates for careers that improve organizations, communities, and society through positive social change. Macro social work practice includes community organizing and development, social planning, policy analysis and development, political and social action, advocacy and government and nonprofit agency administration and resource development.   

For a complete list of requirements for Hybrid and the Advanced Standing students, review the curriculum overviews

Macro field work 

Advanced field practicum for Leadership, Policy & Social Change students provides an intensive learning experience across a variety of settings throughout the region and abroad. These settings include opportunities to engage in:  

  • program development 
  • neighborhood and community organizing 
  • legislative advocacy 
  • employee assistance 
  • grass-roots leadership development 
  • political campaigns 
  • government and nonprofit organizations 

 

Dual Concentration

Students may elect to have a dual concentration, which would expose them to the other concentration’s content through study in two courses.  Their Advanced Field Practicum will still be based upon their primary concentration.  

Dual Degrees

Dual Degrees

In addition to our MSW program options, the SSW offers six dual degree programs in partnership with other schools on campus and universities in the region. Students accepted into the MSW program and one of the participating dual-degree programs must meet with the designated SSW faculty coordinator to develop a plan of study. 

MSW and Juris Doctor
MSW and Leadership in Jewish Education and Communal Service
MSW and Master of Business Administration
MSW and Master of Public Health
MSW and Master of Public Policy
MSW and Medical Cannabis Science, Therapeutics, and Policy Certificate

Funding Your Degree

Tuition and Fees

You can view the current academic year’s tuition here. If you have questions about tuition and fees, contact UMB Financial Aid at 410.706.7347 or aidtalk@umaryland.edu.

Scholarships and Fellowship

The SSW offers a large variety of scholarships and fellowships to MSW students. Please visit the scholarship page to review the options and application due dates

Financial Aid

University Student Financial Assistance provides information for students seeking Financial Aid for the MSW program. All students receiving funds through the University — including financial aid, merit awards, grants, and scholarships — must annually complete a FAFSA through the Federal Student Aid website.

VA Benefits

Students attending the University of Maryland School Of Social Work using Veterans Education Benefits may receive assistance with enrollment certification at the SSW Office of Records and Registration at sswveteransaffairs@ssw.umaryland.edu

Visit the VA Educational Benefits page to learn more about the requirements and documentation for this program.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Since its creation in 2020, the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion has been committed to supporting the DEI efforts of units across the SSW, DEI programming, and initiatives, providing strategic leadership, and promoting accountability. The office works with students, staff, faculty, and community members to ensure that we all work together to create a campus community we want to be a part of.  

Our strategic priorities include Campus Climate & Belonging & Community, Accountability & Transparency, Equity & Access, and Scholarship, Learning, and Professional Development. 

ODEI Programs and Initiatives

Affinity Groups

Our social work affinity spaces provide an opportunity for people to connect with others who share aspects of their identity. The spaces are meant to be a hybrid of “doing” and “being.” Spaces are open to all members of the SSW community and are facilitated by social work faculty and staff. Our current Affinity Spaces include: 

  • Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC)
  • Disability Justice and Advocacy (DJA)
  • Jewish Affinity Space
  • LGBTQ+
  • White Accountability
The Book Lending Initiative

In the Fall of 2022, the ODEI is piloting our Book Lending Initiative, which provides free, easily accessible textbooks and other materials to students. 

The Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee (DEIC)

The Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee (DEIC) is a convening body comprised of diverse stakeholders from across the School of Social Work (SSW), including staff, faculty, students, and administration as well as alumni and community representatives. These stakeholders collaborate to strategize, make recommendations, and act toward creating an SSW community that is inclusive, anti-racist, anti-oppressive, and where everyone feels a sense of belonging.

The J.E.D.I. is Social Work Campaign

J.E.D.I. is Social Work Campaign recognizes that Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion are not just a part of the work but rather, it IS the work. This is an inclusive partnership and campaign among students, faculty, staff, and the community with intentional collaboration around our values.

The L.E.A.D. Institute: Leading for Equity, Anti-Racism, and Diversity

L.E.A.D., which stands for Leading for Equity, Anti-Racism, and Diversity, is a 4-part eConvening training and coaching series through the University of Maryland, School of Social Work. It is focused on cultivating an anti-racist mindset, promoting equity, and dismantling structural racism and oppression.

DEI Newsletter

The DEI Newsletter is a monthly letter that allows SSW students, staff, and faculty to directly engage with our office and all we have to offer.  It provides a space for connection, and reflection, as well as sharing DEI information and resources like events, trainings, initiatives, and interviews. 

Pulse Survey

The DEI Pulse Survey is a quick and confidential survey that allows the ODEI to do a pulse check on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at the SSW. The survey’s data is used to help inform and shape policies and practices as well as launch programs and initiatives that promote a more safe, equitable, and inclusive SSW community! All members of the SSW community including students, faculty, staff, and alumni are invited to take the survey.

Restorative Practices

Restorative Practices (RP) with the ODEI is using Restorative pedagogy and frameworks to work toward building a strong restorative culture at SSW. Restorative Practices are all about strengthening and improving relationships between individuals and communities. With that in mind, we offer trainings and discussions around RP to help students, faculty and staff communicate more effectively, repair harm and promote healing and build community. 

Students

SSW Records and Registration

The SSW Office of Records and Registration manages registration, enrollment verification, grade entry, degree progress, and certification.  The SSW Office of Records and Registration also administers academic policies and procedures including student withdrawals and leaves of absence.  

Students can access and submit forms to SSW Records & Registration (e.g., request to drop a course, take a leave of absence, request a grade of incomplete, or get on the waitlist for a class). 

The calendars and course schedule webpage includes recent and current course schedules, as well as the important dates calendar.

Student Affairs

The Office of Student Affairs, which includes the offices of Student Services, Academic Advising, and Career Development, promotes academic success by assisting students in meeting the many demands of their academic and personal lives and promoting a positive school experience.  The office provides a variety of services, programs, supports, and opportunities for leadership and connection throughout students’ academic careers. The goal of the Office is to ensure that all students possess the necessary resources to complete their MSW and become well-prepared and engaged social workers.    

Student Services is committed to assisting students in achieving academic success. The office connects students with academic and community resources, meeting with students individually for guidance and support. Student Services also advises the SSW Student Government Association, connecting students with leadership opportunities. 

The FGSP welcomes and celebrates first-generation students. The program fosters connection and community among first-generation students, faculty, and staff and offers workshops and networking opportunities.

The Career Development Center prepares students and graduates to enter the social work profession and job market by providing workshops, individual consultation, and transition from campus to career support. Our services are constructed to develop greater self-confidence, expand awareness of career opportunities, and foster connections and networks for effective job search practices. 

The Academic Advisor will work with you to develop your academic plan; select courses; understand policies and procedures, and explore university resources. Advising is not mandatory, however, you are encouraged to communicate with the Academic Advisor on a periodic basis to confirm your progress in meeting degree requirements.  Faculty are available to students for advising related to the Social Work profession 

Search the Student Handbook and Academic Catalog for SSW policies, procedures, and standards, as well as information regarding curriculum, field practicum, and degree requirements. 

The Student Handbook and the Academic Catalog include details about Admissions criteria and the application process, requirements of the MSW program, and student policies. 

 

Support & Information Technology

Technology Support

Tech Support

IT or Technology

If you are looking for IT or Technology help with email, wi-fi, networks, classroom tech, media services, audio/video, computing, labs, printers, Office 365, etc. - contact SSW Informatics. 

Blackboard

Is Blackboard down? Won't load? Can't log in? 

Contact UMB CITS Helpdesk: 

410-706-HELP 
help@umaryland.edu 
http://www.umaryland.edu/helpdesk/ 

IDEA Team

Course problem? Quiz problem? Assignment problem? Questions about using Bb? 
Contact SSW IDEA Team: 

http://tinyurl.com/sswideateamhelp 
410-870-9663 
ideateam@ssw.umaryland.edu 

Support for Social Work Grads

Alumni

Visit the Alumni Homepage to learn more about all the ways you can stay connected with the SSW after graduation. 

Transcripts

Students and alumni may request official transcripts from the UMB Office of the Registrar. There is no charge for the issuance of transcripts. A request for transcripts must be made in writing or online and should be made at least two weeks in advance of the date the records are needed. No transcript will be furnished to any student or alumnus whose financial obligations to the University have not been satisfied.

Continuing Professional Education (CPE)

The School of Social Work provides lifelong learning to social workers and human services professionals.  Social workers can enroll in a variety of courses for professional development and continuing education units.  This includes Certificate Programs in areas such as Financial Social Work, Human Services Leadership and Management, and Substance Use Disorder and Treatment.

Post MSW Courses (Special Students)

The UMB SSW has a special student status for individuals who have completed their MSW and wish to enroll in additional MSW courses after receiving their degree.  This status requires submission of official transcripts, confirmation of conferred MSW, and a special student application. Registration for special students is on a space available basis. The cost of attending school as a non-degree seeking student is the same as degree-seeking students.  

Please contact the Office of Admissions for application and confirmation fees and other special student status inquiries.

Faculty & Staff Directory

Explore the faculty and staff of UMSSW.

Ready to be a Changemaker?