60 Credit Online MSW Program

student at desk on computer

The 60-credit Online MSW Program is a practice-driven program designed for students seeking a structured, cohort-based online learning experience paired with in-person practicum. Courses are delivered online and primarily synchronous, with scheduled classes held on Tuesday and Thursday evenings, alongside a small number of fully asynchronous courses.

The program begins with a 27-credit foundation curriculum that builds core knowledge in policy, human behavior, research, and social work practice, and continues with a 33-credit advanced curriculum focused on clinical social work practice. Delivered in a cohort format, students move through a set sequence of courses together, with each course building on the last to support collaboration and continued skill development. Designed for learners seeking experiential training, our curriculum emphasizes career-ready skills that support advanced practice and licensure goals. Explore the program to find the course sequence, concentration details, and practicum requirements.

Program Notes
  • All incoming students must complete the prerequisite A Brief History of Oppression and Resistance. This self-paced online course takes approximately 15–30 hours, is accessed through Blackboard, and should be completed before the first day of classes.
  • Foundation courses must be completed before students may enter advanced practicum.
  • No course may be taken without having received credit for any courses identified as a pre-requisite for that particular course.
  • A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 is required for graduation and a “P” (Pass) is required for all practicum courses.
  • All students must allocate time to complete practicum requirements.
  • Students may request up to 9 credits outside the OMSW plan (substituting one advanced policy course + two electives). Substitutions must not duplicate OMSW offerings, all prerequisites must be met, and students must enroll OMSW coursework during each fall and spring semester.

Foundation Curriculum

The 27‑credit foundation curriculum builds core knowledge in social welfare and policy, structural oppression, human behavior and the social environment, research, and social work practice with individuals, families, groups, communities, and organizations. 

Coursework
  • SOWK 600: Social Welfare and Social Policy Fall [3 credits]
  • SOWK 610: Structural Oppression and its Implications for Social Work Practice [3 credits]
  • SOWK 630: Social Work Practice with Individuals [3 credits]
  • SOWK 631: Social Work Practice with Communities and Organizations [6 credits]
  • SOWK 632: Social Work Practice with Groups and Families [6 credits]
  • SOWK 635: Foundation Practicum I  [3 credits]
  • SOWK 636: Foundation Practicum II [3 credits] 
  • SOWK 637: Foundation Seminar I [0 credits]
  • SOWK 638: Foundation Seminar II [0 credits]
  • SOWK 645: Human Behavior and the Social Environment [3 credits]
  • SOWK 670: Social Work Research [3 credits]

Advanced Curriculum

The 33-credit Advanced Curriculum prepares students for advanced clinical social work practice through integrated coursework and practicum experiences. Advanced coursework is designed to deepen clinical competencies, support professional practice readiness, and align with licensure pathways.

Coursework

The OMSW Advanced coursework follows a structured sequence and includes the following required courses:

  • SOWK 708 - Advanced Policy (see Course Offerings for a list of policy courses) [3 credits]
  • SWCL 700 – Advanced Clinical Interventions [3 credits]
  • SWCL 703 - Family Therapy [3 credits]
  • SWCL 705 - Clinical Social Work with Addictive Behavior Patterns [3 credits]
  • SWCL 722 - Cognitive Behavioral Therapies [3 credits]
  • SWCL 744 – Assessment, Diagnosis, and Intervention Planning [3 credits]
  • SWCL 773 - Adult Trauma and Clinical Social Work Practice [3 credits]
  • SWCL 794 – Advanced Field Practicum I [6 credits]
  • SWCL 795 – Advanced Field Practicum II [6 credits]
  • Clinical Hallway

    Clinical Concentration

    Provide a range of therapeutic services across multiple settings.

    Clinical Concentration

  • Advanced Year Clinical Practicum

    In the advanced year, the clinical practicum experience will provide intensive learning across over 400 settings throughout the region and abroad. Examples 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; social service; non-profits, court systems, employee assistance programs; and school settings. Learn more about Practicum.

    Office of Practicum Education

Ready to be a Changemaker?