MSW Program Competencies

Program Competencies

The Master's in Social Work program prepares students to become ethical and competent social work professionals in today’s rapidly changing world.  All students receive training in cultural competence, social work values, collaboration, global understanding, and problem solving.  Students will develop the necessary skills to:

  • Enhance the functioning of individuals, families, groups, and organizations
  • Empower individuals and families to strengthen their communities
  • Assume leadership in the human services delivery system
  • Influence public policies to advance social justice

Core Competencies (Council on Social Work Education, 2022)

  1. Demonstrate Ethical & Professional Behavior
  2. Advance Human Rights and Social, Racial, Economic, and Environmental Justice
  3. Engage Anti-Racism, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (ADEI) in Practice
  4. Engage in Practice-Informed Research & Research-Informed Practice
  5. Engage in Policy Practice
  6. Engage with Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, & Communities
  7. Assess Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, & Communities
  8. Intervene with Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, & Communities 
  9. Evaluate Practice with Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, & Communities

The Children, Youth, and Families Specialization (CYF) prepares students to work with children, adolescents, and families as they navigate through the family life cycle. Specialized training will provide the skills and knowledge for effective practice with children, youth, and families at the micro, macro, and mezzo levels. The CYF specialization prepares students for social work in a variety of settings such as schools, family service agencies, foster care, child welfare, and juvenile justice.

The Adults and Healthy Aging Specialization (AHA) prepares students to address the unique psychosocial, health, and mental health issues of adults across the lifespan. Specialized training provides the skills and knowledge for effective practice with adults, older adults, and their families at the micro, macro, and mezzo levels. The AHA specialization prepares students for social work practice in a variety of settings such as hospitals and other health care settings, mental health settings, substance abuse treatment facilities, long-term care facilities, and hospice agencies.