Social Work
Advance your career in the rewarding field of social work.
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Social Work, MSW Overview
The University of West Florida’s clinically focused online master’s in social work program provides the knowledge and skills to enter the workplace prepared for advanced social work practice. You will complete a specialized study of medical and behavioral healthcare in this program, which blends clinical internships with hands-on learning.
Students who hold a bachelor’s degree in social work can fast-track their studies and complete our online MSW clinical curriculum as Advanced Standing, while those without previous social work experience can gain the experience they need through foundational coursework that prepares them for the rigors of social work practice in our Traditional track.
This program meets educational course requirements for licensure as a clinical social worker in the state of Florida and is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education. If you are seeking a rewarding career that allows you to help others every day, UWF’s online social work master’s is the program you’re looking for.
You will study topics such as:
- Human behavior in the social environment
- Human behavior in communities and organizations
- Social service policy
- Human diversity and social justice
- Clinical social work practice
- Social work research
“My passion for creating positive change in communities has shaped my journey as an MSW student. I am driven by a deep commitment to social justice, and that motivates me to further my education. I aspire to influence policy and create systemic improvements that uplift underserved populations.”
– Yrmalis Nieves Rios, Master of Social Work, Class of 2025
Accreditation
The University of West Florida Master of Social Work program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education’s Board of Accreditation.
Accreditation of a baccalaureate or master’s social work program by the Council on Social Work Education’s Board of Accreditation indicates that it meets or exceeds criteria for the assessment of program quality evaluated through a peer review process. An accredited program has sufficient resources to meet its mission and goals and the Board of Accreditation has verified that it demonstrates compliance with all sections of the Educational Policy and Accreditation Standards.
Accreditation applies to all program sites and program delivery methods of an accredited program. Accreditation provides reasonable assurance about the quality of the program and the competence of students graduating from the program.
Candidates for This Program Include:
- Students with an undergraduate degree in social work who are seeking advanced study in the field
- Students who did not study social work at the undergraduate level but wish to pursue a social work career
- Those seeking to become a licensed clinical social worker in Florida
“My passion for supporting individuals on their journey to healing guides my work as an MSW student. I am dedicated to fostering resilience and empowerment in my clients, and strive every day to make a meaningful impact in the field of mental health.”
– Ashton Harris, Master of Social Work, Class of 2024
Learning Outcomes
- Demonstrate specialized knowledge in medical and behavioral health social work
- Prepare for clinical practice as a LCSW in Florida
- Work with a variety of social populations including individuals, families and groups
View an interview with Joseph Herzog, Ph.D. and Professor in the Department of Social Work
Courses and Requirements
UWF’s online social work master’s degree includes a total of 30 or 60 credit hours, including 30 credit hours of clinical coursework. Depending on your previous education, you may qualify for either the traditional or advanced standing MSW options.
Students enrolled in the traditional program (60 hours) must complete the foundation curriculum prior to progressing to the clinical curriculum. Advanced standing (30 hours) students complete the clinical curriculum only.
Foundation Curriculum (30 credit hours)
- SOW 5105 - Human Behavior in the Social Environment
3 Credit Hours
Human Behavior in the Social Environment
• This course uses the bio-psycho-social approach and ecosystems framework to provide an overview of social functioning throughout the lifecycle within the context of the social environment. A major focus of the course is on the analysis of complexity within these systems as well as an examination of power dynamics and social positioning in relation to social work’s professional ethics and practice standards. The person-in-environment framework provides students with an understanding of human behavior and the various forces that impact health and well-being. Models for understanding human development across the lifespan are introduced.
- SOW 5106 - Social Work Practice in Communities and Organizations
3 Credit Hours
Social Work Practice in Communities and Organizations
This course explores the role of organizations and communities in the development and delivery of social services. Specific focus is placed on equipping students with the knowledge and skills needed to operate within, and lead, effective organizations that impact their communities.
- SOW 5218 - Social Work and Social Policy
3 Credit Hours
Social Work and Social Policy
This course examines social work as a policy-based profession and how social policy generally, and social welfare policy specifically, is a central concern to the social work profession and its ethical mandates and practice standards. Elements of policy practice are addressed, setting a foundation for students to understand a wide array of contemporary policy topics that impact the client and communities social workers serve and the social work profession itself. Students learn various policy analysis methods and frameworks, with special attention to models specifically developed for the social work profession.
- SOW 5305 - Generalist Practice
3 Credit Hours
Generalist Practice
The course introduces non-BSW students, referred to as traditional MSW students, to the competencies of social work practice, the NASW Code of Ethics, and the planned change process, in preparation for their entry into the Foundational Field Internship. This course covers basic generalist practice skills within the competencies, focusing on the beginning phase of the helping process with individuals and families, and culminates in an introduction to working with groups, communities, and organizations. This course introduces students to skills closely aligned with the social work profession, such as basic assessment, communication, and interviewing skills essential to the helping relationship, which are practiced within the classroom and various learning environments, and strengthens their critical thinking as they navigate the tenets of the helping process. Students learn the skills required for generalist social work practice including the biological, psychological and social (BPS) assessment process; how to organize BPS data for the purposes of problem formulation; the framework of case management along with historical and contemporary perspectives on the case management process. Emphasis is placed on the student's ability to demonstrate understanding of social work competencies, the NASW Code of Ethics, and the Planned Change Process and practice skills through the use of applied case study exercises.
- SOW 5404 - Research Foundations and Methods
3 Credit Hours
Research Foundations and Methods
This foundational course introduces students to social science research methodologies and methods; ethical considerations for conducting research with human participants and historical events leading to codified ethical standards; and linkages with evidence-based social work practice. This course prepares students for SOW 6432, Program Evaluation in Social Work Practice.
- SOW 5532 - Foundation Year Field Instruction and Integrative Seminar
3 Credit Hours
Foundation Year Field Instruction and Integrative Seminar
This course is designed to incorporate agency-based social work experiences with seminar discussions and peer feedback to clarify generalist social work practice, learn and engage in supervision, and provide opportunities to receive professional and peer feedback on developing generalist social work practice skills. Focus will include applying critical thinking skills and standards in social work practice to the planned change process used to address client problems and will be evaluated through the use of the student learning contract.
- SOW 5629 - Theories and Applications of Structural Social Work
3 Credit Hours
Theories and Applications of Structural Social Work
This course examines the impact of social, economic, and political systems on and across individuals, communities, and broader society. Contemporary social, political, and economic issues are examined and grounded in various macro-level theoretical frameworks, as well as relevant cultural and historical events, all through a professional values and ethics lens.
- SOW 5757 - The History and Philosophy of Social Work*
3 Credit Hours
The History and Philosophy of Social Work*
This course traces the profession from its historical roots to the modern iteration of professional social work practice. Included in this is the examination of both historical and contemporary trends, policies, and ethics of social work and their impact on individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities.
*First semester course requirement for the foundation curriculum.
Choose Two Social Work Electives
- SOW 5128 - Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
3 Credit Hours
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
This course focuses on cognitive behavioral therapy, clinical decision making, and advanced clinical interventions, while building on a generalist approach to social work practice. The course applies an understanding of normal development and psychopathology as a foundation for advanced practice. The course examines ways in which cognitive behavioral theory and model of intervention with individuals, families and groups can be tailored to client needs. The course addresses work with clients across the life cycle who are experiencing a variety of problems and difficulties. Methods of enhancing adaptive functioning and resiliency through cognitive behavioral therapy are emphasized. Permission is required. Prerequisite: SOW 5305
- SOW 5149 - Social Work Practice In The Military
3 Credit Hours
Social Work Practice In The Military
A comprehensive and in depth examination of the practice of military social work. The course provides a historical context and a thorough review of the specific practice of social work in the U.S. military.
- SOW 5356 - Play Therapy: Theory and Techniques
3 Credit Hours
Play Therapy: Theory and Techniques
Students will learn the theoretical underpinnings of play therapy and the techniques by which the theory is practiced. Permission is required.
- SOW 5605 - Social Work Practice in Integrated Healthcare
3 Credit Hours
Social Work Practice in Integrated Healthcare
The objective of this course is to introduce social work students to the direct practice of integrated behavioral health in primary care. Students will become knowledgeable of the roles of behavioral health providers working in primary care settings, theories and models of care, and cross-cultural issues. They will develop skills in engagement, assessment, intervention planning and implementation, and practice evaluation. Because the populations served in primary care settings span the spectrum of severity in both the physical and behavioral health dimensions, students will develop competencies in engaging and supporting patients across a range of health conditions.
- SOW 5710 - Substance Abuse Treatment: Theories, Practices, and Policies
3 Credit Hours
Substance Abuse Treatment: Theories, Practices, and Policies
This course is designed to provide students with background on the multiple issues associated with substance use and mental health disorders. This course will address substance abuse terminology, classification of substances, substance abuse/mental health policy and ethical dilemmas. Students will gain knowledge on evaluating, assessing, and developing treatment plans using evidence-based approaches for working with substance users and their families.
- SOW 6345 - Social Work Leadership, Management and Supervision
3 Credit Hours
Social Work Leadership, Management and Supervision
Introduction to the values, principles and functions that provide the foundation for effective leadership and management practice in the field of social work. Students will receive an overview of styles and skills used in social work leadership, management and supervision which are appropriate to both clinical and community social work practice settings. This course will provide students with values, principles and strategies for leading teams, problem-solving, and supporting multicultural and diverse staffing in social work agencies. Department Permission is required.
- SOW 6678 - Grief, Loss, and Life
3 Credit Hours
Grief, Loss, and Life
Introduction to the current and historical perspectives of death, dying and bereavement. This course will address experiences and responses to a variety of deaths including perinatal death, death of a child, death following a terminal illness, suicide, homicide, and military related death. The Hospice movement's history and goals will be part of the curriculum, as well as the experience of dying well. Special attention will be given to how other cultures and religions view death and ethical dilemmas related to death. Loss is a central and inescapable dimension of the human experience. How an individual learns to deal with loss from an early age shapes the adjustment that s/he is able to make to adverse life events throughout the life cycle and indeed determines to a large extent how satisfying and creative a life that person is able to live. This course will help the social work clinician explore and understand major theories of grief and loss, as well as treat clients of all ages who are dealing with a variety of losses. It will also assist the generalist practitioner in determining those situations in which an unresolved past experience of loss is contributing to poor adjustment in the present, as well as providing guidelines for helping the client grieve in a way that allows him or her to re-establish a sense of meaning, adapt to what is gone, and move on to live with increased vitality and joy.
- SOW 6916 - Mind/Body Practice and Positive Psychology
3 Credit Hours
Mind/Body Practice and Positive Psychology
This course focuses on research from the last 25 years that has revolutionized our knowledge of brain function, its relation to overall coping, and specific practices that promote resilience and well-being. The course is an important contribution to the social work curriculum at the master's level because it revolves around a strengths perspective that social work has always embraced, as well as teaching the advanced practitioner specific skills that s/he can use to help clients in the process of improving their lives. The course will be richly multicultural and will also include ancient wisdom from the humanities that supports this new evidence-based field of mind-body interaction. Department Permission is required.
Concentration Curriculum (30 credit hours)
- SOW 6432 - Evaluation Research in Social Work
3 Credit Hours
Evaluation Research in Social Work
This course builds on SOW 5404 by examining single-subject design research and applying related concepts and methods to program and practice evaluation in social work.
- SOW 6535 - Advanced Year Field Instruction and Integrative Seminar I
3 Credit Hours
Advanced Year Field Instruction and Integrative Seminar I
This course is the first in a sequence of two advanced, graduate-level field education seminars and internships. It is designed to facilitate the integration of social work theory with direct practice through concurrent field placement experiences. Emphasis is placed on critical application of knowledge, values, and skills acquired throughout the MSW curriculum to support the development of ethical, competent, and reflective practitioners. The students will strengthen their understanding of the nine social work competencies through practical application and align their knowledge of the competencies with the NASW Code of Ethics.
- SOW 6618 - Clinical Practice with Individuals
3 Credit Hours
Clinical Practice with Individuals
Building upon a foundation of generalist social work, this course uses a biopsychosociospiritual perspective to deepen understanding of values, ethics, and professional roles inherent in clinical practice with individuals. Students will strengthen their skills in engagement, assessment, evidence-informed intervention, and evaluation across heterogeneous client populations. Emphasis is placed on culturally responsive, trauma-informed, and person-centered clinical decision-making.
- SOW 6619 - Clinical Practice with Families
3 Credit Hours
Clinical Practice with Families
This course focuses on clinical decision-making and advanced clinical interventions with families by building on a generalist approach to social work practice. Students will examine specific theories and models of intervention with families. Students will be expected to demonstrate clinical expertise, an understanding of social work ethics and values, incorporate client preferences, utilize critical thinking skills, and apply empirical evidence to practice decisions. This course is open to students admitted to the MSW program only.
- SOW 6846 - Clinical Practice with Groups
3 Credit Hours
Clinical Practice with Groups
This advanced clinical course prepares students to design, implement, and evaluate group treatment services for heterogenous populations across the lifespan. Emphasis is placed on developing group leadership skills, understanding group dynamics, and applying evidence-informed interventions tailored to at-risk populations with varying social, cultural, and developmental characteristics. Students explore the scope, functions, and ethical considerations of group practice within the social work profession. Open to MSW students only.
- SOW 6125 - Psychopathology for Social Work
3 Credit Hours
Psychopathology for Social Work
This course addresses how to observe, document and ultimately categorize human behavior as it relates to mental illness versus mental health. This course addresses areas such as function, impairment, mental health, mental illness as well as normal and abnormal human behavior within the context of psychopathology. Students will learn how to ethically approach mental health from the perspective of the social work profession.
- SOW 6536 - Advanced Year Field Instruction and Integrative Seminar II
3 Credit Hours
Advanced Year Field Instruction and Integrative Seminar II
This seminar course is the second in a sequence of two advanced, master's level field internships and integrative seminars. It is designed to help graduate social work students connect theoretical models and concepts with the practical experience gained during their concurrent field placements. This seminar course also reinforces and applies the skills and knowledge acquired throughout the social work curriculum. The students will strengthen their understanding of the nine social work competencies through practical application and align their knowledge of the competencies with the NASW Code of Ethics.
- SOW 6548 - Capstone in Advanced Clinical Practice
3 Credit Hours
Capstone in Advanced Clinical Practice
Capstone course in clinical community social work practice. Student analysis of practice with individuals, families and group through a written and oral presentation of case material. Focus is on refinement of intervention skills relying on field practicum experience for integration of learning. Integration of knowledge from the clinical practice courses and field instruction. Students will prepare and present a case from their internship for oral presentation and demonstrate ability to organize and select appropriate treatment strategies for a specific client, family or group. A broad range of field placements will provide diverse clients and a range of clinical issues. Students are expected to show evidence of critical thinking and self-awareness in written and oral presentations. *Must be last course and taken concurrently with SOW 6536
Credit Hours
Electives in Advanced Clinical Practice (6 Credit Hours)
Choose Two Social Work Electives
- SOW 5128 - Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
3 Credit Hours
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
This course focuses on cognitive behavioral therapy, clinical decision making, and advanced clinical interventions, while building on a generalist approach to social work practice. The course applies an understanding of normal development and psychopathology as a foundation for advanced practice. The course examines ways in which cognitive behavioral theory and model of intervention with individuals, families and groups can be tailored to client needs. The course addresses work with clients across the life cycle who are experiencing a variety of problems and difficulties. Methods of enhancing adaptive functioning and resiliency through cognitive behavioral therapy are emphasized. Permission is required. Prerequisite: SOW 5305
- SOW 5356 - Play Therapy: Theory and Techniques
3 Credit Hours
Play Therapy: Theory and Techniques
Students will learn the theoretical underpinnings of play therapy and the techniques by which the theory is practiced. Permission is required.
- SOW 5605 - Social Work Practice in Integrated Healthcare
3 Credit Hours
Social Work Practice in Integrated Healthcare
The objective of this course is to introduce social work students to the direct practice of integrated behavioral health in primary care. Students will become knowledgeable of the roles of behavioral health providers working in primary care settings, theories and models of care, and cross-cultural issues. They will develop skills in engagement, assessment, intervention planning and implementation, and practice evaluation. Because the populations served in primary care settings span the spectrum of severity in both the physical and behavioral health dimensions, students will develop competencies in engaging and supporting patients across a range of health conditions.
- SOW 5710 - Substance Abuse Treatment: Theories, Practices, and Policies
3 Credit Hours
Substance Abuse Treatment: Theories, Practices, and Policies
This course is designed to provide students with background on the multiple issues associated with substance use and mental health disorders. This course will address substance abuse terminology, classification of substances, substance abuse/mental health policy and ethical dilemmas. Students will gain knowledge on evaluating, assessing, and developing treatment plans using evidence-based approaches for working with substance users and their families.
- SOW 6345 - Social Work Leadership, Management and Supervision
3 Credit Hours
Social Work Leadership, Management and Supervision
Introduction to the values, principles and functions that provide the foundation for effective leadership and management practice in the field of social work. Students will receive an overview of styles and skills used in social work leadership, management and supervision which are appropriate to both clinical and community social work practice settings. This course will provide students with values, principles and strategies for leading teams, problem-solving, and supporting multicultural and diverse staffing in social work agencies. Department Permission is required.
- SOW 6678 - Grief, Loss, and Life
3 Credit Hours
Grief, Loss, and Life
Introduction to the current and historical perspectives of death, dying and bereavement. This course will address experiences and responses to a variety of deaths including perinatal death, death of a child, death following a terminal illness, suicide, homicide, and military related death. The Hospice movement's history and goals will be part of the curriculum, as well as the experience of dying well. Special attention will be given to how other cultures and religions view death and ethical dilemmas related to death. Loss is a central and inescapable dimension of the human experience. How an individual learns to deal with loss from an early age shapes the adjustment that s/he is able to make to adverse life events throughout the life cycle and indeed determines to a large extent how satisfying and creative a life that person is able to live. This course will help the social work clinician explore and understand major theories of grief and loss, as well as treat clients of all ages who are dealing with a variety of losses. It will also assist the generalist practitioner in determining those situations in which an unresolved past experience of loss is contributing to poor adjustment in the present, as well as providing guidelines for helping the client grieve in a way that allows him or her to re-establish a sense of meaning, adapt to what is gone, and move on to live with increased vitality and joy.
- SOW 6916 - Mind/Body Practice and Positive Psychology
3 Credit Hours
Mind/Body Practice and Positive Psychology
This course focuses on research from the last 25 years that has revolutionized our knowledge of brain function, its relation to overall coping, and specific practices that promote resilience and well-being. The course is an important contribution to the social work curriculum at the master's level because it revolves around a strengths perspective that social work has always embraced, as well as teaching the advanced practitioner specific skills that s/he can use to help clients in the process of improving their lives. The course will be richly multicultural and will also include ancient wisdom from the humanities that supports this new evidence-based field of mind-body interaction. Department Permission is required.
- SOW 5105 - Human Behavior in the Social Environment
Clinical Curriculum (30 credit hours)
- SOW 6432 - Evaluation Research in Social Work
3 Credit Hours
Evaluation Research in Social Work
This course builds on SOW 5404 by examining single-subject design research and applying related concepts and methods to program and practice evaluation in social work.
- SOW 6535 - Advanced Year Field Instruction and Integrative Seminar I
3 Credit Hours
Advanced Year Field Instruction and Integrative Seminar I
This course is the first in a sequence of two advanced, graduate-level field education seminars and internships. It is designed to facilitate the integration of social work theory with direct practice through concurrent field placement experiences. Emphasis is placed on critical application of knowledge, values, and skills acquired throughout the MSW curriculum to support the development of ethical, competent, and reflective practitioners. The students will strengthen their understanding of the nine social work competencies through practical application and align their knowledge of the competencies with the NASW Code of Ethics.
- SOW 6618 - Clinical Practice with Individuals
3 Credit Hours
Clinical Practice with Individuals
Building upon a foundation of generalist social work, this course uses a biopsychosociospiritual perspective to deepen understanding of values, ethics, and professional roles inherent in clinical practice with individuals. Students will strengthen their skills in engagement, assessment, evidence-informed intervention, and evaluation across heterogeneous client populations. Emphasis is placed on culturally responsive, trauma-informed, and person-centered clinical decision-making.
- SOW 6619 - Clinical Practice with Families
3 Credit Hours
Clinical Practice with Families
This course focuses on clinical decision-making and advanced clinical interventions with families by building on a generalist approach to social work practice. Students will examine specific theories and models of intervention with families. Students will be expected to demonstrate clinical expertise, an understanding of social work ethics and values, incorporate client preferences, utilize critical thinking skills, and apply empirical evidence to practice decisions. This course is open to students admitted to the MSW program only.
- SOW 6846 - Clinical Practice with Groups
3 Credit Hours
Clinical Practice with Groups
This advanced clinical course prepares students to design, implement, and evaluate group treatment services for heterogenous populations across the lifespan. Emphasis is placed on developing group leadership skills, understanding group dynamics, and applying evidence-informed interventions tailored to at-risk populations with varying social, cultural, and developmental characteristics. Students explore the scope, functions, and ethical considerations of group practice within the social work profession. Open to MSW students only.
- SOW 6536 - Advanced Year Field Instruction and Integrative Seminar II
3 Credit Hours
Advanced Year Field Instruction and Integrative Seminar II
This seminar course is the second in a sequence of two advanced, master's level field internships and integrative seminars. It is designed to help graduate social work students connect theoretical models and concepts with the practical experience gained during their concurrent field placements. This seminar course also reinforces and applies the skills and knowledge acquired throughout the social work curriculum. The students will strengthen their understanding of the nine social work competencies through practical application and align their knowledge of the competencies with the NASW Code of Ethics.
- SOW 6548 - Capstone in Advanced Clinical Practice
3 Credit Hours
Capstone in Advanced Clinical Practice
Capstone course in clinical community social work practice. Student analysis of practice with individuals, families and group through a written and oral presentation of case material. Focus is on refinement of intervention skills relying on field practicum experience for integration of learning. Integration of knowledge from the clinical practice courses and field instruction. Students will prepare and present a case from their internship for oral presentation and demonstrate ability to organize and select appropriate treatment strategies for a specific client, family or group. A broad range of field placements will provide diverse clients and a range of clinical issues. Students are expected to show evidence of critical thinking and self-awareness in written and oral presentations. *Must be last course and taken concurrently with SOW 6536
- SOW 6125 - Psychopathology for Social Work
3 Credit Hours
Psychopathology for Social Work
This course addresses how to observe, document and ultimately categorize human behavior as it relates to mental illness versus mental health. This course addresses areas such as function, impairment, mental health, mental illness as well as normal and abnormal human behavior within the context of psychopathology. Students will learn how to ethically approach mental health from the perspective of the social work profession.
Credit Hours
Electives in Advanced Clinical Practice (6 Credit Hours)
Choose Two Social Work Electives
- SOW 5128 - Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
3 Credit Hours
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
This course focuses on cognitive behavioral therapy, clinical decision making, and advanced clinical interventions, while building on a generalist approach to social work practice. The course applies an understanding of normal development and psychopathology as a foundation for advanced practice. The course examines ways in which cognitive behavioral theory and model of intervention with individuals, families and groups can be tailored to client needs. The course addresses work with clients across the life cycle who are experiencing a variety of problems and difficulties. Methods of enhancing adaptive functioning and resiliency through cognitive behavioral therapy are emphasized. Permission is required. Prerequisite: SOW 5305
- SOW 5356 - Play Therapy: Theory and Techniques
3 Credit Hours
Play Therapy: Theory and Techniques
Students will learn the theoretical underpinnings of play therapy and the techniques by which the theory is practiced. Permission is required.
- SOW 5605 - Social Work Practice in Integrated Healthcare
3 Credit Hours
Social Work Practice in Integrated Healthcare
The objective of this course is to introduce social work students to the direct practice of integrated behavioral health in primary care. Students will become knowledgeable of the roles of behavioral health providers working in primary care settings, theories and models of care, and cross-cultural issues. They will develop skills in engagement, assessment, intervention planning and implementation, and practice evaluation. Because the populations served in primary care settings span the spectrum of severity in both the physical and behavioral health dimensions, students will develop competencies in engaging and supporting patients across a range of health conditions.
- SOW 5710 - Substance Abuse Treatment: Theories, Practices, and Policies
3 Credit Hours
Substance Abuse Treatment: Theories, Practices, and Policies
This course is designed to provide students with background on the multiple issues associated with substance use and mental health disorders. This course will address substance abuse terminology, classification of substances, substance abuse/mental health policy and ethical dilemmas. Students will gain knowledge on evaluating, assessing, and developing treatment plans using evidence-based approaches for working with substance users and their families.
- SOW 6345 - Social Work Leadership, Management and Supervision
3 Credit Hours
Social Work Leadership, Management and Supervision
Introduction to the values, principles and functions that provide the foundation for effective leadership and management practice in the field of social work. Students will receive an overview of styles and skills used in social work leadership, management and supervision which are appropriate to both clinical and community social work practice settings. This course will provide students with values, principles and strategies for leading teams, problem-solving, and supporting multicultural and diverse staffing in social work agencies. Department Permission is required.
- SOW 6678 - Grief, Loss, and Life
3 Credit Hours
Grief, Loss, and Life
Introduction to the current and historical perspectives of death, dying and bereavement. This course will address experiences and responses to a variety of deaths including perinatal death, death of a child, death following a terminal illness, suicide, homicide, and military related death. The Hospice movement's history and goals will be part of the curriculum, as well as the experience of dying well. Special attention will be given to how other cultures and religions view death and ethical dilemmas related to death. Loss is a central and inescapable dimension of the human experience. How an individual learns to deal with loss from an early age shapes the adjustment that s/he is able to make to adverse life events throughout the life cycle and indeed determines to a large extent how satisfying and creative a life that person is able to live. This course will help the social work clinician explore and understand major theories of grief and loss, as well as treat clients of all ages who are dealing with a variety of losses. It will also assist the generalist practitioner in determining those situations in which an unresolved past experience of loss is contributing to poor adjustment in the present, as well as providing guidelines for helping the client grieve in a way that allows him or her to re-establish a sense of meaning, adapt to what is gone, and move on to live with increased vitality and joy.
- SOW 6916 - Mind/Body Practice and Positive Psychology
3 Credit Hours
Mind/Body Practice and Positive Psychology
This course focuses on research from the last 25 years that has revolutionized our knowledge of brain function, its relation to overall coping, and specific practices that promote resilience and well-being. The course is an important contribution to the social work curriculum at the master's level because it revolves around a strengths perspective that social work has always embraced, as well as teaching the advanced practitioner specific skills that s/he can use to help clients in the process of improving their lives. The course will be richly multicultural and will also include ancient wisdom from the humanities that supports this new evidence-based field of mind-body interaction. Department Permission is required.
- SOW 6432 - Evaluation Research in Social Work
Admission Requirements
To be considered for admission into UWF’s online MSW program, you must have earned an undergraduate degree from an accredited institution, with a minimum recommended institutional GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale on the last 60 hours of coursework in the baccalaureate degree.
Additional requirements for advanced standing applicants
- Must have earned a bachelor’s degree in social work from a CSWE-accredited program.
- For those who earned their degree over 10 years ago, eligibility for admission will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
- If admitted, applicants with a BSW older than 10 years may be offered conditional admission (B or better in first 12 semester hours), based on a review of their professional experience and academic readiness.
| Term | Course Start Date | Application Deadline | Registration Deadline | Tuition Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer 1 | 5/11/2026 | 4/1/2026 | 5/10/2026 | 5/17/2026 |
| Fall 1 | 8/17/2026 | 7/1/2026 | 8/16/2026 | 8/23/2026 |
How to Apply
Based on program capacity, application deadlines may be subject to change each semester.
To apply for admission to the Master of Social Work online program, you first need to submit an application for graduate admission (plus a $30 application fee) and be accepted for admission to the University of West Florida. In addition, you must:
- Submit official transcripts confirming a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
- Minimum undergraduate institutional GPA of 3.0 is recommended
- Submit GRE or MAT scores (waived with undergrad institutional GPA of 3.0 or better)
- Academic preparation as demonstrated by quality and relevance of undergraduate degree major
- Submit a personal statement using the required Social Work Personal Statement Form
- Submit three letters of recommendation from individuals familiar with the applicant’s ability to succeed in a graduate program (advanced standing applicants must include one recommendation from a supervisor who provided supervision during their undergraduate field experience). You will be prompted to add your recommenders and their contact information in your application portal.
- Applicants residing outside of a 60 mile radius of campus must submit the contact information for three potential field placement sites
- Submit the MSW Criminal History Form
- Submit a résumé
Have questions about this program or the admissions process? Connect with one of our knowledgeable enrollment counselors.
Costs & Financial Aid
| Component | Cost | Total* |
|---|---|---|
| Traditional Online Tuition | $450 per credit hour | $27,000.00 |
| Traditional Tuition with Maximum Transfer Credits (10) | $450 per credit hour | $22,500.00 |
| Face-to-Face In-State Traditional Program Tuition | $377.60 per credit hour | $22,656.00 |
| Advanced Standing Tuition | $450 per credit hour | $13,500.00 |
| Advanced Standing Tuition with Maximum Transfer Credits (6) | $450 per credit hour | $10,800.00 |
| Face-to-Face In-State Advanced Program Tuition | $377.60 per credit hour | $11,328.00 |
Time to completion for the master’s in social work degree program varies by student, depending on individual progress and credits transferred, if applicable. Fees are charged per semester unless otherwise noted. The online MSW takes up to 10 semesters to complete, depending on transfer credits and chosen program option. For a personalized estimate of time to completion, call an enrollment advisor at 844.372.9390 or request information.
Refer to UWF Cost of Attendance Estimates and Financial Literacy for more information on UWF costs and financial aid.
* Tuition and fees are subject to change.
Military Students
UWF proudly serves active duty U.S. military members and veterans. As UWF has been a participant of the Yellow Ribbon Program since 2011, you could be eligible to receive free tuition with your military benefits.
See How We Can Serve YouFinancial Aid
Funding your college education should not empty your wallet. We offer various financial aid options for our online students, including loans, scholarships and grants for degree-seeking students.
Learn More About Financial AidCareer Outcomes
Upon completion of our online MSW degree, you can pursue a variety of practice areas within the field including:
* Salary and job information from PayScale.com.
Medical Social Workers
Medical social workers provide patient care to a variety of populations, conducting evaluations and advising clinicians. They also facilitate support services with specialists and other medical professionals as needed. The median annual salary for the position is $59,737.
Clinical Social Workers
Clinical social workers are licensed mental health professionals who can provide psychological counseling, therapy and other services to clients. They also help clients access any services and resources they need, improving quality of life. Clinical social workers earn a median salary of $63,139 per year.
Substance Abuse Counselors
Substance abuse counselors provide therapy and counseling services for individuals who are struggling with alcohol and drug addiction or abuse. They conduct group, family or individual counseling and perform initial evaluations. The median annual salary for this role is $37,500.
Military Social Workers
Military social workers provide comprehensive social work services in a military setting, including working closely with veterans, active duty service members and their families. Military social workers earn a median annual salary of $72,369.
Child, Family or School Social Workers
These social workers support children who may be at risk for mental health or other issues due to circumstances at home or school. They perform assessments and advocate for children and their families, helping them access the resources they need to live healthy lives. The median annual salary for this position is $45,852.