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
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
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., Chair 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 foundation year class presents a bio-psycho-socio-spiritual and ecosystems framework that introduces students to a macro, mezzo and micro systems perspective. A major focus of the course is on the analysis of diversity within these systems as well as an examination of power and privilege. The person-in-environment framework provides students with an understanding of human adaptation and the various forces that support or impede well-being. Models for understanding human development are introduced. An overview of social functioning throughout the lifecycle within the context of the social environment is covered.
- SOW 5106 - Human Behavior in Communities and Organizations
3 Credit Hours
Human Behavior in Communities and Organizations
This foundation year course focuses on human behavior in organizations and communities. The course familiarizes students with the intervention strategies of community organization. Emphasis is placed on the social worker's role as change agent and models and strategies for community organizing. Content related to values and ethics of community organization in relation to the client, the organization and the community is covered. Intervention plans are highlighted which focus on planned change efforts and containing strong evaluation plans are utilized in working with human service agencies serving vulnerable populations.
- SOW 5218 - Analysis of Social Service Policy
3 Credit Hours
Analysis of Social Service Policy
This course will examine social work as a policy-based profession and how social welfare policy is a central concern to the social work profession. This course also addresses policy practice roles such as planner, administrator, policy analyst and program evaluator. This course will review ways to improve human services delivery systems through the application of problem-solving, critical thinking and other necessary skills.
- SOW 5305 - Generalist Practice I
3 Credit Hours
Generalist Practice I
This is the first in a two-course sequence which covers generalist social work practice. This course covers basic generalist practice skills in the beginning phase of the helping process with individuals and families. Basic communication and interviewing skills essential to the helping relationship are introduced and practiced. Students learn the tasks and skills required in the beginning phase of practice: preparation, engagement, first interviewing skills and case documentation. Students learn the process of collecting relevant social, psychological, cultural, economic and biological data from both individuals and families, as well as the process of organizing and analyzing these data for purposes of problem formulation. Case management as a form of social work is examined, along with historical and contemporary perspectives on the case management process, with a focus on advocacy roles. Throughout the course, emphasis is placed on practice skills through the use of interactive exercises and role plays utilizing case examples representative of the client populations with which the students work.
- SOW 5404 - MSW Research Foundations
3 Credit Hours
MSW Research Foundations
An introduction to research methodology in the evaluation of social work practice and program evaluation.
- SOW 5532 - Foundation Year Field Instruction and Integrative Seminar
3 Credit Hours
Foundation Year Field Instruction and Integrative Seminar
This course is designed to integrate the foundation curriculum course content and field education experience utilizing a generalist approach. Agency based casework experiences and seminar discussions provide an opportunity to gain professional and peer feedback regarding acquisition of generalist practice skills. Focus will include critical thinking skills regarding the application of social work knowledge to the solution of client problems. Issues related to social work values and ethics, diversity, social and economic justice, populations at risk, HBSE, social welfare policy and services, practice and research are examined within the context of the studentÕs field education experience.
- SOW 5629 - MSW Human Diversity and Social Justice
3 Credit Hours
MSW Human Diversity and Social Justice
This course examines the impact of social, economic and political environments on diverse populations specifically race, gender, age, ethnicity, social class, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion and physical and mental abilities. This course integrates the key elements of the social work profession through the lens of social, political and economic justice. It includes the history and philosophical foundations of social welfare, community organization and social action strategies and tactics. Included are effects of cultural and group differences, the results of oppression, economic systems and social policies on social work professional practice.
- SOW 5757 - History, Philosophy and Theory of Social Work Practice*
3 Credit Hours
History, Philosophy and Theory of Social Work Practice*
This course examines the current structure of social welfare programs in the United States, their historical evolution and the role ideological, political, economic and social forces have played in the development of the social welfare system and its present character focusing on social and economic injustice in the United States. Also discusses the impact of social welfare policies on clients, agencies, service delivery and social work practice. Students are provided an overview of the historical development, philosophical orientation, basic values, principles, knowledge base and practice of the profession. The course will examine critical social problems that impact societies with an emphasis on the quest for social justice at local, national and global levels. Various perspectives on social welfare, social work as a profession and many of the core concepts of the profession will be introduced. Content will cover major concepts and perspectives to include issues in poverty, child welfare, criminal justice, health and mental health, values, ethics and working with a diverse and vulnerable population of individuals and families, ethnicity, minorities, women, gays and lesbians, aging and disabled people.
*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 of Social Work Practice
3 Credit Hours
Evaluation of Social Work Practice
The second of two required courses in the social work practice in research sequence. This advanced curriculum course builds on the knowledge and skills acquired in the foundation research course. The focus of this course is on the advanced skills necessary to effectively evaluate practice. The course utilizes single subject design and program evaluation techniques that are grounded in the social sciences and social work literature. Particular attention will be paid to the ethical issues of conducting research with oppressed and vulnerable populations. This course is open to students admitted to the MSW program only.
- SOW 6535 - Advanced Year Field Instruction and Integrative Seminar I
3 Credit Hours
Advanced Year Field Instruction and Integrative Seminar I
Integrates theoretical models and concepts with practical experience gained in concurrent field education. Integrates skills and knowledge acquired through the entire social work curriculum. Material and supply fee will be assessed.
- SOW 6618 - Clinical Practice with Individuals
3 Credit Hours
Clinical Practice with Individuals
This course builds on the knowledge base of generalist social work practice and expands and deepens that base. The course emphasizes advanced assessment of clients across the life span, trauma assessment and beginning evaluation of practice skills. Treatment planning with individuals is stressed. Building on the generalist practice base for analyzing and interpreting bio-psycho-socio-spiritual content, interpreting and implementing professional values and ethics and utilizing the professional helping relationship, this course expands and deepens that base by introducing an advanced clinical practice base of clinical community social work. Major contemporary theories of psychotherapy will be introduced, including cognitive-behavioral, experiential, interpersonal and integrative therapies. We will investigate clinical processes as they are informed by psychopathology and developmental issues across the life cycle, as well as institutionalized oppression, poverty, racism, sexism, heterosexism and other inequities. This course is open to students admitted to the MSW program only.
- SOW 6619 - Clinical Practice with Families
3 Credit Hours
Clinical Practice with Families
Clinical decision-making and advanced clinical interventions by building on a generalist approach to social work practice. Utilizes the clinical community concentration prerequisites to examine normal development and psychopathology as a foundation for advanced practice. Examines specific theories and models of intervention with individuals, families, and groups that can be tailored to client needs. Addresses work with clients across the life cycle with diverse issues. The impact of poverty, racism, sexism, and manifestations of institutionalized oppression upon clients and workers are addressed at an advanced level. Methods of enhancing adaptive functioning and resiliency are emphasized. 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
The advanced social work practitioner is required to demonstrate group skills in a variety of practice situations. The focus of this course is on the design and implementation of group treatment services for at risk populations of varying ages, social situations and composition. Students will be afforded the opportunity to develop a clear sense of the scope, uses and skills of group work in the social work profession. This course is open to students admitted to the MSW program only.
- SOW 6125 - Psychopathology for Social Work
3 Credit Hours
Psychopathology for Social Work
This course addresses patterns of human behavior and psychosocial functioning commonly conceptualized as psychopathology. The course addresses such concepts as function, mental health, mental illness, normality and abnormality. Prevalent categories of psychiatric disorders are considered as to their labeling process, differentiating characteristics, explanatory theories and relevance for social work practice. This course is open to students admitted to the MSW program only.
- SOW 6536 - Advanced Year Field Instruction and Integrative Seminar II
3 Credit Hours
Advanced Year Field Instruction and Integrative Seminar II
This is the second of two advanced master's level field internship and integrative seminars. Assists social work graduate students in integrating theoretical models and concepts with practical experience gained in concurrent field education. Integrates skills and knowledge acquired through the entire social work curriculum. Material and supply fee will be assessed.
- 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 of Social Work Practice
3 Credit Hours
Evaluation of Social Work Practice
The second of two required courses in the social work practice in research sequence. This advanced curriculum course builds on the knowledge and skills acquired in the foundation research course. The focus of this course is on the advanced skills necessary to effectively evaluate practice. The course utilizes single subject design and program evaluation techniques that are grounded in the social sciences and social work literature. Particular attention will be paid to the ethical issues of conducting research with oppressed and vulnerable populations. This course is open to students admitted to the MSW program only.
- SOW 6535 - Advanced Year Field Instruction and Integrative Seminar I
3 Credit Hours
Advanced Year Field Instruction and Integrative Seminar I
Integrates theoretical models and concepts with practical experience gained in concurrent field education. Integrates skills and knowledge acquired through the entire social work curriculum. Material and supply fee will be assessed.
- SOW 6618 - Clinical Practice with Individuals
3 Credit Hours
Clinical Practice with Individuals
This course builds on the knowledge base of generalist social work practice and expands and deepens that base. The course emphasizes advanced assessment of clients across the life span, trauma assessment and beginning evaluation of practice skills. Treatment planning with individuals is stressed. Building on the generalist practice base for analyzing and interpreting bio-psycho-socio-spiritual content, interpreting and implementing professional values and ethics and utilizing the professional helping relationship, this course expands and deepens that base by introducing an advanced clinical practice base of clinical community social work. Major contemporary theories of psychotherapy will be introduced, including cognitive-behavioral, experiential, interpersonal and integrative therapies. We will investigate clinical processes as they are informed by psychopathology and developmental issues across the life cycle, as well as institutionalized oppression, poverty, racism, sexism, heterosexism and other inequities. This course is open to students admitted to the MSW program only.
- SOW 6619 - Clinical Practice with Families
3 Credit Hours
Clinical Practice with Families
Clinical decision-making and advanced clinical interventions by building on a generalist approach to social work practice. Utilizes the clinical community concentration prerequisites to examine normal development and psychopathology as a foundation for advanced practice. Examines specific theories and models of intervention with individuals, families, and groups that can be tailored to client needs. Addresses work with clients across the life cycle with diverse issues. The impact of poverty, racism, sexism, and manifestations of institutionalized oppression upon clients and workers are addressed at an advanced level. Methods of enhancing adaptive functioning and resiliency are emphasized. 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
The advanced social work practitioner is required to demonstrate group skills in a variety of practice situations. The focus of this course is on the design and implementation of group treatment services for at risk populations of varying ages, social situations and composition. Students will be afforded the opportunity to develop a clear sense of the scope, uses and skills of group work in the social work profession. This course is open to students admitted to the MSW program only.
- SOW 6536 - Advanced Year Field Instruction and Integrative Seminar II
3 Credit Hours
Advanced Year Field Instruction and Integrative Seminar II
This is the second of two advanced master's level field internship and integrative seminars. Assists social work graduate students in integrating theoretical models and concepts with practical experience gained in concurrent field education. Integrates skills and knowledge acquired through the entire social work curriculum. Material and supply fee will be assessed.
- 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 patterns of human behavior and psychosocial functioning commonly conceptualized as psychopathology. The course addresses such concepts as function, mental health, mental illness, normality and abnormality. Prevalent categories of psychiatric disorders are considered as to their labeling process, differentiating characteristics, explanatory theories and relevance for social work practice. This course is open to students admitted to the MSW program only.
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 of Social Work Practice
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.
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.