University of Wisconsin–Madison · United States
Social Work, MSW
The Master of Social Work (MSW) program at the University of Wisconsin–Madison equips students with advanced generalist practice skills. The curriculum is built on a liberal arts foundation, emphasizing a person-in-environment perspective, empowerment, and strengths-based approaches. The program aims to prepare graduates for autonomous advanced generalist practice across diverse settings by providing knowledge, values, and skills in areas such as social problems, policy, systems of oppression, multilevel interventions, ethical advocacy, social justice, and research-informed practice. The School of Social Work is dedicated to fostering an inclusive environment and maintaining strong partnerships with community organizations for meaningful field experiences.
The MSW curriculum is oriented towards generalist social work practice, integrating content on professional values and ethics, diversity and inclusion, populations at risk, and social, economic, and environmental justice. Students complete a generalist practice year focused on direct practice across various system sizes (micro-to-macro), followed by a specialization year. The advanced generalist specialization offers optional areas of focus including aging, child, youth, and family welfare, health, and mental health. Students also have opportunities for electives and can construct individualized sub-focus areas with advisor assistance.
The Part-Time MSW Program offers a hybrid learning format, with in-person sessions held every other Saturday and online components. This option is designed for students who cannot commit to full-time study and allows for completion in four years. Fieldwork placements may be available in the student's home community. Both traditional and advanced standing options are available, with focus areas in child, youth, and family welfare, or mental health.