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MSW
Master of Social Work
Skilled social workers play an essential role in our society: helping vulnerable people overcome challenges. The online Master of Social Work (MSW) degree program from Capella University, accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), can help you develop your expertise toward an advanced generalist practice and help people get access to the vital services they need for a happier life.
This program is accredited by CSWE and is aligned with the 2022 Educational Policy and Accreditation Standards (EPAS). The program engages in specific and continuous efforts within the curriculum related to anti-racism, diversity, equity and inclusion, and helps students understand and use their knowledge, awareness and skills to engage in practice. The program is designed around advanced generalist practice licensing standards.
If you already have a CSWE-accredited BSW, our MSW – Advanced Standing program may be a better fit for you.
Classes start January 6
Apply today with no application fee.
At a glance
- Online & in-person
- 15 Core courses
- 2 Elective courses
- 5 Practicum/internship
- CSWE accredited
- Mission-focused curriculum
Reduce your tuition by $2,500
Enroll in a qualified program and apply for a $2,500 Capella Progress Reward, a scholarship to help fund your master’s degree. Eligibility rules and exclusions apply. Connect with us for details.
Explore social work courses
- This degree requires a total of 88 quarter credits
- You’ll need to complete 15 core courses, two elective courses and five practicum/interships
Show all descriptions
SWK5002
Social Welfare History, Policy, and Practice
4 quarter credits
Learners in this course critically analyze social welfare history, domestic social policies, and social welfare programs. Learners use theoretical frameworks and social work best practices to understand issues of social and economic justice, including the human rights of children, youth, adults, families, communities, and organizations, in order to effectively prepare for policy leadership and planning, advocacy, and social action. For MSW and MSW-Advanced Standing learners only. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer except by coursework from a CSWE-accredited program.
4 quarter credits
SWK5003
Human Behavior and the Social Environment 1
4 quarter credits
Learners identify biological, psychological, sociological, cultural, and spiritual factors that influence human behavior in the social environment from a person-in-environment perspective through the use of theory, a conceptual framework, and social work best practices. Learners analyze human behavior from young infancy through adolescence. For MSW and MSW-Advanced Standing learners only. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer except by coursework from a CSWE-accredited program. Prerequisite: Completion of or concurrent registration in SWK5001, SWK5002.
4 quarter credits
SWK5007
Mezzo Social Work Practice
4 quarter credits
Learners develop knowledge of social work best practices with particular emphasis on small-to-medium-sized groups. Learners explore the link between mezzo and micro and macro social work practices, as well as the link of person to environment, the research literature that informs this level of practice, and ethical concerns. Throughout the course, learners apply social work best practices and technology integration in their work with individuals, families, groups, organizations, communities, and colleagues. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer except by coursework from a CSWE-accredited program. Prerequisite(s): SWK5003, completion of or concurrent registration in SWK5004.
4 quarter credits
SWK5011
Culturally Responsive Social Work Practices with Diverse Populations
4 quarter credits
Learners examine diversity and difference, power and privilege, and oppression related to social work practice. Throughout the course, learners gain knowledge of one's biases toward race, ethnicity, culture, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, social and economic status, political ideology, and disability; how those biases contribute to discrimination and oppression; and the ethics of culturally responsive best practice. In addition, learners utilize the diversity, equity, inclusion, power, and anti-racism (DEIPAR) framework to reflect on personal values, beliefs, and behaviors to understand and guide ethical and effective social work practice with people of diverse backgrounds. Through technology, learners engage in strategy and leadership best practices to address biases in social work practice. For MSW learners only. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer except by coursework from a CSWE-accredited program. Prerequisite: SWK5007; completion of or concurrent registration in SWK5008.
4 quarter credits
SWK5025
Foundation Practicum 1
4 quarter credits
This is the first course in a sequence of two required practicum courses during which learners complete a minimum of 400 supervised practice education hours. Throughout the practicum, learners engage in experiential learning in an agency setting and apply social work best practice theories, professional values, and practice techniques gained from their social work foundation courses. This course includes an integrative seminar that facilitates learners' leadership development and technology skills with regard to entry-level generalist social work practice. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer. Prerequisite: SWK5014, SWK5015, completion of or concurrent registration in SWK5016 or SWK5017. Approval of practicum application. All application materials must be received two quarters in advance of the proposed start date. See campus resources for deadlines.
4 quarter credits
*Course has prerequisite(s). See catalog for details.
What you’ll learn
The Master of Social Work degree program is designed to equip you with the knowledge and skills to pursue specialized, advanced generalist social work practice as an administrator, social work practitioner, supervisor or leader in your community.
The curriculum includes online course work and face-to-face learning experiences. Learners will encounter social work practice skills that promote personal growth and competence in ethics, values, diversity, ecological perspectives, cultural competence, technology and leadership in 21st-century specialized advanced generalist social work practice.
As you complete this program, you’ll learn to:
- Demonstrate ethical and professional behavior
- Advance human rights and social, racial, economic and environmental justice
- Engage anti-racism, diversity, equity and inclusion (ADEI) in practice
- Engage in practice-informed research and research-informed practice
- Engage in policy practice
- Engage with individuals, families, groups, organizations and communities
- Assess individuals, families, groups, organizations and communities
- Intervene with individuals, families, groups, organizations and communities
- Evaluate practice with individuals, families, groups, organizations and communities
- Communicate in a manner that is scholarly, professional and consistent with expectations for members of the social work profession
Review the Capella career exploration guide to learn more about this program and career paths to explore.
Master of Social Work mission
The mission of Capella University’s online Master of Social Work program is to educate and prepare diverse adult learners to serve as innovative, ethical and culturally responsive advanced generalist social work practitioners. Learners will demonstrate skills and knowledge based on scientific inquiry and apply strengths-based, person-in-environment and ecological perspectives.
In the quest for social, racial, economic and environmental justice, learners will make a commitment to ethical practice by demonstrating cultural humility, anti-racism, anti-oppression, diversity, equity, inclusion and technology best practices. Guided by a local and global perspective, learners will emerge as leaders who ethically and effectively promote human and community well-being with individuals, families, groups, organizations and communities in advanced generalist social work practice by applying the core values of social work to enhance life for all people.
Furthermore, learners will also develop advanced generalist practice skills to aid business, community and government leaders in leveraging diversity, instilling equity and leading with an inclusive lens by engaging in social work practice while expanding access to work and improving communities at all systems levels.
How much does the MSW cost?
The total cost of your degree will depend on academic performance, transfer credits, scholarships and other factors. See GuidedPath cost information below.
A structured learning format with an active peer community and faculty guidance. We’ll set the schedule, you meet the deadlines.
- Based on the quarter system; 1–3 courses per 10-week quarter
- 1 semester credit = 1.5 quarter credits
- Weekly assignments and courseroom discussions
- Pay for what you take, price varies by courseload or quarter
$47,520
NO TRANSFER CREDITS
$540 per credit, $150 resource kit, 88 total quarter credits, 20 max transfer credits
*This is only an estimate, effective July 8, 2024, and is subject to change. Your tuition amount will vary depending on your unique circumstances, such as your program specialization, transfer credits and any applicable tuition discounts. This estimate does not include the cost of books, course materials, supplies, equipment and other expenses. Tuition estimates shown for the GuidedPath learning format depend on the number of credits accepted for transfer. New or recently revised program tuition estimates are based on comparable programs.
Capella is committed to transparency in tuition and pricing. You will be responsible for costs in addition to tuition, which may include travel expenses and practicum costs. You will be charged $50-$200 each quarter or billing session for your resource kit, which includes required books, software and other course materials. Click here to review program-specific fee amounts in our University Catalog.
Find out more about financing and payment options to help you complete your program. Federal aid also is available to help manage the costs of higher education. Learn more about financing your education.
Questions about cost?
Contact an enrollment counselor.
Alumni Outcomes Survey, 2022–2023
Are there scholarships available for master's degrees?
Your education is an investment in your future. There are more ways to save than you might think.
Capella University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission
Accreditations and recognitions provide evidence that we meet standards for quality of faculty, curriculum, learner services and fiscal stability. See all our accreditations and recognitions.
Capella University’s Master of Social Work programs are accredited by the Council on Social Work Education’s Board of Accreditation. For information about social work accreditation, visit: https://www.cswe.org/. In compliance with the CSWE public disclosure policy, Capella University reports this program's student learning outcomes.
Preparing for licensure
It is important to understand all educational and individual requirements for licensing. Capella University cannot guarantee licensure, certification or endorsement. State regulations vary regarding professional licensure. It is your responsibility to understand and comply with requirements for your state.
What are the MSW admission requirements?
Admission requirements
Applicants to the MSW program must provide the following information for admission:
- Bachelor's degree from an institution accredited by a U.S. Department of Education-recognized accrediting agency or an internationally recognized institution
- Your official bachelor's transcripts, with a grade point average of 2.3 or higher on a 4.0 scale; if your GPA is lower, call enrollment services at 1-866-736-1751
- A signed Acknowledgement Agreement
- A valid, government-issued form of photo identification
- Admission application – no application fee required
GRE and GMAT are not required for admission.
All admissions decisions are final.
International student requirements
If you completed your most recent academic coursework, degree, or credential at an institution outside the United States, regardless of your citizenship or where you currently live, you are considered an international applicant.
In addition to the above admission requirements, you will need to submit these materials:
- Minimum score on acceptable test for proof of English proficiency
- Transcript evaluation
Learn more about international student admissions.
What support does Capella offer online students?
Our programs are designed to meet the unique needs of a master’s student. We’ve structured the experience in manageable pieces to help you earn your degree with support from faculty, staff and online resources.
Articles and resources
Expand your perspective on academic and career topics with articles and resources from Capella University.
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Financing Guide
We can help you understand education financing, review your options, and explore ways to save on your degree.
Helping Professions Guide
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What can you do with an MSW degree?
Your education can help you reach your professional and personal goals. While Capella cannot guarantee that a graduate will secure any specific career outcome, such as a job title, promotion or salary increase, we encourage you to explore potential jobs and employment settings. Here are some ideas and examples for a graduate with a master of social work (MSW) degree.
Job titles to explore
- Medical social worker
Employment settings to explore
- General medical and surgical hospitals
- Colleges, universities and professional schools
- Other individual and family services
- All other miscellaneous ambulatory healthcare services
- Offices of physicians (except mental health specialists)
- Direct health and medical insurance carriers
- Other general government support
- Home healthcare services
- Elementary and secondary schools
- Child and youth services
*These are examples intended to serve as a general guide. Some positions may prefer or even require previous experience, licensure, certifications, and/or other designations along with a degree. Because many factors determine what position an individual may attain, Capella cannot guarantee that a graduate will secure any specific job title, a promotion, salary increase, or other career outcome. We encourage you to research requirements for your job target and career goals.