Master of Social Work

Saint Louis University's Master of Social Work (M.S.W.) prepares social work professionals to work with vulnerable populations facing health, social and economic challenges. Social workers are educationally prepared to provide services including therapy, policy advocacy, case management, group work, crisis intervention, children and family practice and leadership for nonprofit organizations. M.S.W.-level social workers practice in a variety of human service organizations including family and community centers, mental health and treatment centers, hospitals, schools, nonprofit agencies, residential children’s or adult centers, justice centers and many more organizations. SLU's M.S.W. curriculum includes generalist courses, advanced practice courses in an area of concentration, hallmark and research courses, and field practica. The generalist courses provide the basic social work theory and methods for working with individuals, families, groups, organizations and communities. Students then select an advanced practice area of concentration and proceed with courses in these areas. Saint Louis University's School of Social Work offers concentrations: Applied behavior analysis, Clinical, and Community and organization. Graduates will be able to demonstrate ethical and professional behavior. Graduates will be able to advance human rights and social, racial, economic and environmental justice. Graduates will be able to engage anti-racism, diversity, equity and inclusion (ADEI) in practice. Graduates will be able to engage in practice-informed research and research-informed practice. Graduates will be able to engage in policy practice. Graduates will be able to engage with individuals, families, groups, organizations and communities. Graduates will be able to assess individuals, families, groups, organizations and communities. Graduates will be able to intervene with individuals, families, groups, organizations and communities. Graduates will be able to evaluate practice with individuals, families, groups, organizations and communities. 

Career Path 

Graduate career path Mental Health Therapist, Substance Abuse Counselor, Palliative Care Social Worker, Hospital Social Worker, Psychiatric Social Worker, Rehabilitation Program Director, Curriculum Developer (Advanced Social Work Programs), Family Therapy Specialist, Academic Advisor (Graduate-Level Social Sciences), School Social Worker (Advanced Practice), Educational Program Director, Research Fellow (Social Work/Policy Studies), Scientific Journal Editor (Social Work), Community Development Director, Community Education Program Coordinator, Advocacy Director (Human Rights/Equality), NGO Program Director (Social Justice/Community Outreach), Youth Development Program Manager, Humanitarian Aid Program Director, International Development Specialist (Social Work Focus), Social Justice Campaign Director, Family Support Services Director, Policy Analyst (Social Services Focus), Public Health Program Director, Housing Policy Specialist, Juvenile Justice Program Director, Victim Advocacy Director.