COURSE CURRICULUM

The Master of Social Work (MSW) Program at the University of Akron requires students to complete a minimum of 60 graduate credits of approved social work courses, maintaining an average grade of “B” or better in all classroom coursework and satisfactory performance in field courses, with all coursework taken at the 600-level. The program integrates a sequence of first-year, direct practice, and macro practice courses to build a comprehensive foundation in social work theory, practice, and policy. First-year courses include Generalist Field Practicum I and II, Social Work Practice with Small and Large Systems, Dynamics of Racism and Discrimination, MSW Field Seminar I, Ethics and Professional Behavior, Advancing Human Rights and Social Policy, Science of Social Work, Human Behavior and the Social Environment, and one elective. Direct practice courses focus on advanced field practicums, advanced practice with small systems, MSW Field Seminar II, Psychopathology and Social Work, Program Evaluation, and electives to further develop clinical and intervention skills. Macro practice courses emphasize advanced field practicums, MSW Field Seminar II, Supervision and Staff Development, Social Work Administration, Program Evaluation, Fiscal Management of Social Agencies, and electives, preparing students for leadership, organizational management, and policy development roles. The program combines experiential learning and academic rigor to prepare graduates for advanced professional social work practice across diverse settings.