COURSE CURRICULUM

The Master of Social Work (MSW) program at the University at Albany provides a comprehensive graduate education designed to prepare students for professional practice across all levels of social work, including micro, mezzo, and macro systems. This means graduates are trained to support individuals, families, and small groups, while also working with communities, organizations, and public policies to promote social change and justice. The program emphasizes a strong understanding of social and economic inequalities, encouraging students to critically examine issues of oppression and develop strategies that advance diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in practice settings. Most students complete the 60-credit degree over two years of full-time study, combining academic coursework with extensive field instruction. The core curriculum includes Introductory Research Methodology, Social Welfare Policy Practice, Human Behavior and the Social Environment I and II, Integrated Theory and Practice I–IV, Field Instruction I and II, and Social Work Practicum. These courses provide a strong foundation in research, theory, policy analysis, and applied social work methods. A central component of the MSW program is field education, where students gain supervised, hands-on experience in real-world social service settings. The University partners with hundreds of agencies and community organizations across the Capital Region, offering students opportunities to engage in meaningful practice while learning. Each student completes two 500-hour field practicums, typically spread over two semesters and requiring about two days per week. The first practicum focuses on building foundational skills and understanding the context of social work practice, while the second practicum provides more advanced, specialized experience aligned with the student’s career interests. Throughout both placements, students work under the supervision of experienced, licensed social workers who guide their professional development. Overall, the program prepares graduates to become competent, ethical, and socially conscious professionals capable of addressing complex social issues and improving the well-being of individuals and communities.