Social Work, MSW

California Baptist University

Program Summary – Master of Social Work (MSW)

The Master of Social Work (MSW) program prepares students for advanced practice in social work, focusing on promoting social justice, supporting vulnerable populations, and addressing systemic issues in society. MSW graduates are equipped to work in a wide range of settings, including healthcare, schools, government agencies, nonprofits, and private practice. The program emphasizes clinical and macro-level social work, providing students with the skills necessary to assess, intervene, and advocate for individuals, families, and communities. Students gain a deep understanding of social policies, ethical practices, and cultural competence to address diverse social issues.

Key Program Features:

• Clinical and Macro-Level Focus – Students can choose to specialize in clinical social work (providing therapy and counseling) or macro social work (policy advocacy, administration, and community organizing).
• Fieldwork and Internships – Extensive practical experience through supervised field placements, where students work directly with clients and communities, applying their classroom knowledge.
• Multicultural Competency – Training to work with diverse populations, recognizing the intersectionality of social identities and how these influence individuals' experiences in society.
• Ethical Practice – Emphasis on ethical decision-making in social work, including maintaining confidentiality, advocating for client rights, and practicing within the boundaries of the law.
• Policy and Advocacy – Students learn how to analyze and influence social policies, advocate for systemic change, and address issues such as poverty, inequality, and social injustice.

Key Areas of Study:

1. Human Behavior and the Social Environment – Understanding how various factors (cultural, societal, familial, and psychological) affect individuals and communities.
2. Social Work Research – Training in research methods to evaluate the effectiveness of interventions, policies, and programs.
3. Ethics and Social Justice – Study of ethical principles in social work and how they align with social justice principles, focusing on advocacy for underserved populations.
4. Social Policy and Program Planning – Gaining skills to develop, implement, and evaluate social policies and programs that address social issues.
5. Clinical Social Work Practice – Learning therapeutic interventions to work with individuals and families facing mental health issues, trauma, and other personal challenges.
6. Crisis Intervention – Training in immediate response techniques for working with individuals in crisis situations, such as domestic violence, substance abuse, or homelessness.
7. Community Organizing and Development – Learning how to engage communities in efforts to address local challenges, advocate for resources, and promote social change.

Career Opportunities:

Graduates of the MSW program can pursue various careers in social work, including:

• Clinical Social Worker – Providing therapy and counseling to individuals, families, and groups, often working in mental health, addiction, or family therapy settings.
• Social Work Administrator – Managing programs and services within social service agencies, healthcare organizations, or nonprofits.
• School Social Worker – Working in educational settings to address students' emotional, behavioral, and social needs.
• Healthcare Social Worker – Assisting patients and families in healthcare settings, providing counseling, resources, and care coordination.
• Policy Analyst or Advocate – Analyzing social policies, advocating for legislative changes, and working on social justice initiatives.
• Community Organizer – Engaging and empowering communities to address local issues, advocate for resources, and promote social change.
• Social Work Researcher – Conducting research on social issues, evaluating programs, and contributing to the development of evidence-based practices.
• Family Support Worker – Assisting families in need of resources, interventions, and support services to promote family stability and well-being.