Master of Social Work (MSW)

Program Overview

Our Mission

The MSW Program at the University of Vermont, through its teaching, scholarship, and public service, prepares graduate students for professional practice in transformative social work. Our mission is to prepare critically conscious social workers who challenge taken-for-granted narratives and structural inequities through the lens of critical social construction. Grounded in principles of relationality and collective liberation, the program views each level of practice as interconnected and imperative to creating profound, generative, transformative change. Our curriculum promotes this commitment through an emphasis on the historical, social and political contexts of social work knowledge and practices, including recognition of historical and ongoing impacts of colonialism; foregrounding individual and collective strengths; affirming the values and ethical standards of the social work profession; and actively resisting oppression. 

"I can't recommend this program enough. Proud alumna here and my healing practice is woven with all I gained at UVM – skills, relationships, confidence, innovation, questioning and dismantling of of oppressive systems, community and joy! – Lizzy McDonald G'15

900+ Hours of Field Education

During your practicum semesters, you have a minimum of 15 hours/week (20 hours/week for Advanced Standing students) in an agency along with monthly field education seminars on campus. 

 Our program offers experiences in wide range of roles and settings, including:  

• Schools 

• Medical centers 

• Mental health centers 

• Government agencies 

• Community-based organizations Learn more about Field Education

Transformative Social Work Philosophy

We specialize in Transformative Social Work weaving together three critical strands that form and fortify our approach to the social work profession: 

Strengths Perspective affirms the dignity, resourcefulness, resilience, and adaptability of people and their capacity for growth and change. It also supports the creative, supportive potential of communities that are diverse and the many ways in which people choose to work and live. 

Critical Social Constructionism views people and their environments, as well as knowledge of people and their environments, as historically and socially embedded. It examines and challenges existing knowledge claims by applying new and expanded perspectives. 

Human Rights and Justice values focused on freedom and well-being inspire and guide learning, practice, and research throughout the MSW program at UVM. 

Small class sizes, diverse perspectives  

With less than 70 students, our program size fosters relationships that lead to lifelong professional associations. You'll have opportunities to work closely with faculty on research, community projects, and in independent study. Our inspiring students are diverse in age, background, life experience, and come from all parts of the U.S. 

Curriculum

You will be enrolled in either the advanced standing or full-time pathway. In addition to coursework, each pathway includes 900 hours of professional practice in the field.

Advanced Standing Pathway (3 semesters, 39 credits )

For students with a degree from an accredited BSW program received within 7 years of applying to MSW program at UVM. Students complete 39 credit hours of full-time study over the course of a full calendar year.

Semester 1 - Summer (10 credits)

SWSS 380 - Perspectives in Social Work (4 credits) ONLINE
Focus Course/Elective (3 credits)
Focus Course (3 credits)

Semester 2 - Fall (13 credits)

SWSS 6140 - Transformative Social Work I (3 credits)
SWSS 6270 - Advanced Social Work Research (3 credits)
Focus Course (3 credits)
SWSS 6890 - Field II* (4 credits)

Semester 3 - Spring (16 credits)

SWSS 6150- Transformative Social Work II (3 credits)
SWSS 6160 - Understandings and Applications of Critical Social
Construction, Human Rights and the Strengths Perspective (3 credits)
Focus Course (3 credits)
Focus Course (3 credits)
SWSS 6890 - Field II* (4 credits)

*Minimum of 20 hours each week for a total of 300 hours per semester

Full-Time Pathway (2 Years, 60 credits)

Most students accepted to the program study full-time for two years and pursue coursework and a field practicum concurrently.

Foundation Curriculum

The professional foundation curriculum is designed to assist students to explore and develop generalist social work knowledge, values, and skills for professional practice with individuals, families, small groups, organizations, and communities. Students take 30 credits of professional foundation course work, including one elective.

Semester 1 - Fall (15 Credits)

SWSS 5160 - Human Behavior and the Social Environment I (3 credits)
SWSS 5200 - Social Welfare Policy and Services I (3 credits)
Foundation Elective (3 credits)
SWSS 6120- Foundation Practice I (3 credits)
SWSS 6000 - Field I* (3 credits)

Semester 2 - Spring (15 Credits)

SWSS 5170 - Human Behavior and the Social Environment II (3 credits)
SWSS 5210 - Social Welfare Policy and Services II  (3 credits)
SWSS 5027 - Foundations of Social Work Research I (3 credits)
SWSS 6130 - Foundation Practice II (3 credits)
SWSS 6000 - Field I* (3 credits)

Specialized Practice Year Curriculum

The specialized practice year curriculum is designed to provide students with knowledge, values, and skills for advanced practice. All core curriculum courses in the specialized practice year are considered advanced practice courses, in that all emphasize the engagement of social work approaches and methods in various roles and settings. Students need to complete 30 credits of concentration year coursework.

Semester 3 - Fall (15 credits)

SWSS 6140 - Transformative Social Work I (3 credits)
SWSS 6270 - Advanced Social Work Research (3 credits)
Focus Course (3 credits)
Focus Course (3 credits)
SWSS 6890 - Field II* (3 credits)

Semester 4 - Spring (15 Credits)

SWSS 6150- Transformative Social Work II (3 credits)
SWSS 6160 - Understandings and Applications of Critical Social Construction, Human Rights and the Strengths Perspective (3 credits)
Focus Course (3 credits)
Focus Course (3 credits)
SWSS 6890- Field* (3 credits)

Deadlines

Advance standing applications due January 15.

Regular-track applications due March 15. Priority deadline is February 1.

Admissions

Your application packet will include a Statement of Purpose, Letters of Recommendation, and Professional Resume in addition to meeting general academic requirements. Visit the application guide below for full details.   

How to Apply

Application and Admissions Information

Outcomes

Accreditation  

UVM hosts the only master’s program in the state of Vermont, and is one of the few institutions in northern New York and New England, with both accredited MSW and BSW degree programs. Learn more about accreditation, outcomes, and professional licensure

Preparation for Success

• 100% of our MSW graduates taking the Master's level exam passed the first time, compared to 74% overall in the U.S. and Canada (2018-2021). 

• 90% of our MSW graduates taking the Clinical level exam passed the first time, compared to 75% overall in U.S. and Canada (2018-2021). 

Career Outlook 

Social work professionals have never been in higher demand. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, overall employment of social workers is projected to grow seven 7 percent over the next decade, faster than the average for all occupations.  

Costs and Funding

Tuition and Fees  

View Tuition and Fees for the University of Vermont Graduate College Funding Your Degree  

Funding and Scholarships for Master’s Degree StudentsTitle IV-E Program Child Welfare Traineeship 

More

Faculty 

Visit our faculty profiles to learn more about their transformative teaching, research, and service collaborations. Meet Our Faculty

Program Information

• Licensure Information  

• CSWE Accreditation  

• Graduate Student Services 

Contact Us

Phone: (802) 656-8800

Reach out to our Office of Graduate Student and Program Services.