George Mason's accredited Master of Social Work (MSW) program, which began in the fall of 2002, prepares students for advanced social work practice. Our MSW program provides students with an initial Generalist year, followed by a year of Specialized study. Students admitted to the on-campus program have the option of enrolling under a two-year, three-year, or four-year plan. Those who have earned a BSW degree from a CSWE-accredited program may qualify for the Advanced Standing program.
The Generalist Curriculum includes courses in the foundations of social work, human behavior and social systems, poverty, oppression, and inequity, direct practice with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities, community practice across the life course, social work research, organizing and advocating for change, and psychopathology.
Once the generalist curriculum is completed, students choose a specialization in Children, Youth & Families (CYF), or Adults & Healthy Aging (AHA). Coursework for the CYF and AHA specializations will address population-specific prevention, assessment, treatment, and evidence-informed interventions, build research and program evaluation skills, and help students master policy practice skills. Particular attention will be paid to cultural, social, and economic factors that influence client functioning and the worker's equity skills.