Master of Social Work in Clinical Practice (Political Social Work)

The Face to Face MSW prepares students to move into clinical or macro practice. Students primarily attend face to face classes at the main UH campus and have access to two areas of specialized practice, four specializations and our four dual degree programs. Face to Face program students attend full-time. The Face to Face program is primarily a day-time program and cannot be completed only on evenings. Both program options, Advanced Standing and full program are available Face to Face.

Clinical Practice is the application of theories, methods, skills, values and ethics needed to enhance the cognitive, mental, emotional, behavioral, physical and social well-being of individuals, couples, families, groups and communities. Clinical practice requires leadership in promoting social, economic and political justice. Its methods are relationship-centered, contextualized, culturally sensitive and strengths focused. It includes knowledge about biopsychosocial functioning - and - evidence based interventions. Clinical practice includes, (but not limited to) assessment and intervention, diagnosis and treatment, education and prevention, advocacy, counseling and psychotherapy, supervision and consultation.

The Political Social Work specialization builds off of the GCSW's historical tradition as a national leader in political social work and our innovative and unique programming in this area. This includes the Austin Legislative Internship Program and our status as the only social work program in the world with a Nobel Peace Laureate on its faculty. Students enrolled in this specialization benefit from the research, teaching, and practice expertise of our College faculty in areas of local, national and global advocacy, policy, and civic engagement. Students completing the Political Social Work Specialization possess advanced skills that prepare them to assume leadership positions as community organizers, policy advocates, policy analysts, and legislative staff. Students are able to integrate political advocacy skills into all levels of social work practice in order to promote social, economic, and political justice on behalf of vulnerable populations. Alumni who have graduated with this specialization hold positions in both clinical and macro settings.

Hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university. The undergraduate education must reflect a sound liberal arts foundation, including courses in the humanities, arts, and in the social and biological sciences. Scanned copies of official transcripts can be used to make an admissions decision. If admitted, an official transcript showing degree awarded must be sent to the UH Graduate School in order to enroll in classes.

Have achieved a grade point average of 3.0 or better (4.0 scale) for all undergraduate and graduate course work.

The minimum TOEFL score required is 79 for the internet-based test.
The minimum TOEFL score for the paper-based (pBT) exam is 550 or higher.
The minimum TOEFL score for the new revised paper-based exam is: Reading 20, Listening 20, and Writing 20.
The minimum IELTS score required is an overall score of a 6.5.