Social Work (M.S.W.)

Master of Social Work Plan B (non-thesis): Total 60 credit hours required-Regular Standing Track Degree Requirements

Regular Standing Track students are individuals who do not have a baccalaureate social work degree from a CSWE-accredited program. Regular Standing Track students begin courses in the fall term. Below is the Regular Standing Track course schedule for the full-time student:

Master of Social Work Plan B (non-thesis): Total 36 credit hours required-Advanced Standing Track Degree Requirements

For individuals who hold a baccalaureate degree in Social Work (e.g. BSW/BSSW) from a CSWE-accredited program, where a 36 credit hour Advanced Standing Track concentration curriculum is offered. Below is the Advanced Standing Track course schedule for the full-time student.

Student Learning Outcomes

1. Students in the MSW program will demonstrate ethical decisions by applying standards of the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) Code of Ethics. (CSWE 2.1.2)
2. MSW students will demonstrate knowledge of the NASW code of ethics by conducting themselves ethically and engaging  in ethical decision-making using different approaches and strategies, e.g. moral reasoning, cultural responsiveness, and professionalism (CSWE 2.1.2)
3. MSW students will demonstrate evidence based practice knowledge by using academic  research as evidence to inform practice. (CSWE 2.1.6)
4. MSW students will demonstrate the ability to conduct research by designing, implementing, and interpreting social work research. (CSWE 2.1.6)
5. MSW students will demonstrate the ability to work collaboratively and cooperatively with colleagues and clients by developing an agreed-on focus of work and desired outcomes (CSWE 2.1.10)
6. MSW students will demonstrate knowledge of diversity by employing culturally responsive engagement skills. (CSWE 2.1.10)
7. MSW students will demonstrate the ability to Select appropriate intervention strategies (CSWE 2.1.10)
8. MSW students will demonstrate the ability to evaluate  multi-system dimension of client problems and design with client system approaches that affect change at multiple system levels. (CSWE 2.1.10)
9. MSW students will demonstrate the ability select appropriate interventions. (CSWE 2.1.10)
10.  MSW students will demonstrate the ability to synthesize and apply a broad range of interdisciplinary knowledge and skills consistent with current evidence informed practice. (CSWE 2.1.10)
11. MSW students will demonstrate the ability to critically analyzes, monitor and evaluate interventions. (CSWE 2.1.10)
12. Critically analyzes multiple client system intervention processes for effectiveness and cultural responsiveness. (CSWE 2.1.10)

Courses or Programs Leading to Professional Licensure or Certification

The University of South Dakota as of July 1, 2020, cannot confirm whether any particular course or program meets educational prerequisites for professional licensure or certification in states other than South Dakota. If you are planning to apply for licensure/certification in a state other than South Dakota after completion of your program, contact the academic department offering your major or CDE at 605.658.6152 or by email at cde@usd.edu. USD is working to comply with these requirements and will provide up-to-date information as it becomes available.

If your learning placement course (internship, externship, clinical, rotation, practicum, independent study, study away, etc.) or your online course will be taken outside South Dakota, please reference the State Authorization webpage below.

Information about State Authorization & Professional Licensure