Our program has trained our graduates for work across an incredible breadth of professional positions in more than 50 countries around the globe. Our customizable curriculum allows students to design their own course of study tailored to the type of work that they will do and the communities with which they will work.

Students have remarkable flexibility to shape their MSW experience at the Brown School. Our curriculum is structured to ensure that students will be prepared to make a positive impact in their field of choice. To this end, students are able to do the following:

• Choose from several concentrations or declare their own individualized concentration. Within their concentration, students also have flexibility in choosing their specific courses.
• Add an optional specialization to increase their skills.
• Broaden their knowledge with a certificate or a joint or dual degree.

Students can also tailor their experiences beyond the classroom:

• Choose from more than 300 MSW practicum sites locally, nationally and internationally.
• Conduct research with our renowned faculty.
• Develop their skills internationally through a practicum or research assistantship.
• Join some of the Brown School's student groups that raise awareness and advocate for social change.

Master of Social Work

Our two-year, 60-credit degree provides students with the fundamentals needed to have an impact on the field of social work while also providing them with opportunities to advance their analytical, leadership and team-building skills.

Our flexible curriculum includes outstanding research opportunities, real-world learning experiences through practica, and the opportunity to personalize their MSW. If students have earned a Bachelor of Social Work from a school accredited by the Council on Social Work Education, they may also be eligible for advanced standing credit.

Required Courses

The list below includes the required courses that students use to build their course of study. Because of the flexibility and customization of each MSW degree at the Brown School, the order in which students take their courses may vary.

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Specific course options vary according to the concentration that a student pursues. Students have the opportunity to choose from a variety of courses offered within each category.

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Students use elective credits during years one and two to earn an optional specialization or to take other graduate course work. They can choose from a wealth of social work and public health electives, or they can pursue relevant courses from other Washington University graduate programs.

Our curriculum emphasizes an evidence-based approach to problem solving. As such, our faculty have found that an understanding of statistics analysis is critical to every student's success. Foundations courses will allow students to develop this competency.

Curriculum and required credits are subject to change.