Master of Social Work
UND's MSW curriculum prepares students to practice competently across a variety of settings and at multiple practice levels.
Explore the MSW at UND—Talk With Our Team
Schedule a one-on-one conversation with a member of our team to learn more about the program, admissions process, curriculum, and what to expect as a student.
Program Options
The MSW program at UND offers students three tracks.
REQUIREMENTS & APPLICATION INFORMATION
Students pursuing the advanced generalist specialization must have either completed a Bachelor of Social Work (B.S.W. or B.S.S.W.) from a CSWE-accredited program or the generalist curriculum for UND's M.S.W degree. The advanced generalist specialization prepares you for advanced positions in a variety of practice settings, including child welfare, health care, school social work, and behavioral health care.
Applicants with a Bachelor of Social Work from a Canadian Association for Social Work Education (CASWE-ACFTS)–accredited program.
International applicants without a CSWE or CASWE-ACFTS-accredited bachelor’s degree must complete an International Degree Review with CSWE’s International Social Work Degree Recognition and Evaluation Service to determine U.S. degree equivalency. If deemed equivalent, applicants may be considered for admission to the advanced generalist specialization.
On-Campus Program
Application Period
Open in August/Due January 15*
Start Date
Fall
Semesters to Complete Program
Full-time
- 3-4 semesters (36 credits)
- Final semester(s) field placement either full-time (1 semester) or part-time (2 semesters)
Part-time
- option may be available if approved by MSW Director
Delivery Style
In-person classes at UND
Class Dates
Classes are full days on Thursday and Friday in person on campus. A part-time option is possible by scheduling either Thursday or Friday, alternating each year available.
Online Program
Application Period
Open in May/Due October 15*
Start Date
Summer
Semesters to Complete Program
Full-Time
- 3 semesters, year-round, including summer (36 credits)
- 10-13 credits per semester including full-time field placement
Part-Time
- 5-6 semesters, year-round program, including summer (36 credits).
- Six credits per semester for four semesters.
- Final semester(s) field placement either full-time (1 semester) or part-time (2 semesters)
Delivery Style
Synchronous online classes (camera and mics required)
Class Dates
Classes are offered on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday evenings. Registration is first come/first served. Class time availability cannot be guaranteed.
Students who choose to pursue the clinical social work specialization must have completed either a bachelor in social work (B.S.W. or B.S.S.W) from a CSWE accredited program, or the generalist curriculum for UND's M.S.W degree. The clinical social work specialization prepares you for advanced direct social work practice in a variety of settings where behavior health care services are provided, including community-based mental health, inpatient behavioral health, residential treatment centers and long-term care.
Applicants with a Bachelor of Social Work from a Canadian Association for Social Work Education (CASWE-ACFTS)–accredited program.
International applicants without a CSWE or CASWE-ACFTS accredited bachelor’s degree must complete an International Degree Review with CSWE’s International Social Work Degree Recognition and Evaluation Service to determine U.S. degree equivalency. If deemed equivalent, applicants may be considered for admission to the clinical social work specialization.
Application Period
Open in August/Due January 15*
Start Date
Fall Semester
Semesters to Complete Program
Full-Time
- 3 semesters, year-round, including summer (36 credits)
- 10-13 credits per semester, including full-time field placement
Delivery
Synchronous online classes (camera and mics required)
Class Dates
Classes are offered on Tuesday, and Thursday evenings.
The Online Generalist Curriculum (24 credits) is for those without a bachelors in social work (B.S.W. or B.S.S.W.) from a CSWE accredited program but with a bachelor's degree in a related field. The generalist curriculum (24 credits) is designed to help you develop your knowledge, values, and skills as they relate to generalist social work practice. Once you complete the generalist curriculum, you are ready to select either the advanced generalist or clinical social work specialization (36 credits) and complete your M.S.W. degree. The Generalist program has one start each year in the Spring semester and requires 60 credits to earn a M.S.W.
This program is for those with a degree in a discipline other than social work OR those who have graduated from a non-Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) accredited program or a Canadian Association for Social Work Education (CASWE-ACFTS)–accredited program.
Application Period
Open in January/Due June 15*
Start Date
Spring
Delivery
Year-round, includes Summer semesters
Synchronous online classes (camera and mics required)
Semesters to Complete Program
Part-Time
9-10 semesters (60 credits)
- Semester 1 and 2: Generalist social work courses
- Semesters 3 and 4: Generalist social work field practicum
- Semester 5-8: Advanced Generalist social work courses
- Final semester(s) Advanced Generalist field placement can be done full or part-time.
- Full-time: 12 credits, degree completed in 9 semesters
- Part-time: 6 credits, degree completed in 10 semesters
Class Dates
Offered on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday evenings (some exceptions may apply with field placement and electives).
- For semesters 1-4, all classes are in the evenings
- After 1st field placement, students begin Advanced Generalist courses and merge with a new MSW Advanced Generalist cohort. Classes are then offered in the evenings.
Field Placement
Two field placements
- Generalist field placement (semesters 3 and 4): Students also participate in field seminar courses. During the 3rd semester, students also take a policy class (400 hours). This is equivalent to a BSSW field placement.
- Advanced Generalist field placement (begins in 9th semester): Can be either full or part-time. Students will be in a co-requisite field seminar course (500 hours)
*Priority deadlines help you stay on track for completing important steps in the admission process. If you miss the priority deadline, you still may apply.
What Our Graduates Have to Say
"UND’s MSW program offered so many leadership opportunities that I never expected as a non-traditional, distance student. Of course, there were classroom presentations and group projects; however, there were also thesis competitions, opportunities to serve as student representatives on department committees, and international educational experiences. I flexed so many leadership muscles, and those were incredible experiences for me... Both my policy and clinical interests were fostered and encouraged at UND, and I valued not being pushed to pick one over the other." - Kevin, Social Worker
"Applying for my master's was something I thought I would never do... I was raising two kids, and working full time. I now have the ability to make changes and see the difference." - Ashley, Behavioral Health Counselor
"The professors at UND truly prioritize their students’ well-being and success. There were times, after a long day of work, when the thought of logging into class for the evening felt overwhelming. However, the professors have a unique ability to make online learning not only informative but also enjoyable, engaging, and even fun. Their support and dedication to creating an interactive learning environment helped make the experience feel more manageable and meaningful, even on the toughest days." - Carly, Social Service Professional
Program News
Program Director
- isaac.karikari@UND.edu
- 701.777.4869
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Gillette Hall Room 307
Grand Forks ND 58202-7135
MSW Mission Statement and Goals
The University of North Dakota’s Master of Social Work Program provides quality, accessible, and affordable graduate education to prepare ethical, advanced-generalist, social work professionals to serve as transformative leaders in their communities in North Dakota, the region, and beyond.
We prepare advanced generalist social work practitioners who:
- Have a strong identification with the social work profession, be committed to its highest ethical ideals, and embrace the role of change agent.
- Continually strive to increase their cultural competence and understand and respect human diversity.
- Understand the forms and mechanisms of oppression and discrimination and advocate for social and economic justice.
- Synthesize and effectively apply a broad range of advanced knowledge and skills across practice levels that prepares them to assume leadership roles and work in multi-disciplinary and inter-disciplinary professional capacity.
- Have a passion for critical inquiry and a commitment to lifelong learning.
Accredited Master's in Social Work
UND's master's in Social Work program was established in 1989 and fully accredited in 1993. UND social work programs are continuously reaffirmed for accreditation. UND continues to update its curriculum to adhere to revised standards established by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).