The program is designed to help students prepare for social work careers in a variety of settings related to physical and behavioral health in clinical specialties such as healthcare, schools, community organizations, policy development, and administration. The curriculum includes at least 900 hours of practicum work as required by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). You’ll have opportunities to practice your skills in many different settings under the supervision of an MSW-trained social worker.

PLU’s MSW includes a comparative global focus on health and behavioral health, with the opportunity to include a January Term study away course to learn about and compare local and international health models.

As a PLU Master of Science in Social Work graduate, you’ll be prepared to become a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker. In the State of Washington, successful candidates can obtain this license after 2 years and 3,000 hours of post-MSW supervised work experience and passing the American Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) exam. This program meets the nine competencies articulated by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).

The mission of the PLU social work program is to prepare skilled, ethical, professional service-oriented leaders and change agents who work toward just, equitable, and empowerment-based service provision, policies, and systems on local and global levels. We know that social workers play a vital role in advocating for social and economic justice, and with the PLU MSW degree, you will gain the knowledge and skills to effect change on a systemic level, and address social issues such as poverty, discrimination, mental health, addiction, and more.

The program is built on a small cohort model, typically ranging from 10 to 18 students to create a stronger sense of community and support with your fellow students and faculty, and to give you a more personalized learning experience.