Social Work
Program Description
Our department's mission is to prepare students for critically reflective practice, and to use social work knowledge, values, and skills to demonstrate the intrinsic value of all humankind in a unified purpose to serve and promote social justice and human rights.
More specifically, our Master of Social Work (MSW) program mission is to prepare clinical social workers for critically reflective social work practice. We collaborate with students and communities to create learning environments grounded in social justice and scholarly inquiry with a critical perspective on social work knowledge, values, and skills in order to lead and influence change.
Two MSW program options are available: Advanced Standing, a reduced-credit option for students with bachelor's degrees in social work; and Regular Standing, for students with bachelor's degrees in any subject. One-year, two-year and three-year tracks are available for Advanced Standing students. Regular Standing students select from two-year, three-year, or four-year tracks. The advanced standing program requires 33 credits, including 600 hours of field practica. The regular standing graduate program requires 51 semester credits, including 1,000 hours of field practica. Foundation and advanced courses include study in human behavior and the social environment, social policy and services, research, generalist and clinical social work practice and fieldwork.
Courses are offered on our St. Paul, MN campus, in a blended format that includes fully on-campus courses as well as some hybrid (on campus and online) courses — all in a convenient schedule during early evening (4:30 to 6:55) or later evening (7:10 to 9:30) times designed for working adults.
Our MSW program emphasizes the on-going development of the whole person as a critically-reflective practitioner, sensitive to the needs of others and skilled in making service delivery systems more responsive to human needs. Our focus on critically reflective clinical practice with individuals, small groups and families, deals with a wide range of social problems and issues including poverty, various kinds of discrimination, mental illness, developmental disabilities and oppression. Students and faculty collaborate to create learning environments grounded in a commitment to social justice, strengths-based and empowering practices, anti-oppressive practices, and development of social work competencies based on this critical perspective. Our MSW curriculum is student-centered, offering optimal choice and variety in learning activities and assignments, while helping students hold themselves accountable to ethical standards and demonstrated mastery of knowledge and practice skills. Students may develop areas of particular focus by their choice of electives and corresponding field placement settings.
Our MSW program goals are as follows:
- We prepare students for critical clinical social work practice in order to lead and influence change.
- We prepare students to use a critical perspective to examine injustice and systemic barriers in order to promote social well-being for all client populations.
- We prepare students to develop the necessary knowledge and skills for critical thinking, transformative advocacy, and critically reflective clinical social work practice.
- We prepare students for scholarly inquiry and the application of research so that they can develop and evaluate social work policy and practice.
- We provide innovative leadership in social work education by emphasizing engaged and critically self-reflective pedagogy throughout our curriculum so that we facilitate the holistic development of our students as well the essential competencies needed for social work practice.
- We collaborate with our practice communities to deliver effective and responsive services via reciprocally beneficial field practica, cutting-edge field instructor training, and professional consultation/in-service opportunities provided by our faculty.
Program Accreditation
St. Kate's master's and bachelor of social work programs are accredited by the Council on Social Work Education's (CSWE) Commission on Accreditation.
Accreditation of a baccalaureate or master’s social work program by the Council on Social Work Education’s Commission on Accreditation indicates that it meets or exceeds criteria for the assessment of program quality evaluated through a peer review process. An accredited program has sufficient resources to meet its mission and goals and the Commission on Accreditation has verified that it demonstrates compliance with all sections of the Educational Policy and Accreditation Standards.
Accreditation applies to all program sites and program delivery methods of an accredited program. Accreditation provides reasonable assurance about the quality of the program and the competence of students graduating from the program.
St. Catherine University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association: www.ncahlc.org.
Licensure
In 2007, Minnesota State Legislature passed a law, effective August 1, 2011, requiring 360 hours of clinical coursework in six clinical knowledge areas for everyone applying for LICSW licensure. Applicants for the independent license are subject to the new law. Students will get most of this mandated content through coursework in our MSW program.
For specific information regarding social work licensure, contact the Minnesota Board of Social Work, 2829 University Ave. SE, Suite #340, Minneapolis, MN 55414, 612-617-2100, or visit http://mn.gov/health-licensing-boards/social-work/.
Note: Effective August 1, 1997, all new applicants for licensure must have a criminal background check completed as part of their application.
Effective July 1990, an individual who desires to practice as a school social worker must be licensed by the Minnesota Department of Education. For more information regarding school social work licensure, contact the Minnesota Department of Education, 1500 Hwy 36 W., Roseville, MN 55113, 651-582-8691, or visit http://www.education.state.mn.us/.
Degree Requirements
The regular standing graduate program requires 51 semester credits, including 1,000 hours of field practicum. The advanced standing graduate program requires a minimum of 33 semester hours, including 600 hours of field practicum.
Years to Complete the Program
The program must be completed within four years from the initial term of enrollment in the MSW program. You may pursue program requirements during the regular academic year and summer sessions on a full- or extended-time status.
Graduates of undergraduate social work programs accredited by the CSWE will be considered for advanced standing and will be required to complete a minimum of 33 semester credits to receive the MSW degree. Full time students admitted to the advanced standing one-year program in the weekday format take four courses during the summer sessions and graduate the following May after two semesters of full time study.
The MSW program at St. Kate's also offers an extended-time curriculum for those students who are unable to enroll on a full-time basis. Advanced standing students can apply to complete the program on extended-time status on a two-year or three-year completion plan. Regular standing students may complete the program in two years (full time option), three years or four years. Degree requirements are the same regardless of the completion option.
Dual Degree Programs
An innovative dual degree program option is available for students through collaborative programs with the Master of Social Work (MSW) and the Holistic Health Studies (MAHS) departments at St. Catherine University.
The dual degree program develops professionals who can serve clients from multiple perspectives. To enroll, students apply as dual degree MSW and Master of Arts in Holistic Health Studies students. Once accepted, students develop a plan for completing both degrees with the support of an advisor from each program. Upon completion, students are awarded two master's degrees.
Additional Information
Advising
After admission to the MSW program, each student is assigned an academic advisor from among the full-time faculty. Advisors assist students in selecting appropriate elective courses and reviewing requests for changes in program sequence. Advisors also assist in developing greater understanding of the program and the profession, and in providing consultation about other issues that may arise related to the student’s participation in the program. Advisors also serve as student advocates. The MSW program does not require students to obtain academic advising as a condition of registration, but students are strongly encouraged to contact their advisors at least once a semester. Students may request a change of academic advisor by writing to the MSW program director.
Independent Study
An independent study course provides an opportunity for students who wish to undertake a well-defined research project or clearly outlined and carefully delineated course of study. Independent study courses are restricted to students of proven ability who have sufficient background in the subject and are able to complete their work under the guidance of a faculty member. They conduct the project in an independent manner without attending regular class meetings. Independent study is characterized by a reduction in formal instruction and an increase in the individual student’s responsibility and initiative in the learning process.
Approval of an independent study course by the faculty sponsor, MSW director and the dean attests to the academic value of the study and to the ability of the student to master a body of knowledge with minimal faculty guidance. Field practicum experiences may not be taken as independent study. Independent studies may not substitute for an elective course offered in the School of Social Work. Independent study arrangements are generally limited to one or two students per course and must be accompanied by an MSW Program Change form if it impacts their course sequencing.
Normally, independent studies are offered for three credits. However, independent studies are also offered for less than three credits in cases where a student is one or two credits short because of transfer of courses from another institution.
The Independent Study Proposal and Registration form is found on the Office of the Registrar Forms page. Registration for an independent study course requires the approval of the MSW faculty member and the MSW program director, who also maintains a copy of the completed contract.
Progression Policy
Students must earn a grade of C- or better in each social work course. Students must also maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 3.00. If a student has cumulative GPA of less than 3.00, they will automatically be placed on academic probation.
Students must comply with the National Association of Social Workers Code of Ethics and the Minnesota Licensing Code of Ethics, as well as the Standards of the MSW Social Work program as detailed in the MSW Student Handbook under Student Retention.
Conditions for Probation, Suspension or Termination
There are six categories of academic standing, one related to admission status and five that are assigned at the end of each grading period.
At admission:
Provisional Admission – A student is considered a provisional admit if the student 1) has unmet prerequisites or 2) was admitted with an undergraduate cumulative GPA below 3.0. A student may move off of provisional status by 1) completing the required prerequisite coursework or 2) earning a 3.0 or higher GPA in the first 12 credits of the MSW program.
After each semester and final grading period:
- Good Standing – To maintain good standing in the MSW program a student must achieve a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher and successfully complete all field practicum requirements
- Probation (academic or disciplinary) – A student who is not maintaining the requirements of Good Standing will be placed on academic probation. Disciplinary probation may be assigned for conduct or other non-academic related behaviors
- Suspension – A student on academic probation for more than two semesters may be placed on suspension. A student who earns more than one grade of C- or lower may be suspended from the program. A suspended student is not allowed to register for future terms or seek field placement until the conditions of the suspension have been addressed in a satisfactory manner
- Academic Dismissal (termination) – Any student who fails a required course twice or receives more than one “F” on their transcript may be terminated from the MSW program
- Non-Academic Dismissal (termination) - Any student who fails to meet the non-academic standards as addressed in this handbook may be terminated from the MSW program
Terms for readmission to the program after suspension or dismissal are outlined in the Retention in the MSW Program policy section and communicated, along with specific conditions, to the affected student in the academic standing notification letter.
Readmission to the Program
Students who have been dismissed are not eligible to register for courses or seek field placement, but may apply for readmission after the lapse of at least one semester or as specified in the dismissal letter. To be readmitted, students must submit a petition to the dean of the School of Health via the MSW program director describing why they will be successful if readmitted and address the conditions of the probation, suspension or termination.
If readmitted, students are automatically placed on probation, and the terms of probation will be provided in writing to them. A readmitted student must achieve a minimum GPA of 3.0 in the next 12 credits of course work taken. Should the student fail to achieve a 3.0, she or he will be terminated from the program with no option for readmission. If a student is placed on probationary status, dismissed or terminated, she or he may use the institutional grievance policy and procedures of St. Catherine University to appeal any decision. This policy does not supersede or replace any applicable Institution-wide process or policy.
There may be circumstances that warrant immediate discipline including termination from the program. The Department of Social Work has the right to discipline or terminate a student during the course of or in lieu of the processes described.
St. Kate's Master of Social Work (MSW) program prepares clinical social workers for critically reflective social work practice. In this clinical program, students and faculty collaborate in an environment grounded in social justice, with a critical perspective on social work knowledge, values, and skills.
Which program option is for me?
The Regular Standing (RS) MSW program requires 56 semester credits, including 1,000 hours of field practicum. Applicants with an undergraduate degree in any field other than social work are eligible to apply for this program.
The Advanced Standing (AS) MSW program requires a minimum of 38 semester hours, including 600 hours of field practicum and completion of a clinical research project. Applicants with an undergraduate degree in social work from a CSWE-accredited program (and regionally accredited institution) are eligible to apply to this program.
RS Curriculum
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Required Foundation and Clinical Courses: | ||
| GRSW 5000 | History and Philosophy of Social Work | 3 |
| GRSW 5010 | Theory and Practice of Social Work I | 3 |
| GRSW 5020 | Theory and Practice of Social Work II | 3 |
| GRSW 5050 | Field Practicum and Seminar I | 3 |
| GRSW 5060 | Field Practicum and Seminar II | 3 |
| GRSW 5400 | Human Behavior and the Social Environment | 3 |
| GRSW 5800 | Social Work Research Methods | 3 |
| GRSW 6030 | Methods of Clinical Social Work I | 3 |
| GRSW 6040 | Methods of Clinical Social Work II | 3 |
| GRSW 6083 | Field Practicum & Seminar IV | 3 |
| GRSW 6250 | Social Policy and Advocacy Practice | 3 |
| GRSW 6450 | Clinical Assessment | 3 |
| GRSW 6500 | Clinical Supervision and Program Management | 3 |
| GRSW 6073 | Field Practicum & Seminar III | 3 |
| GRSW 6810 | Social Work Practice Research | 3 |
| Select a minimum of six credits from: | 6 | |
| Family Resilience and Diversity: Immigrants and Refugees | ||
| The Spiritual Dimension of Social Work Practice | ||
| Grief Counseling and Therapy | ||
| Integrative Psychotherapy | ||
| Clinical Practice with Adolescents | ||
| Clinical Practice with Older Adults | ||
| Clinical Practice for the Treatment of Trauma | ||
| Clinical Practice with Immigrants and Refugees | ||
| Clinical Social Work Practice in Integrated Healthcare | ||
| Dialectical Behavioral Therapy | ||
| Total Credits | 51 | |
AS Curriculum
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Required Foundation and Clinical Courses: | ||
| GRSW 5000 | History and Philosophy of Social Work | 3 |
| GRSW 6030 | Methods of Clinical Social Work I | 3 |
| GRSW 6040 | Methods of Clinical Social Work II | 3 |
| GRSW 6073 | Field Practicum & Seminar III | 3 |
| GRSW 6083 | Field Practicum & Seminar IV | 3 |
| GRSW 6250 | Social Policy and Advocacy Practice | 3 |
| GRSW 6450 | Clinical Assessment | 3 |
| GRSW 6500 | Clinical Supervision and Program Management | 3 |
| GRSW 6810 | Social Work Practice Research | 3 |
| Select a minimum of six credits from: | 6 | |
| Family Resilience and Diversity: Immigrants and Refugees | ||
| The Spiritual Dimension of Social Work Practice | ||
| Grief Counseling and Therapy | ||
| Integrative Psychotherapy | ||
| Clinical Practice with Adolescents | ||
| Clinical Practice with Older Adults | ||
| Clinical Practice for the Treatment of Trauma | ||
| Clinical Practice with Immigrants and Refugees | ||
| Clinical Social Work Practice in Integrated Healthcare | ||
| Dialectical Behavioral Therapy | ||
| Total Credits | 33 | |
The MSW Advanced Standing program can be completed in one, two, or three years. Each option is presented below.
A note about elective courses: The following program plans list elective credits in the fall and spring terms. Students are also free to enroll in a elective in the summer term on a first-come, first-served basis. GRSW 6260 Clinical Practice for the Treatment of Trauma and GRSW 6090 The Spiritual Dimension of Social Work Practice are offered in the summer.
All electives are subject to modification based on student demand and faculty availability.
One-Year Program
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Summer Term | ||
| GRSW 5000 | History and Philosophy of Social Work | 3 |
| GRSW 6250 | Social Policy and Advocacy Practice | 3 |
| GRSW 6450 | Clinical Assessment | 3 |
| GRSW 6810 | Social Work Practice Research | 3 |
| Fall Term | ||
| GRSW 6030 | Methods of Clinical Social Work I | 3 |
| GRSW 6070 | Field Practicum and Seminar III | 4 |
| GRSW 6500 | Clinical Supervision and Program Management | 3 |
| Select one from: | 3 | |
| Clinical Practice for the Treatment of Trauma | ||
| Clinical Social Work Practice in Integrated Healthcare | ||
| Dialectical Behavioral Therapy | ||
| Spring Term | ||
| GRSW 6040 | Methods of Clinical Social Work II | 3 |
| GRSW 6080 | Field Practicum and Seminar IV | 4 |
| Select one from: | 3 | |
| Family Resilience and Diversity: Immigrants and Refugees | ||
| Grief Counseling and Therapy | ||
| Integrative Psychotherapy | ||
| Clinical Practice with Adolescents | ||
| Clinical Practice with Older Adults | ||
| Total Credits | 35 | |
Two-Year Program
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Fall Term | ||
| GRSW 5000 | History and Philosophy of Social Work | 3 |
| GRSW 6500 | Clinical Supervision and Program Management | 3 |
| Spring Term | ||
| GRSW 6250 | Social Policy and Advocacy Practice | 3 |
| GRSW 6450 | Clinical Assessment | 3 |
| GRSW 6810 | Social Work Practice Research | 3 |
| Fall Term | ||
| GRSW 6030 | Methods of Clinical Social Work I | 3 |
| GRSW 6070 | Field Practicum and Seminar III | 4 |
| Select one from: | 3 | |
| Clinical Practice for the Treatment of Trauma | ||
| Clinical Social Work Practice in Integrated Healthcare | ||
| Dialectical Behavioral Therapy | ||
| Spring Term | ||
| GRSW 6040 | Methods of Clinical Social Work II | 3 |
| GRSW 6080 | Field Practicum and Seminar IV | 4 |
| Select one from: | 3 | |
| Family Resilience and Diversity: Immigrants and Refugees | ||
| Grief Counseling and Therapy | ||
| Integrative Psychotherapy | ||
| Clinical Practice with Adolescents | ||
| Clinical Practice with Older Adults | ||
| Total Credits | 35 | |
Three-Year Program
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Fall Term | ||
| GRSW 5000 | History and Philosophy of Social Work | 3 |
| GRSW 6500 | Clinical Supervision and Program Management | 3 |
| Spring Term | ||
| GRSW 6250 | Social Policy and Advocacy Practice | 3 |
| GRSW 6450 | Clinical Assessment | 3 |
| Fall Term | ||
| Select one from: | 3 | |
| Clinical Practice for the Treatment of Trauma | ||
| Clinical Social Work Practice in Integrated Healthcare | ||
| Dialectical Behavioral Therapy | ||
| Spring Term | ||
| GRSW 6810 | Social Work Practice Research | 3 |
| Select one from: | 3 | |
| Family Resilience and Diversity: Immigrants and Refugees | ||
| Grief Counseling and Therapy | ||
| Integrative Psychotherapy | ||
| Clinical Practice with Adolescents | ||
| Clinical Practice with Older Adults | ||
| Fall Term | ||
| GRSW 6030 | Methods of Clinical Social Work I | 3 |
| GRSW 6070 | Field Practicum and Seminar III | 4 |
| Spring Term | ||
| GRSW 6040 | Methods of Clinical Social Work II | 3 |
| GRSW 6080 | Field Practicum and Seminar IV | 4 |
| Total Credits | 35 | |
The MSW Regular Standing program can be completed in two, three, or four years. Each option is presented below.
A note about elective courses: The following program plans list elective credits in the fall and spring terms. Students are also free to enroll in a elective in the summer term on a first-come, first-served basis. GRSW 6260 Clinical Practice for the Treatment of Trauma and GRSW 6090 The Spiritual Dimension of Social Work Practice are offered in the summer.
All electives are subject to modification based on student demand and faculty availability.
Two-Year Program
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Fall Term | ||
| GRSW 5000 | History and Philosophy of Social Work | 3 |
| GRSW 5010 | Theory and Practice of Social Work I | 3 |
| GRSW 5050 | Field Practicum and Seminar I | 3 |
| GRSW 5400 | Human Behavior and the Social Environment | 3 |
| GRSW 5800 | Social Work Research Methods | 3 |
| Spring Term | ||
| GRSW 5020 | Theory and Practice of Social Work II | 3 |
| GRSW 5060 | Field Practicum and Seminar II | 3 |
| GRSW 6250 | Social Policy and Advocacy Practice | 3 |
| GRSW 6450 | Clinical Assessment | 3 |
| GRSW 6810 | Social Work Practice Research | 3 |
| Fall Term | ||
| GRSW 6030 | Methods of Clinical Social Work I | 3 |
| GRSW 6070 | Field Practicum and Seminar III | 4 |
| GRSW 6500 | Clinical Supervision and Program Management | 3 |
| Select one from: | 3 | |
| Clinical Practice for the Treatment of Trauma | ||
| Clinical Social Work Practice in Integrated Healthcare | ||
| Dialectical Behavioral Therapy | ||
| Spring Term | ||
| GRSW 6040 | Methods of Clinical Social Work II | 3 |
| GRSW 6080 | Field Practicum and Seminar IV | 4 |
| Select one from: | 3 | |
| Family Resilience and Diversity: Immigrants and Refugees | ||
| Grief Counseling and Therapy | ||
| Integrative Psychotherapy | ||
| Clinical Practice with Adolescents | ||
| Clinical Practice with Older Adults | ||
| Total Credits | 53 | |
Three-Year Program
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Fall Term | ||
| GRSW 5000 | History and Philosophy of Social Work | 3 |
| GRSW 5400 | Human Behavior and the Social Environment | 3 |
| GRSW 5800 | Social Work Research Methods | 3 |
| Spring Term | ||
| GRSW 6250 | Social Policy and Advocacy Practice | 3 |
| GRSW 6810 | Social Work Practice Research | 3 |
| Fall Term | ||
| GRSW 5010 | Theory and Practice of Social Work I | 3 |
| GRSW 5050 | Field Practicum and Seminar I | 3 |
| GRSW 6500 | Clinical Supervision and Program Management | 3 |
| Spring Term | ||
| GRSW 5020 | Theory and Practice of Social Work II | 3 |
| GRSW 5060 | Field Practicum and Seminar II | 3 |
| GRSW 6450 | Clinical Assessment | 3 |
| Fall Term | ||
| GRSW 6030 | Methods of Clinical Social Work I | 3 |
| GRSW 6070 | Field Practicum and Seminar III | 4 |
| Select one from: | 3 | |
| Clinical Practice for the Treatment of Trauma | ||
| Clinical Social Work Practice in Integrated Healthcare | ||
| Dialectical Behavioral Therapy | ||
| Spring Term | ||
| GRSW 6040 | Methods of Clinical Social Work II | 3 |
| GRSW 6080 | Field Practicum and Seminar IV | 4 |
| Select one from: | 3 | |
| Family Resilience and Diversity: Immigrants and Refugees | ||
| Grief Counseling and Therapy | ||
| Integrative Psychotherapy | ||
| Clinical Practice with Adolescents | ||
| Clinical Practice with Older Adults | ||
| Total Credits | 53 | |
Four-Year Program
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Fall Term | ||
| GRSW 5000 | History and Philosophy of Social Work | 3 |
| GRSW 5800 | Social Work Research Methods | 3 |
| Spring Term | ||
| GRSW 6250 | Social Policy and Advocacy Practice | 3 |
| GRSW 6810 | Social Work Practice Research | 3 |
| Fall Term | ||
| GRSW 5010 | Theory and Practice of Social Work I | 3 |
| GRSW 5050 | Field Practicum and Seminar I | 3 |
| GRSW 5400 | Human Behavior and the Social Environment | 3 |
| Spring Term | ||
| GRSW 5020 | Theory and Practice of Social Work II | 3 |
| GRSW 5060 | Field Practicum and Seminar II | 3 |
| Fall term | ||
| GRSW 6500 | Clinical Supervision and Program Management | 3 |
| Select one from: | 3 | |
| Clinical Practice for the Treatment of Trauma | ||
| Clinical Social Work Practice in Integrated Healthcare | ||
| Dialectical Behavioral Therapy | ||
| Spring Term | ||
| GRSW 6450 | Clinical Assessment | 3 |
| Select one from: | 3 | |
| Family Resilience and Diversity: Immigrants and Refugees | ||
| Grief Counseling and Therapy | ||
| Integrative Psychotherapy | ||
| Clinical Practice with Adolescents | ||
| Clinical Practice with Older Adults | ||
| Fall Term | ||
| GRSW 6030 | Methods of Clinical Social Work I | 3 |
| GRSW 6070 | Field Practicum and Seminar III | 4 |
| Spring Term | ||
| GRSW 6040 | Methods of Clinical Social Work II | 3 |
| GRSW 6080 | Field Practicum and Seminar IV | 4 |
| Total Credits | 53 | |