Walden University

What you'll study

The MSW curriculum emphasises assessment, intervention and evaluation across the life course, with attention to social justice, diversity and evidence-based practice. Core course themes include human behaviour in the social environment, social welfare policy and services, clinical assessment and diagnosis, evidence-based interventions, research methods for social work practice, and ethics.

• Foundation courses – theories of practice, systems and family work, and understanding macro and micro practice contexts.
• Clinical practice – diagnostic assessment, individual and group psychotherapy techniques, trauma-informed care, substance misuse interventions and culturally responsive practice.
• Policy and advocacy – policy analysis, community organising, programme development and strategies for social change.
• Research and evaluation – quantitative and qualitative methods relevant to applied social work and outcome measurement.
• Field practicum – supervised placements in community agencies, health care settings, schools or private practice that provide hands‑on experience and meet practicum hour requirements for advanced practice preparation.
• Electives and concentrations – options commonly cover areas such as clinical practice, children and families, gerontology, school social work, public health social work and trauma recovery, allowing specialisation aligned with career goals.

Entry requirements

Applicants typically need a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution and an academic record that demonstrates readiness for graduate study. Holders of a CSWE‑accredited Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) may be eligible for advanced‑standing admission, which reduces the number of required graduate credits.

• Official transcripts from previous higher education institutions.
• A personal statement or statement of purpose describing professional goals and fit with the programme.
• Current résumé or curriculum vitae detailing relevant work or volunteer experience.
• References or letters of recommendation from academic or professional referees.
• Some placements require background checks, health screenings or immunisation documentation prior to practicum; applicants should be prepared to meet these requirements.
• International applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency according to the university’s accepted exams and standards.
• Standardised tests such as the GRE are not typically required, though admissions policies can vary; prospective students should check the current admissions guidance.

Career prospects

Graduates with an MSW from Walden commonly move into advanced clinical and leadership roles across health, mental health, education, justice and community sectors. The degree supports pathways to clinical licensure in many US states and prepares graduates for roles that require advanced practice skills and clinical supervision.

• Licensed clinical social worker (subject to meeting state licensure requirements and supervised practice hours)
• Clinical therapist or counsellor in community mental health agencies, hospitals, or private practice
• School social worker or student support specialist
• Program manager, policy analyst or advocate in non‑profit and governmental organisations
• Case manager and care coordinator in health and social care settings
• Specialist roles in substance misuse, trauma recovery, child welfare and geriatric services

Why study at Walden University

Walden offers a flexible, predominantly online delivery model designed for working professionals, combining asynchronous coursework with local, supervised field practicum. The MSW programme is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), which aligns the curriculum with professional standards for practice and licensure preparation.

• Flexible scheduling and online format that supports part‑time and full‑time study for students who are balancing work and family commitments.
• Field placement coordination that connects students with community partners to gain practicum experience in relevant practice settings.
• Faculty with practitioner and research experience who integrate evidence‑based practice and social justice themes into teaching.
• Opportunities to tailor study through electives and concentrations to match career goals and licensure requirements.