M.S.S. Curriculum
The Master of Social Service curriculum is comprised of generalist-year theoretical and practice courses, advanced-year practice courses, three units of electives, and four units of practicum education. Course units for earning the M.S.S. degree must total 18.
Plans of Study
The GSSWSR offers both 20-Month Accelerated and 32-Month Traditional plans of study to meet the individual鈥檚 life circumstances. The admissions requirements and procedures are the same for both plans of study.
20-Month Accelerated Plan
The GSSWSR offers a 20-Month Accelerated program where students become prepared to thrive in the field of social work in less than 2 years. Social work students receive a unique education emphasizing practice and research through a trauma-informed lens.
32-Month Plan
The GSSWSR offers a 32-Month Traditional program that can be completed with a combination of evening and weekend courses to meet the varying needs of our diverse student body. Social work students receive a unique education emphasizing practice and research through a trauma-informed lens.
10-Month Advanced Standing Plan
The GSSWSR's Advanced Standing M.S.S. program is designed for individuals who have completed a B.S.W. degree within the last five years from a Council on Social Work Education accredited school of social work.
Plans of Study
All incoming students begin their course of study in the fall semester. The 20-Month plan of study allows students to complete the program in less than two years; the 32-Month plan allows students to complete the program in less than three years. Generalist courses are taken during the first year of 32-Month plan of study, and practice courses, practicum education, and electives are taken during the second and third years. Practice seminars and concurrent practicum education should be taken in consecutive years.
Fall and Spring Semester Courses
In the fall and spring semesters, classes meet once a week over a 14-week period. Most classes are offered on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, allowing other days for practicum placements. A small number of courses are offered on Thursday and Saturdays in the fall and spring semesters. Each required practice class session is two hours and 50 minutes, and all other classes run two hours and 20 minutes.
Summer Session Courses
During the five-week summer sessions, classes meet twice a week on Mondays and Thursdays. Some plans of study include summer session courses and many students take advantage of this opportunity to spread out their course load.
Additional Information
Some courses require time in the computer lab. Students should plan to be at the School at least two days per week and are not encouraged to schedule all courses on one day.
Calendars and Academic Information
M.S.S. Generalist COURSES M.S.S. ELECTIVES M.S.S. Advanced Specializations Online MSS