Social Work University of Wisconsin Milwaukee

Overview

The advanced curriculum within the Social Work program at the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee maximizes student choice and flexibility. Social work master’s students choose which populations and practice skills to emphasize in preparation for contemporary advanced social work practice.

The curriculum core includes courses related to social work practice with individuals, families, groups, organizations and communities. Within the curriculum core, students also obtain knowledge and skills in the areas of social welfare policy, social justice and evaluation.

Program Mission and Goals

The mission of the UWM social work master’s program is to prepare advanced social work practitioners who can promote positive change through social work practice, advocacy, education, research and leadership. 

This is accomplished through the MSW curriculum being anchored in core courses for all MSW students that build knowledge and skills in crucial advanced social work competencies related to social work practice with individuals, families, groups, organizations and communities, as well as knowledge and skills in the areas of social welfare policy, social justice, and evaluation of practice and programs.

The values of this curriculum align with the goals of the UWM Social Work Department to prepare:

• Highly skilled, advanced practitioners to work in a variety of ecological levels, including with individuals, families, groups, organizations, communities and governments

• Ethical practitioners guided by the principles and values of the social work profession, including dignity and worth of the person, and importance of human relationships

• Culturally competent social workers who promote and advocate for social justice and human rights

• Social workers who engage in critical thinking and actively apply research evidence to practice, policy, advocacy, education and leadership

• Social workers who conduct practice and program evaluation to advance knowledge and practice

• Competent advanced generalist practitioners who may additionally become prepared to develop specialized practice skills through various elective pathways, field placement training and certificate and certification programs

• Social workers who address human service needs in the state of Wisconsin and the region