The MSW curriculum prepares students for professional advanced practice and requires 57 credit hours. The course work must be completed within a 4-year period, of which 4 semesters of practicum and completion of the research requirement are mandatory. Students may waive some generalist level courses by examination and thereby, reduce the number of credits necessary to receive their degree.
The generalist curriculum includes courses in social welfare policy, human behavior in the social environment, research, social work practice with individuals, families, groups, and communities, and field education. The specialist curriculum is organized around four specialized areas of practice: behavioral mental health, child and family, gerontology, and health. Elective courses augment the generalist and specialization curricula; electives may include courses in marriage and family therapy, substance abuse, criminal justice, Native Hawaiian cultural practices, and other offerings relevant to the student’s chosen specialization.
Admission requirements are: a bachelor’s degree from an accredited U.S. college or university or its equivalent from a recognized foreign institution of higher learning, a 3.0 GPA, a liberal arts background, the motivation for a career in social work, and evidence of ability to manage the rigors of graduate school.
Advanced Standing Option
Graduates from a CSWE-accredited Bachelor of Social Work program who have been admitted with Advanced Standing in the MSW Program enter into the advanced (specialization) year of the program.
Application Deadline
February 1 (MSW admission occurs in the fall only).
For further information, write to the school at Gartley Hall 203, 2430 Campus Road, Honolulu, HI 96822, call (808) 956-7182, email sswadmit@hawaii.edu, or check the website at manoa.hawaii.edu/thompson/dsw/.
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