Hannah Mickle '21, '22G, LMSW
School Social Worker, New Hartford Central School District
"This degree opened a lot of doors for me. Once I decided that I wanted to work in a school, I was able to select courses that applied to that setting. I have learned how I can continue to be a lifelong learner, which is one of my life goals. This degree has taught me so much about empathy, working with people, advocacy for others and myself, and how to take care of me while I do the work I love."
Jordan Bailey '20, '22G
Primary Therapist for Children, Genesee Mental Health
"Nazareth's Social Work Department is very strong academically and prepares you well for your career. I felt well supported by all professors and comfortable with them. They go the extra mile for you and I felt peace of mind in the program."
Izabella Kimber '21, '22G
Therapeutic Visitation Clinician, Society for the Protection and Care of Children
"I now have experience facilitating group therapy, play therapy, developing therapeutic programs, research, crisis intervention, non profit work, and school social work. My courses in play therapy and trauma informed care guide me most in my position working with children and their biological parents towards repairing their relationship during visitation."
Overview
MASTER OF SOCIAL WORK
- Curriculum: Coursework focuses on training you to be an ethical and competent advanced practitioner who respects diversity and promotes justice, dignity, health, and wellness through integrative, collaborative, and interprofessional practice with emphasis on leadership, collaboration, and supervision in social work.
- Specializations: The program provides the opportunity to specialize in:
- Play Therapy
- Trauma-Informed Care
- Evidence-Based Practice in Mental Health
- School Social Work
- Interdisciplinary Specialty Program in Autism
- Early intervention, which includes participation in Project RISE
- Gerontology
- Program options:
- 36 credits if you have an undergraduate degree in social work
- 60 credits if you have an undergraduate degree outside of social work
- Part-time or full-time
- Location:
- Nazareth College campus in Rochester, New York
Grant to cover 6 students
Want to work as a social worker in a high-need school? See if you are eligible for the AMPs Up MSW grant — and be sure to apply by the March 31 deadline.
Course Examples
- SWK 508: Diagnostic Process
- SWK 654: Evidence-Based Practice in Mental Health
- SWK 656: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy [elective]
- SWK 657: Dialectical Behavioral Therapy [elective]
36 or 60 credits, full-time or part-time
Daytime and/or evening classes
In person and hybrid class options
Field experience, internships, and study abroad opportunities
Making Grad School Affordable
Grants, scholarships, veterans benefits, loans, and undergraduate loan forgiveness are options for paying for this grad degree.
Graduate's Perspective
"Something really special about Naz is they offer the opportunity of service trips that students can participate in; I went to Jamaica with the social work program in 2018. This was a life changing experience, I still treasure everything I learned on that trip today."
— Stephanie Colao '19, '21G, LMSW, hired as a Hillside clinician
What to Expect
- Interprofessional, interdisciplinary course training: As part of Nazareth’s School of Health and Human Services, you have the opportunity to collaborate with others in multiple health professions. Experiential opportunities are offered in most classes including collaborations within the York Institute for Wellness and Rehabilitation on campus.
- You have the option to include an early-intervention interprofessional concentration (track): Rochester Scholars for Early Intervention helps you develop specialty knowledge and skills to be a strong advocate for young children and their families.
- Specialized knowledge: Your Nazareth experiences include training in ethics, diversity, cultural humility, social justice, and leadership to prepare you for future roles as a practitioner, collaborator, supervisor, and changemaker. You have the option to specialize in play therapy, trauma-informed care, or evidence-based practice in mental health.
- Field education: Our program partners with over 250 agencies to offer experiential learning opportunities in field education. Opportunities exist across settings where you will be part of interprofessional and collaborative teams.
- International opportunities: Short-term study abroad trips to India, Jamaica, or Finland offer interprofessional, transformational experiences and global perspective
- Results: Nazareth MSW students are well prepared for state licensure, and many accept social work job offers soon after graduating from the program. (Among the Class of 2022: 98% were employed within six months of graduation.)
Accreditation
Nazareth College's MSW program is registered with the New York State Education Department, and is fully accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).