Embark on an extraordinary journey with MSW Fordham University, where passion for social justice and academic excellence intertwine. Step into a vibrant community of scholars, practitioners, and change-makers, united by a common goal: to empower individuals, families, and communities.
Through a rigorous curriculum, immersive fieldwork, and cutting-edge research, MSW Fordham University equips students with the knowledge, skills, and values to navigate the complexities of the social work profession. Prepare to make a meaningful impact in diverse settings, from mental health clinics to community development organizations, and become a catalyst for positive change.
Master of Social Work Program Overview
Fordham University’s Master of Social Work (MSW) program equips students with the knowledge, skills, and values necessary to make a positive impact in the field of social work.
The MSW program is a two-year, full-time program that offers a rigorous curriculum grounded in social work theory and practice. The program culminates in a field placement experience that provides students with hands-on experience in a social work setting.
Curriculum
The MSW curriculum at Fordham University is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of social work practice. The curriculum includes coursework in social work theory, research methods, social policy, and practice skills.
Students can choose to specialize in one of three areas: clinical social work, social work administration, or social work research.
Accreditation and Reputation
The MSW program at Fordham University is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). This accreditation ensures that the program meets the highest standards of social work education.
Fordham University’s MSW program is consistently ranked among the top social work programs in the country. In the 2023 U.S. News & World Report rankings, the program was ranked #15 among all MSW programs.
Career Opportunities for MSW Graduates
Graduates of the MSW program at Fordham University have access to a wide range of career opportunities in the field of social work. MSW graduates are employed in various settings, including healthcare, education, mental health, child welfare, and social policy.
Some common job titles for MSW graduates include:
- Social worker
- Clinical social worker
- School social worker
- Medical social worker
- Child welfare social worker
- Policy analyst
- Program manager
- Executive director
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for social workers was $50,470 in May 2021. The job outlook for social workers is expected to grow 12% from 2021 to 2031, faster than the average for all occupations.
Fieldwork and Clinical Training
Fieldwork and clinical training are essential components of the MSW program at Fordham University. They provide students with the opportunity to apply their classroom learning in a real-world setting, develop their professional skills, and gain valuable experience working with clients and communities.
The fieldwork experience is structured over two semesters, with students completing a total of 1,000 hours of supervised practice. Students are placed in a variety of settings, including hospitals, mental health clinics, schools, and social service agencies. They work under the supervision of experienced social workers who provide guidance, support, and feedback.
Supervision and Support
Students receive regular supervision from their field instructors. Supervision sessions provide an opportunity for students to discuss their cases, receive feedback on their work, and develop their professional skills. In addition to individual supervision, students also participate in group supervision sessions, where they can share their experiences and learn from their peers.
Research and Faculty Expertise
Fordham University’s MSW program boasts a distinguished faculty of scholars and practitioners renowned for their research contributions and expertise in various areas of social work. Their groundbreaking research informs innovative teaching and practice, shaping the future of the profession.
Faculty Research Strengths
MSW faculty members engage in cutting-edge research across a wide spectrum of social work topics, including:
- Child welfare and family services
- Mental health and substance abuse
- Social policy and advocacy
- Trauma-informed care
- Diversity and inclusion
Ongoing Research Projects and Publications
Faculty members are actively involved in numerous research projects, publishing their findings in top academic journals and presenting at national and international conferences. Some notable examples include:
- A study examining the effectiveness of trauma-informed interventions for children in foster care
- Research on the impact of social media on the mental health of adolescents
- An analysis of the role of social work in promoting health equity for underserved populations
Opportunities for Student Engagement
Students have ample opportunities to engage in research and collaborate with faculty. They can participate in ongoing research projects, present their own research at conferences, and publish their work in the Fordham University Social Work Journal. This hands-on experience provides invaluable training and prepares students for careers in research and academia.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Fordham University and the MSW program are deeply committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. We believe that a diverse and inclusive learning environment is essential for preparing students to be effective social workers in today’s globalized society.
The program has a long history of promoting diversity and inclusion. In 2015, the program was awarded the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) Social Work Education Award for its commitment to diversity. The program has also been recognized by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) for its efforts to promote diversity and inclusion.
Initiatives and Programs
The program has a number of initiatives and programs in place to promote a diverse and inclusive learning environment. These include:
- The MSW Diversity Committee: The committee is responsible for developing and implementing initiatives to promote diversity and inclusion within the program.
- The MSW Student Diversity Alliance: The alliance is a student-led organization that provides a supportive community for students from diverse backgrounds.
- The MSW Social Justice Concentration: The concentration provides students with the knowledge and skills to work effectively with marginalized populations.
- The MSW Field Education Program: The program places students in field placements with agencies that serve diverse populations.
Preparing Students to Work with Diverse Populations
The MSW program prepares students to work effectively with diverse populations through a variety of curricular and extracurricular activities. These include:
- Required coursework on diversity and inclusion: Students are required to take coursework on diversity and inclusion, including courses on race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, and disability.
- Field placements with diverse agencies: Students are placed in field placements with agencies that serve diverse populations, giving them the opportunity to work with clients from a variety of backgrounds.
- Opportunities to participate in research on diversity and inclusion: Students have the opportunity to participate in research on diversity and inclusion, which helps them to develop a deeper understanding of the issues facing diverse populations.
Question Bank
What is the duration of the MSW program at Fordham University?
The MSW program at Fordham University is a two-year, full-time program.
What are the specializations offered in the MSW program?
Fordham University’s MSW program offers specializations in Clinical Social Work, Social Work Practice with Individuals and Families, Social Work Practice with Groups, and Social Work Practice with Organizations and Communities.
Is the MSW program at Fordham University accredited?
Yes, the MSW program at Fordham University is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).
What are the career opportunities for MSW graduates?
MSW graduates have a wide range of career opportunities in fields such as mental health, child welfare, education, healthcare, and social policy.
