Master of Social Work

Transform lives.

You see society’s problems, and you're not turning a blind eye. With UIndy’s Master of Social Work, you will be able to turn your passions into results in a fulfilling career. The MSW prepares you for advanced specialized practice and leadership roles in diverse communities. Working closely with our engaged faculty will give you opportunities to solve problems for the greater good—one person at a time.

UIndy's MSW program gives you a broad perspective on the field of social welfare. The MSW builds on our highly regarded BSW program and features significant opportunities for community outreach and collaboration with UIndy's health sciences and psychology programs, an innovative approach in the state of Indiana.
  • colleges of distinction for 2024-2025
  • 10 minutes to downtown Indy for internship opportunities
  • Projected job growth in social work, 2021-2031 is 9 percent (bls.gov)

Advantages

  • Small program size allows you to work closely with faculty
  • Small classes and engaged faculty
  • Graduates of the program can pursue one of three licensure options: Licensed Social Worker (LSW), Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), and Licensed Clinical AddictionCounselor (LCAC)
  • Can be completed in one or two years, depending on your bachelor’s degree
  • Opportunities for community outreach and collaboration with UIndy’s health sciences and psychology programs

Potential Areas of Career Focus

  • Poverty and Inequality
  • Health Care and Health Challenges
  • Mental Health
  • Aging
  • Substance Use and Addictions
  • Communities and Housing
  • Veterans and Military
  • Family and Child Welfare
  • Physical and Mental Challenges
  • Criminal Justice
  • Environmentalism
  • Global and International Social Work

About the Master of Social Work Program

 

Program Length & Format

It will take you either one or two years to complete your MSW program, depending on your bachelor's degree credentials. The format is hybrid — on-campus, virtual and off-campus.

Curriculum & Concentrations

The MSW curriculum includes foundational courses and concentration courses. You will choose one of three available concentrations: Health and Behavioral Health; Children, Family and Community; or Mental Health and Addictions.

Practica

  • Regular Standing students are required to complete three practica.
  • Advanced Standing students are required to complete two practica.

Because a successful practicum experience is important to both the student and the agency, the MSW Field Director works with you on an individual basis to help ensure a good fit in your practicum locations.

When Can I Start?

    • Regular Standing, two-year program: 60 credit hours
      • Open to anyone with a bachelor's degree who meets admission requirements
      • Courses begin in fall
      • Priority application deadline is April 1.
      • Applications will continue to be considered until the cohort is filled.
    • Advanced Standing, one-year program: 33 credit hours
      • Open to anyone who has completed a BSW within the past five years from a CSWE-accredited program
      • Courses begin in summer.
      • Application deadline is Feb. 1.

Accredited by the CSWE

Accredited by Council on Social Work Education's (CSWE) Board of Accreditation

The University of Indianapolis baccalaureate social work and master of social work programs are accredited by the Council on Social Work Education’s Board of Accreditation.

Accreditation of a baccalaureate or master’s social work program by the Council on Social Work Education’s Board of Accreditation indicates that it meets or exceeds criteria for the assessment of program quality evaluated through a peer review process.  An accredited program has sufficient resources to meet its mission and goals and the Board of Accreditation has verified that it demonstrates compliance with all sections of the Educational Policy and Accreditation Standards. 

Accreditation applies to all program sites and program delivery methods of an accredited program. Accreditation provides reasonable assurance about the quality of the program and the competence of students graduating from the program.

Admission Requirements

View the admission requirements and application process.

Stay Informed About This Program

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Dr. Lynn Shaw headshot
Dr. Lynn Shaw
2023 NASWIN Social Worker of the Year

It's rewarding to watch the students embrace the field work where they are working alongside professionals. Many of them get offered employment upon completion of their practicum. ... It's also rewarding to work with a cohort of adult learners who are eager to attain their degree, get licensed, and work with populations and social issues where they want to make an impact.

Read the UIndy 360 article about Dr. Lynn Shaw being named the 2023 Region 7 Social Worker of the Year by the National Association of Social Workers Indiana Chapter (NASWIN).