Master of Social Work
College of Education & Behavioral Sciences
Oppression and privilege impact everything and everyone through social, systemic structures. At UIndy, our faculty strive to educate students to become competent, dedicated, and reflective social workers in a world where people have complex individual and social needs.
Social workers strive to enhance the quality of life and improve the well-being and social functioning of all individuals, families, and communities — particularly oppressed and vulnerable populations. As a social worker, you will do this by employing direct services, planning social change to enhance human rights, and advocating for social, economic, and environmental justice.
UIndy faculty educate professional, ethical specialized social-work practitioners in an interdisciplinary environment to meet the needs of evolving city, state, national and global communities. The Phylis Lan Lin School of Social Work & Counseling has deep roots in the social justice system and is committed to addressing the marginalization and oppression of people of diverse backgrounds through education, self-awareness, and cultural humility.
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.
Tailor-Fit for You
UIndy’s MSW program is a community-driven program with unique local partnerships that lead to diverse opportunities for field placements. Other university field directors do block placements for their students, but at UIndy, we work collaboratively with our students to identify the populations they would like to serve, help them prepare their résumés, and make individual connections with community partners to help them land meaningful, personalized practicum placements.
Our school is nestled in a metropolitan area where practicum placements and career opportunities are diverse and plentiful. UIndy offers personalized attention, mentoring, and coaching. As a student, you will be transformed during the course of your degree work, and will grow into a fierce advocate for your community.
Studying social work at UIndy changed my life. I learned how to not just identify problems, but look for their causes and propose potential solutions. UIndy’s social work faculty are a special group of people dedicated to the field of social work and seeing their students make meaningful contributions to the profession. I felt like my instructors deeply cared about my academic success, clinical interests, and readiness to enter the field. I wouldn’t be the social worker I am today without my time at UIndy.
Concentrations and Licensure
There are plenty of ways to make this career path your own. Start by choosing one of three MSW concentrations: Health and Behavioral Health; Children, Family, and Community; or Mental Health and Addictions. Get involved in community outreach. Or consider applying for the Community Health Network Behavioral Health Academy for a unique practicum-to-employment opportunity.
Graduates of UIndy’s MSW program can pursue one of three licensure options: licensed social worker (LSW), licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), and/or licensed clinical addictions counselor (LCAC).* UIndy is also one of only two institutions in the state and one of fewer than a dozen nationwide that offer at School Social Work certificate. If you are interested in working in a school environment after graduation, this is a unique opportunity to set yourself apart from most other graduates!
* This licensure option is only available for students pursuing the Mental Health and Addictions concentration.