Our master's degree program alternates three summers of intensive curricular coursework with two 8-month supervised internships to provide you with the optimum learning experience. The full-time master's program begins in June and continues for 27 months ending in August.
First Summer
June-August, Smith College campus
First Internship Placement
September-April, sites around the country
Second Summer
June-August, Smith College campus
Second Internship Placement
September-April, sites around the country
Third Summer
June-August, Smith College campus
Graduation!
August, Smith College campus
Requirements
To meet the requirements for an M.S.W. degree, all candidates will successfully complete:
- 60 quarter hours of internships
- 4 quarter hours of internship seminars
- 6 quarter hours of a community-based anti-racism experience
- 37 quarter hours of specific core courses
- 8 quarter hours of sequenced electives
- 10 quarter hours of elective courses in any sequence
First Summer
During the first academic summer, courses focus on the knowledge, skills and values which form the foundation, or core, of the social work profession. This also prepares you for the School's specialization in clinical practice. You will be introduced to the major social work methods, the psychological and sociocultural theories upon which social work practice rests, the history of social work and social welfare, social policy analysis and research methods.
Second Summer
Coursework in the second summer is firmly rooted in an understanding of human development and adaptation within a sociocultural context utilizing multiple theories of intervention including: psychodynamic theory, family theories, and social constructivist and eco-systemic perspectives.
Third (Final) Summer
Elective courses provide you with the opportunity to focus on particular areas of interest by exploring content on specific populations, particular problems, and/or in innovative practice settings.
Through each of your summers, our exceptional student services will assist you with writing, quantitative learning, tech challenges, accessibility needs and much more. In your final summer, you’ll take advantage of our career services with mock interviews, resume help and on-campus job interviews.
If you are an advanced standing student, your first year requirements are waived and you begin as a second year student.
The Schedule
| First Summer | Internship Placement | Final Summer |
| June-August Smith College | September-April Sites around the country | June-August Smith College |
Requirements
To meet the requirements for an M.S.W. degree, all candidates will successfully complete 70 quarter hours as defined below:
- 30 quarter hours of internships
- 2 quarter hours in internship seminars
- 6 quarter hours of a community practice anti-racism experience
- 14 quarter hours of specific core courses
- 8 quarter hours in sequenced electives
- 10 quarter hours of elective courses in any sequence
First Summer
Coursework in the second summer is firmly rooted in an understanding of human development and adaptation within a sociocultural context utilizing multiple theories of intervention including: psychodynamic theory, family theories, and social constructivist and eco-systemic perspectives.
Final Summer
Elective courses provide you with the opportunity to focus on particular areas of interest by exploring content on specific populations, particular problems, and/or in innovative practice settings.
Through each of your summers, our exceptional student services will assist you with writing, quantitative learning, tech challenges, accessibility needs and much more. In your final summer, you’ll take advantage of our career services with mock interviews, resume help and on-campus job interviews.
The School for Social Work believes in the importance of mentorship and supervision. Over the course of your academic program, you will have numerous opportunities to benefit from the knowledge and experience of professionals who can guide you to excel—in the classroom, in your research and in your internship. You will be assigned an adviser during the summer as well as receiving guidance from practicum faculty advisers and supervisors during your internship.