District of Columbia Social Work Masters (MSW) Programs

ByJosh

Unfortunately, you may have fewer choices of schools to complete your Master of Social Work program.

Currently, only three institutions in the state are renowned for offering the best MSW studies. You can choose which of them meets your career and professional needs.

However, relevant authorities, including CSWE, fully certified all the schools.

MSW Programs in DC

Do you want to learn more about the three institutions that offer MSW studies in the District of Columbia? Then keep reading this blog post.

You’ll not only come across these institutions but also learn about their coursework, duration of studies, and more. Without any delay, let’s check out these institutions.

  • Gallaudet University

MSW programs at this institution aim at educating and training students from populations with hearing issues. Furthermore, their programs emphasize social and economic justice, empathy, and integrity.

After leaving school, you’ll be able to work in the social service field, considering your level of knowledge and expertise. At least, you can work with a population sometimes ignored in our society by the larger hearing populace.

Meanwhile, students can register for their education via regular or advanced standing studies. Traditional studies are designed for scholars who need more basic social work knowledge.

As such, the study curriculum features 61 credit courses and 1012 hours of fieldwork. Learners are expected t complete their schoolwork within two or three years.

The advanced standing studies will suit those with a social work background. The curriculum has lesser courses compared to the traditional programs.

You must finish a few credit courses and 512 practicum hours within one or two years of study.

  • Catholic University of America

This institution aims at preparing MSW students to effect change in the world using traditional values, as highlighted in the field.

For that, their programs speak values to scholars to equip them for social work using contemporary professional standards. Concentration areas you may take are clinical or social change.

You’ll also have the option to choose between their regular and accelerated classes.

Regular studies are suitable for candidates who need foundational social work knowledge. The study syllabus contains introductory courses to make it 60 credit courses.

In addition to that, you’ll also be required to finish 1080 hours of field education. You can graduate within two or three years, depending on your study format.

For students with a BSW, the accelerated programs will best suit them. The study syllabus features only 30 credit courses with 600 hours of fieldwork.

You can specialize in clinical practice and community, administration & policy practice.

  • Howard University

Do you want direct practice or macro social work after graduation? Then consider earning your social work master’s degree in this institution.

They have suitable programs for students with and without previous social work knowledge. You can opt for their advanced standing studies if you have a BSW.

Introductory classes are not included in their studies. However, you’ll be expected to cover a few specialization courses and 260 hours of fieldwork within a year or two.

Meanwhile, those with no BSW should opt for formal studies. Such programs entail 60 credit courses and 1000 hours of fieldwork. You can finish your studies in two or three years.

It all depends on which learning format you choose. You may specialize in social gerontology, child welfare, direct practice, mental health, displaced populations, and more.

Becoming a Certified Master of Social Work in the District of Columbia

Considering earning your MSW degree in the District of Columbia is excellent.

However, it would be best to hold a state permit before you are allowed to work unrestricted. Now, There’re three licenses open for social workers in the state.

We have the Licensed Graduate Social Worker (LGSW), the Licensed Independent Social Worker (LISW), and the Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW).

Each permit has its unique essentials and guidelines for obtaining such credentials.

But generally, you’ll be quired to fill in the application form, pass the ASWB master’s exams, and receive your permit. In other instances, you may need to finish additional fieldwork to acquire some licenses.

Let’s take a look at these steps.

  • Fill Application Form

The first thing you’ll need to do when acquiring a state permit in the District of Columbia is to fill out the new license application form and submit it to the board.

Before you mail to the board, ensure you insert three character references and two passport photos, and pay a fee of $230.

You’ll also be required to submit your official transcript or expected graduation date if you’re still a student. Finally, you’ll run a criminal background check.

The HRLA often conducts it.

  • Write and Pass the ASWB Exams

After completing the steps above, the next thing to do is write a professional exam.

It consists of 170 questions from all areas of MSW studies. After writing the exams,  send your score to the licensing board within two weeks.

You must pass this test before receiving your permit.

  • Acquired Additional Field Experience

Most permits in this state require social work graduates to finish additional 3,000 hours of post-graduate supervised fieldwork. This must be completed in at least four years.

Every 32 hours of work, you’ll receive one hour of supervision. This will make it 100 hours of in-supervision within the fieldwork term.

  • Receive Your Permit

You’ll be issued your permit immediately after successfully satisfying all the abovementioned conditions.

Now, you can practice advanced clinical and non-clinical social work without supervision in DC. Furthermore, you can also work unrestricted within the country.

Job Outlook for MSW Graduates in the District of Columbia

You don’t have to worry about finding a job in this state. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job possibilities for MSW holders are expected to grow in the coming years.

The position of child, family, and school social workers will grow by 21 percent. Then the number of healthcare positions will increase by 32 percent.

Finally, mental health and substance abuse job positions will spike by 23 percent.

As highlighted above, only three renowned schools in the District of Columbia offer MSW programs. However, you can acquire all the needed knowledge and experience to work with diverse populations nationwide.

But before you seek entry into either of these institutions, ensure you learn more about their Masters of Social Work Programs.