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School of Social Work
College of Health and Human Sciences

Social Work Master of Social Work

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You're a leader. An ally. A communicator and strategist. Earn your MSW at Colorado State

Join our transformative community as one of the leading MSW programs in Colorado. We are here to advance social justice. With anti-oppressive skills as our foundation, we are anti-racist, promote equity and equality, and enhance human health and well-being across local and global systems.

Why an MSW from CSU?

Our unique Advanced Generalist program prepares you for nearly every human service career.

  • Flexible course options – with built-in electives, hone in on a passion or earn a certificate.
  • Outstanding support – from faculty to advisers, and field placement staff, you’ll graduate with exceptional experience and connections.
  • Learn and practice simultaneously – with intertwined coursework and field experience, you’ll graduate with nearly 600+ hours of field experience, maximizing your learning.
  • Cohort Model – you’ll develop tight bonds with fellow students to collaborate and grow together.
school of social work advisor standing with a social work student on the CSU plaza smiling

One degree, six paths to affect change

In our Advanced Generalist program, you can prepare for any career you’d like, with a stronger foundation to change your career down the road.

Choose from:

  • Multi-disciplinary
  • Advanced Clinical Behavioral Health
  • Conflict Resolution and Mediation
  • Nonprofit Administration
  • Pre-K-12 School Social Work
  • Social Aspects of Human-Animal Interaction

 

social work grad sp21

Explore Program Options Begin Your MSW Journey

Take the first step on your MSW journey. Explore our program options including full-time on campus, part-time hybrid, advanced standing, and dual degree programs. Learn how our advanced generalist structure makes us one of the leading MSW programs in Colorado.

Begin Your Journey
A student reads on their laptop and a whiteboard with notes on it in the background.

What our graduates are doing

From math to MSW: Outstanding master’s in social work graduate forges unique path

Courtney Martinez combined her undergraduate degree in math and her desire to help kids with social and emotional development to find a new path in social work research.

Courtney smiles in front of a colorful wall while traveling

Working with Youth and Loving It

Since graduating from CSU’s School of Social Work, Tricia Van Horssen (MSW ‘99) has loved every second of her career as a school social worker. Van Horssen considers her students family, and has helped countless students and youth over her 20+ year career. She credits CSU’s School of Social Work and its faculty with helping prepare her for a long-lasting and rewarding career.  

Tricia Van-Horssen with her dog

Changing Careers to Make a Difference

Before his arrival at CSU, Chase Williams (MSW, ’20) was working as a paramedic at a major emergency department in Columbus, Ohio, with plans to go into community paramedicine and then nursing. However, he felt called to make a difference in another way.

chase williams

Resources Useful Links

Paying for Graduate School

There are a number of funding opportunities available for our graduate programs.

Advising and Support

Connect with a Graduate Program Adviser to help answer questions and help you begin your graduate career.

Program Goals and Information

Learn more about the goals and details of our program.

Accreditation Information

A Great Graduate Program

TOP 15% OF PUBLIC UNIVERSITIES 
Best Graduate Schools in Social Work in the U.S.

– U.S. News and World Report, 2023

Best Cohort Program | Best Online Advanced Generalist Program

– Intelligent.com, 2022

Current MSW Student News

Learning the policy process: Social work students visit the state Capitol

Assistant Professor Elizabeth Kiehne organized a full day of real-world learning for students interested in policy work. Since the visit, students have already testified in committee and advocated for policy affecting social workers.

CSU Social Work students and faculty on a large staircase inside the Colorado state Capitol with representatives Kipp and Boesenecker, and CSU president Amy Parsons and Cam the Ram

Sen. Bennet joins CSU, PSD leaders to discuss $9.7 million grant for Master of Social Work student fellowships in schools

Senator Bennet met with CSU and PSD leaders to discuss the increasing need for mental health services in schools, and a $9.7 million grant PSD received to fund MSW student internships and post-graduate fellowships to help meet demand.

Senator Bennet with Amy Martonis, CSU MSW Program Director, and other leaders and collaborators on the grant from PSD.