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Looking for the best MSW programs in Denver, CO?
This article guides you through the top choices for aspiring social workers. Whether you’re aiming to advance your career or start fresh, discover programs that blend academic excellence with practical field experience.
Find out which schools offer full-time, part-time, and online options to fit your schedule and goals.
University of Denver – Denver Campus MSW Program
The University of Denver’s Graduate School of Social Work (GSSW) offers a robust MSW program that ranks among the top in the nation. Currently, U.S. News & World Report places it at No. 12 in the country. This program is designed to ground students in social justice and equip them to work with diverse populations.
Program Features:
- Various Options: Students can choose between full-time, part-time, and advanced standing options.
- Accreditation: The program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).
- Field Work: With over 750 field education opportunities, you gain practical experience through internships that cater to your interests.
- Career Paths: Graduates can pursue careers in therapy, public policy advocacy, child welfare, program management, and integrated health settings.
The comprehensive curriculum ensures you are well-prepared to address complex social issues, making a positive impact in the community. For more information, visit the University of Denver Graduate School of Social Work.
MSU Denver – Master of Social Work (MSW) Program
MSU Denver’s MSW Program aims to prepare social work professionals who are ethical and justice-oriented. It is fully accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), ensuring you receive education that meets high professional standards.
Program Highlights:
- Faculty Expertise: Professors specialize in areas like child welfare, gerontology, and international social work.
- Flexible Delivery: Options include face-to-face, hybrid, and online formats.
- Practical Experience: Coursework is complemented by field experience focusing on ethical decision-making, clinical assessments, management skills, and community organizing.
- Affordability: The program offers an affordable tuition rate with a downtown campus location.
Career outcomes are promising, as 81% of graduates pass the ASWB Clinical Exam. Graduates can find employment in public schools, human services, mental health centers, and more. For further details, check the MSU Denver MSW Program.
Colorado State University – Master of Social Work (MSW) Program
Colorado State University’s MSW program is designed with an Advanced Generalist curriculum to prepare you for a variety of social work careers. Recognized by U.S. News & World Report as a top public university for social work, CSUs MSW program is both prestigious and comprehensive.
Key Features:
- Extensive Field Work: The program includes over 600 hours of field experience.
- Specializations: Students can choose from Behavioral Health, Conflict Resolution, Nonprofit Administration, among others.
- Accreditation: The program is CSWE accredited.
- Flexible Formats: Options include full-time, part-time hybrid, advanced standing, and dual-degree programs.
You can engage in policy advocacy and hands-on learning experiences at the state Capitol. Supported by initiatives in mental health, the program includes applied research and practical experiences. Visit the Colorado State University MSW Program for more information.
University of Denver – MSW@Denver
MSW@Denver is the online MSW program from the University of Denver’s Graduate School of Social Work, targeting students with any bachelor’s degree who aspire to earn their MSW. This innovative program can be completed in 21 to 27 months based on the track you choose.
Program Structure:
- Curriculum: Comprises 81 graduate credits and 900 hours of fieldwork.
- Concentrations: Offers customizable concentrations aligned with personal career goals.
- Faculty Support: Dedicated faculty with extensive community experience guide you through.
- Accreditation: The program is CSWE accredited, ensuring high quality.
Flexible online delivery makes it feasible to balance your studies with personal and professional commitments. To learn more, visit the MSW@Denver program page.
University of Denver Graduate School of Social Work – Denver Campus MSW Program
The Denver Campus MSW Program at the University of Denver Graduate School of Social Work (GSSW) offers flexibility for all kinds of students. Both full-time and part-time options are available, with the opportunity to start in winter or fall quarters.
Benefits:
- Completion Time: Full-time students usually complete it in less than two years, while advanced-standing students can do so in one year.
- Specialized Options: Dual-degree and certificate options like Global Social Work and Latinx Social Work.
- Expert Faculty: Renowned faculty members guide you through rigorous coursework.
- Practical Internships: Hands-on experience through internships is a cornerstone of the program.
Additionally, the research conducted at GSSW enhances the learning experience, allowing you to engage with cutting-edge social work issues. For more information, visit the Denver Campus MSW Program.
These sections provide detailed insights into the top MSW programs available in Denver, CO. Each program offers unique strengths and opportunities, ensuring you find the right fit for your career goals in social work.
University of Colorado Colorado Springs – Master of Social Work (MSW)
The University of Colorado Colorado Springs (UCCS) offers a Master of Social Work (MSW) program with a strong emphasis on trauma-informed practice. This program is designed to prepare you to work ethically and competently in various settings, such as behavioral health, healthcare, child welfare, and school social work.
Program Highlights:
- Emphasis on Trauma-Informed Practice: The curriculum is tailored to equip you with the skills needed to address trauma effectively.
- Modified Cohort Model: The program admits traditional MSW students in the fall, ensuring a collaborative learning environment.
- Academic Requirements: Admission requires an undergraduate degree with a minimum GPA of 2.75 and sufficient social science credits.
- Program Structure: Traditional students complete 60 credits, while Advanced Standing students complete 36 credits, encompassing both generalist and specialized curricula.
- Practicum Experience: At least 900 hours of practical fieldwork are integrated into the program, ensuring you apply theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios.
Accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), this program ensures that you meet professional competencies and are well-prepared for a career in social work. For more information, visit the UCCS MSW Program.
Colorado State University – Online Master of Social Work (MSW) Program
Colorado State University (CSU) also offers an online MSW program through a part-time cohort model, emphasizing an advanced generalist approach. This format provides the flexibility you need to balance personal and professional commitments while pursuing your degree.
Program Features:
- Flexibility: The program offers a three-year traditional track and a two-year Advanced Standing track.
- Comprehensive Curriculum: Coursework covers direct services, community practice, social policy analysis, and research.
- In-Person Classes: Some classes are held on select weekends to provide in-person learning experiences.
- Field Practicum: Practicum placements are essential, ensuring you gain practical experience.
- Accreditation: The program is accredited by the CSWE, ensuring it meets high educational standards.
Graduates of this program are well-prepared for various careers, including counseling, child welfare, healthcare, and mental health. Financial aid options are available, and graduates are eligible for licensure and certification. Explore more at the CSU Online MSW Program.
University of Denver – MSW/MPH Dual Degree Program
The MSW/MPH Dual Degree Program, offered by the University of Denver’s Graduate School of Social Work and the Colorado School of Public Health, combines a Master of Social Work (MSW) and a Master of Public Health (MPH). This dual degree program focuses on the social determinants of health and aims to equip you with the skills to work toward health equity.
Key Program Details:
- Dual Concentrations: You can choose from various MPH concentrations, such as Community & Behavioral Health or Environmental Health.
- Separate Admissions: Admission to the program requires separate applications to both the MSW and MPH programs.
- Curriculum Integration: The curriculum includes core MPH courses, MPH concentration courses, and integrative seminars, with MSW coursework counting as electives for the MPH degree.
- Career Preparation: Graduates are prepared for diverse careers in healthcare, government agencies, nonprofits, and more, with skills in public health program design and systems of care evaluation.
This program is ideal if you’re passionate about addressing public health issues through a social work lens. For more information, visit the MSW/MPH Dual Degree Program.
Factors to Consider When Choosing an MSW Program in Denver
When searching for the best MSW programs in Denver, CO, it’s essential to align your personal and professional goals with what each program offers. Here are key factors to consider:
- Accreditation: Ensure the program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), confirming it meets high educational standards.
- Specializations: Look for programs offering specializations that align with your career aspirations, such as mental health, trauma, school social work, or public health.
- Program Flexibility: Consider the availability of full-time, part-time, and online options to determine which fits your lifestyle and commitments best.
- Cost: Evaluate the tuition and available financial aid options to understand the program’s affordability.
- Field Placement Opportunities: Research each program’s approach to field education, as practical experience is crucial for skill development.
- Faculty Expertise: Examine the faculty’s backgrounds and areas of expertise to ensure you receive quality education and mentorship.
- Location and Resources: Consider the geographical location and the resources available to students, including career services and research opportunities.
- Student Support: Investigate the range of support services provided, including academic advising, mental health resources, and peer support networks.
Conclusion: Finding the Right MSW Program in Denver
In summary, selecting the right MSW program in Denver involves aligning your personal and professional objectives with the program’s offerings. Evaluate factors such as accreditation, specialization options, flexibility, cost, and field placement opportunities to make an informed decision. Explore the programs listed to find the best fit for your career aspirations and start your journey in the rewarding field of social work.