The master of social work (M.S.W.) program in Advanced Generalist Practice develops professional knowledge and skill for persons interested in pursuing careers in the field of social work. The M.S.W. program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). It requires two years of full-time study or three to four years of part-time study. The full-time program is available in Durham only but the part-time program can be taken in Durham or in Manchester. (The Manchester part-time program is delivered in a week-end model.) All students complete a foundation-year course of study, then complete a second concentration-year in Advanced Generalist social work practice. Full and part-time programs require classroom work and two academic year internships.

The Department of Social Work also offers 2 dual degree programs, one with Kinesiology (MSW/MS) and one with the UNH School of Law (JD/MSW). The Departments of Social Work and Kinesiology offer a dual degree program which consists of a master of social work (M.S.W.), as well as a master of science (M.S.) in kinesiology with a concentration in outdoor education. During this two and a half year program, which is offered in Durham, classes are taken both in social work and kinesiology/outdoor education, and students complete a specialized second internship (summer block) which concentrates on the utilization and application of adventure therapy in an agency setting. For a more detailed description of the dual degree program, admission requirements and application guidelines click here.

The JD/MSW dual degree is offered to students wishing to combine an interest in law/social justice with the practice of social work.  In four years a student will complete both a Juris Doctor and an MSW.  This program is offered in Durham to full-time students and classes are taken at the law school in Concord, NH and in Durham, NH on the UNH campus.  In addition to coursework, students will complete  2 year long field internships.  The second internship will be specialized to meet the needs of a JD/MSW student combining both law and social work in an agency or organization.  For a more detailed program description, admissions requirements, and application guidelines click here.

The M.S.W. program concentrates on strengths and empowerment models that encourage individuals and families to realize their full potential. The department supplies the students with a social and community systems context and promotes practice skills that are responsive to diversity issues. The program is housed in Pettee Hall with access to interview observation rooms and state-of-the-art classrooms and computer labs.

Financial aid opportunities in the department include grants for students interested in the child welfare field or in work with disabled children and their families. The department also offers graduate research assistantships to a few second year students. Graduates of the program are employed in a wide variety of social and human service agencies as direct practitioners and in managerial roles.