Graduate-Level Credits
DU Master of Social Work | OnlineDU Master of Social Work | OnlineDU Master of Social Work | Online
A program designed for aspiring social workers who are ready to advance equity across all communities.A program designed for aspiring social workers who are ready to advance equity across all communities.A program designed for aspiring social workers who are ready to advance equity across all communities.
University of Denver’s Graduate School of Social Work is ranked #12 on U.S. News & World Report‘s list of best social work programs.
The Graduate School of Social Work (GSSW) takes a progressive approach to social work education, preparing students to practice social work in traditional and nontraditional settings. Students in the online Master of Social Work (MSW) program, MSW@Denver, are taught to think critically and creatively to advance equity across all communities. They also learn to become champions of social change and to empower populations impacted by oppression.
University of Denver’s Graduate School of Social Work is ranked #12 on U.S. News & World Report‘s list of best social work programs.
The Graduate School of Social Work (GSSW) takes a progressive approach to social work education, preparing students to practice social work in traditional and nontraditional settings. Students in the online Master of Social Work (MSW) program, MSW@Denver, are taught to think critically and creatively to advance equity across all communities. They also learn to become champions of social change and to empower populations impacted by oppression.
MSW@Denver Program Highlights
Online MSW
81
900
Hours of Direct Fieldwork
27
Months to Complete Full Time
Online Advanced-Standing MSW
500
Hours of Direct Fieldwork
18
Months to Complete Full time
Online MSW Admission
We seek candidates from a variety of backgrounds and educational experiences, and we encourage those with and without related experience to apply. There are four convenient start dates throughout the year, so you can begin classes on your schedule:
Choose from start dates in January, March, June and September.
GSSW reviews applications on a rolling basis, so the sooner you apply, the sooner you’ll receive an admission decision. Learn more about the application process.
The final deadline to apply for the March 2025 cohort is
January 31, 2025.
Online Program Offerings
MSW@Denver offers two programs: the Online MSW Program and the Online Advanced-Standing MSW Program.
Online MSW
If you have earned a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in a field other than social work, you are eligible to apply to the Online MSW Program. This program can be completed in as few as 27 months in the full-time track or 21 months in the accelerated track.
As an Online MSW student, you will complete:
- 81 graduate-level credits; full-time or accelerated tracks available
- During the first half of your program, you’ll focus on the foundation curriculum. In your second half, you’ll customize your Advanced Social Work Practice concentration to match your interests and career goals.
- Two field internships totaling 900 hours of fieldwork
Online Advanced-Standing MSW
If you have earned a bachelor’s degree from a Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)-accredited institution at any point in time, you are eligible to apply to the Online Advanced-Standing MSW Program. The Online Advanced-Standing MSW can be completed in as few as 18 months in the full-time track or 12 months in the accelerated track.
As an Online Advanced-Standing MSW student, you will complete:
- 54 graduate-level credits; full-time or accelerated tracks available
- Two bridge courses, one seminar, and customizable Advance Social Work Practice concentration. If you want to specialize, you can explore pathways in areas such as mental health and trauma or health, equity and wellness.
- One field internship totaling 500 hours of fieldwork
GSSW also offers the MSW program at three locations in Colorado, including our main campus in Denver. Visit the GSSW website to learn more about our on-campus MSW programs.
MSW@Denver Curriculum
With the MSW@Denver curriculum, you will gain a holistic understanding of social work principles and be prepared to advocate for social justice in a variety of settings.
If you are an Online MSW student, you will begin the program with the foundation curriculum. The foundation curriculum develops your understanding of the history, values and ethics of the social work profession. If you’re an Online Advanced-Standing MSW student, you will complete two foundation courses and then proceed to the Advanced Social Work Practice concentration which you can customize to meet your personal interests and career goals.
Concentrations
Your concentration will be in Advanced Social Work Practice, which you can customize to meet your personal interests and career goals. The concentration will prepare you with the knowledge and skills needed to be an effective social worker in a wide range of settings. Not sure where you want to take your career? The concentration gives you the flexibility to choose courses that span a variety of social work topics and find the right fit. If you know where your interests lie, we offer customizable pathways that allow you to specialize in your area of interest.
Mental Health and Trauma pathway focuses on comprehensive assessment, advanced interventions based on cognitive approaches and trauma-informed care.
Health, Equity and Wellness pathway covers the history of health, health disparities and culturally competent social work practice.
Featured Courses
As a student in the online program, you will complete coursework that covers a variety of topics, providing you with a strong foundation for social work practice. Some sample courses include:
Power, Privilege and Oppression: Examines how these phenomena affect individuals, families and communities
Leadership and Supervision Skills: Examines the application of leadership and supervision theories to practice settings
Evidence for Practice: Develops skills in identifying, analyzing and applying empirical evidence to inform a practice
Assessment of Mental Health Across the Lifespan: Assesses psychological, social and biological contributors to mental health disorders in all ages
How Do Field Internships Work?
Whether you live in downtown Denver, a small town in Colorado or another city across the United States, we will help you find a field internship to practice the concepts and theories learned in your online classes.
The Field Placement Process
- You will work with a field placement specialist who will find you a school-approved internship site in or near your community.
- You will be supervised at your site by a licensed social work professional who will provide feedback on your work and help you develop your skills.
- You will receive support from your field liaison who will ensure you’re meeting curricular milestones throughout your time at your internship site.
What Can You Do With an MSW?
Earning your MSW provides you with countless opportunities to advocate for social change in your community and beyond.
As a GSSW graduate, you’ll be prepared to seek social work employment in traditional and nontraditional settings and challenge systems of oppression at the micro, mezzo and macro levels. You can pursue employment in a variety of roles, such as behavioral health clinician, psychiatric social worker, community and economic developer, mental health counselor and evaluator, or policy analyst.
Growth in the Field
The field of social work is projected to grow 12% by 2030,1 with increases in the following sectors:
13%
increase
Child, family and school2
15%
increase
Mental health and
substance abuse2
13%
increase
Health care2
Many traditional social work careers require licensure. Learn more about how to become a licensed clinical social worker in Colorado or view your state’s specific licensure requirements.
What Students are Saying About MSW@Denver
“It’s not so easy to relocate to another city or state. Sure, it would have been a great experience to do so, but an online program afforded me the ability to work closely with my community as I begin the journey towards developing my practice as a helping professional.”
Why Earn Your MSW Online
With an MSW, you can advance your career, fight for social justice and serve marginalized communities. The flexible online format allows you to balance your personal and professional commitments while pursuing a master’s degree from the University of Denver’s Graduate School of Social Work.
Study from Anywhere in the U.S.
As an MSW@Denver student, you will attend live online classes, complete coursework and grow your personal relationships through our online campus. You can easily connect with your network of classmates, professors and support services while you complete coursework on your computer, tablet or smartphone using our convenient mobile app.
Make a Difference in Your Community
In-person, hands-on experience is a key aspect of your social work education. During your internships, you will make a difference in your community while building your skill set and receiving mentorship from experienced professionals. GSSW facilitates internships in traditional and nontraditional settings, supporting the individual goals of students in our community.
Attend Small, Collaborative Classes
As an MSW@Denver student, you will attend live online classes, complete coursework and grow your personal relationships through our online campus. You can easily connect with your network of classmates, professors and support services while you complete coursework on your computer, tablet or smartphone using our convenient mobile app.
Student Support
As a student in the online MSW program, you will be supported from admission through graduation and beyond. You also join a learning environment dedicated to student success and growth. MSW@Denver offers support in the following areas:
Admission:
Your Admissions Counselor will introduce you to the program, guide you through the application process and connect you with resources such as online information sessions and application workshops.
Enrollment:
Throughout the program you will work with a Student Success Advisor who will provide assistance as you enroll in the program, attend orientation and register for classes.
Classes and Technology:
Your academic advisor will help you track your progress throughout the program and ensure it is meeting your goals. Tech support is available 24/7 to assist with technical problems that may arise.
Field Internships:
Your field placement specialist will work with you to find an internship site near your community that helps refine your skills and meet curricular milestones.
Career:
You will work with the Career Development Office to prepare for the social work job market. Support includes mock interviews, resume refinement and cover letter feedback.
Graduation and Beyond:
You will be invited to the University of Denver’s on-campus Commencement ceremony where you will officially join our alumni network of 8,000 social change-makers worldwide.
Take the Next Step
Are you ready to discover how you can prepare for a career creating positive change as a social worker?
About the Top-Ranked Graduate School of Social Work
GSSW is a top 15-ranked school of social work that prepares you to become a professional who advances social justice. Faculty members have community experience and are committed to mentorship, so you can pursue a career creating positive change.
Our curriculum and community are grounded in equity, inclusion and diversity, and we seek passionate change-makers who will join our efforts to make the world a more just place.
CSWE-Accredited Online MSW Program
MSW@Denver is accredited by the CSWE. Accreditation verifies the University of Denver’s online Master of Social Work curriculum meets the high standards of social work education. As an accredited online MSW, MSW@Denver prepares you with the knowledge, skills and field experience you need to meet your state’s specific education licensure requirements.
Committed to Community
“Our faculty and staff provide countless opportunities for your development. You will be inspired, supported and mentored by them. We are committed to helping each member of our community find a place to root and grow through respect and celebration of difference.”
Interest in an On-Campus Program? Visit our on-campus program website for more information.
Learn From Renowned Faculty
Faculty members have social work experience across many fields of practice, and they publish groundbreaking research to impact social change. As an MSW@Denver student, faculty will challenge you to think critically and creatively about how social work can create meaningful change. You can meet with professors face to face through the online campus for classes or 1:1 office hours. Learn more about faculty members and their expertise below.
Ramona Beltrán, PhD
Associate Professor Ramona Beltrán works alongside institutions and Indigenous communities to spotlight solutions that are present in creative and culture-driven modalities.
Anthony Fulginiti
Prof. Anthony Fulginiti uses machine learning to study suicidal behavior among youth experiencing homelessness.
Take the Next Step
Have you seen or experienced the impact of oppression and injustice on the lives of individuals, families and communities? Are you eager to advance social justice with the knowledge and skills you will gain through MSW@Denver? Request information to discover how you can prepare for a career creating positive change as a social worker. If you’re interested in our on-campus programs in Denver, Durango or Western Colorado please request information on our GSSW website.