Areas of Concentration

Designed to support today’s community needs—from social justice to culturally competent health care—the University of Denver’s Graduate School of Social Work’s MSW@Denver program offers two areas of concentration. Both Online MSW and Online Advanced-Standing MSW students select a specialization (concentration) that offers creative opportunities to cultivate expertise in vital areas of social work.

If you are applying to the September 2023 start term or any future start dates, your curriculum has been restructured in order to provide more flexibility and customization of your MSW pathway. This differs from students who start in the March or June 2023 terms, however course offerings will remain similar for all students in the MSW program. 

As an Online MSW student, you will take 81 credit hours. During the first half of your program, you’ll focus on the foundation curriculum, developing a generalist perspective and basic skills for working with individuals, families, groups, communities and organizations. In your second half, you’ll customize your Advanced Social Work Practice concentration to match your interests and career goals.

As an Online Advanced-Standing MSW student, you will take 54 credit hours and can customize your Advanced Social Work Practice concentration to match your interest and career goals. Your first four courses are rooted in social justice.

Please note that not all classes offered on the on-campus MSW program will be offered in the online MSW@DEN program. For additional details and information, please reach out to your Admissions Counselor or admissions@onlinemsw.du.edu. After reviewing the new curriculum, if you are interested in applying to the online MSW@DEN program, please start your application here.

Mental Health and Trauma

Redefine what it means to live with mental illness, addiction and/or trauma. In this concentration, you will focus on comprehensive assessment, advanced interventions based on cognitive approaches and trauma-informed care. With a strong foundation in theory, you’ll develop skills to support informed clinical decision-making that empowers individuals, families and communities.

Course Examples

  • Intersections of Mental Health, Substance Use and Trauma
  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapies
  • Mental Health and Health Care Policy

Learn more about the Mental Health and Trauma concentration.

Health, Equity and Wellness

Improve health and wellness for individuals and communities while advocating for policy reform across systems. In this concentration, you will learn to focus your practice on integrative approaches to health care and the mind-body connection—incorporating problem-solving and evidence-based modalities that consider health care trends, interdisciplinary collaboration and social justice.

Course Examples

  • Evolving Perspectives and Trends in Health and Wellness
  • Social Work Practice in Health Care
  • Methods for Evaluating Practice/Programs

Learn more about the Health, Equity and Wellness concentration.

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