Social Work, MSW

Degree Requirements

Pacific’s MSW program offers an advanced generalist practice degree. It is a full-time, two-year program (64 credits). Advanced Standing students typically complete only the second year’s curriculum, but individual backgrounds may require additional coursework; a minimum of 33 credits is required.

Students receive a foundation in human rights and social justice and gain skills in providing culturally responsive services, mental health diagnoses, and advanced therapeutic approaches. All students follow the same course schedule during their first year.

This first generalist practice course provides an opportunity for students to begin applying the concepts of generalist social work practice. Skills necessary for working with individuals at each stage of the planned change process are defined, modeled, rehearsed, and evaluated. The course content and associated readings and assignments are designed to prepare the beginning social worker for generalist practice based on the person in environment and strengths perspectives. Attention will be focused on a holistic foundation for practice, incorporating general systems theory, ecological ideas, and professional knowledge. People and their environments will be viewed as a unitary system and basic social work processes from engagement through evaluation and termination are described and analyzed.