MSW Program
The mission of the Master of Social Work Program at The University of Alabama School of Social Work is to prepare advanced scholar-practitioners dedicated to improving the lives of individuals and families, enhancing community well-being, and advocating for policies that uphold human rights and promote social and economic justice. Through evidence-based and culturally competent social work practices, the program equips students to work with diverse client systems; advocate for marginalized populations; and analyze, formulate, and influence policies that impact individuals, families, organizations, and communities.
Graduates of the MSW Program will be able to:
- Deliver evidence-based social work practice to diverse client systems.
- Advocate for vulnerable populations across the lifespan.
- Engage in culturally competent advanced social work practice at the micro, mezzo, and macro levels.
- Analyze, formulate, and influence policies that impact individuals, families, organizations, and communities.
- Apply social work values and ethics at all levels of practice.
Curriculum
The MSW Program is fully accredited by the Council on Social Work Education. The curriculum follows the curriculum policy requirements of the Council on Social Work Education. The curriculum focuses on the following:
- Social Work Practice: This area of the curriculum is designed to provide practice knowledge and competencies in working with individuals, groups, families, communities, and organizations.
- Human Behavior and the Social Environment: This area of the curriculum helps the student to understand the whole person and the process of growth, change, adaptation, social functioning, and dysfunction of the environmental context, including family, groups, formal organizations, and communities. Courses in this area cover prenatal stages through the process of aging.
- Social Welfare Policy and Services: This area of the curriculum is designed to help the student identify, appraise, analyze, and understand social change in its dynamic perspectives; the role and responsibility of social work as a profession in influencing social policy; and the delivery of service to individuals and society.
- Research Methods: This area of the curriculum is designed to help the student understand social work and related research and the use of research for the improvement of services to individuals, groups, organizations, and communities.
- Practicum Education: This area of the curriculum provides opportunities for students to integrate and apply knowledge, skills, and values in social work practice context.
MSW Curriculum Themes
The MSW Program emphasizes the following five themes:
- Life Course Perspective: Social workers understand that the growth and development of individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities are influenced by a range of psychological, social, historical, political, and economic factors. The interaction of these factors with life events and life transitions contribute to the subsequent outcomes. This theme also serves as the conceptual framework for the entire MSW curriculum.
- Valuing Diversity: Social workers value and work respectfully with people who are different from themselves.
- Critical and Reflective Thinking: Critical and reflective thinking that challenges assumptions, and that is based on evidence to arrive at creative solutions, is the basis for competent social work practice.
- Evidence-Based Practice: Social workers favor interventions with demonstrated effectiveness. They are prepared to carefully evaluate practice and program outcomes.
- Services to the Poor and Underserved: Alabama’s poor and underserved receive social services primarily from public and non-profit social service agencies. Social workers must be prepared to practice in these contexts and to challenge social injustice.
The MSW Program emphasizes the following theoretical frameworks:
Social Justice Framework
The University of Alabama School of Social Work is committed to educating students for advanced generalist practice by integrating a social justice framework throughout our MSW curriculum. This social justice framework reflects a commitment to ethical social work practice as described in the NASW Code of Ethics and includes the following three tenets: (1) Promoting the general welfare of society from local to global levels, (2) Challenging social injustice on behalf and with communities that have been marginalized, and (3) Practicing cultural humility and responsiveness thereby recognizing clients as experts of their own culture. These tenets will be discussed within a historical, social, environmental, and economic context to provide students with the knowledge, skills, and values they need to act as social justice advocates in collaboration with the persons and communities they are educated to serve.
Trauma-Informed Framework
The University of Alabama School of Social Work (UA SSW) is committed to educating students for advanced generalist practice. This model integrates behavioral health trauma-informed frameworks, community resiliency approaches, and the social justice framework into the concentration year of the MSW curriculum. Students will understand how the combined impact of disproportionate exposure to adverse childhood and life experiences can shape the biopsychosocial development across the lifespan. The UA SSW educates students with the knowledge, skills, and values necessary to implement a trauma-informed framework across micro, mezzo, and macro levels of social work.
MSW Program Objectives
MSW students will exhibit the ability to:
- Demonstrate Ethical and Professional Behavior
- Advance Human Rights and Social, Racial, Economic, and Environmental Justice
- Engage Anti-Racism, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (ADEI) in Practice
- Engage in Practice-Informed Research and Research-Informed Practice
- Engage in Policy Practice
- Engage with Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities
- Assess Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities
- Intervene with Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities
- Evaluate Practice with Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities
Admissions
In addition to the minimum Graduate School admission requirements, to be considered for regular admission an application must include:
- Three letters of recommendation (including professional and academic)
- A resume
- 4-5 double-spaced page Statement of Purpose
Prospective students with a GPA less than 3.0 but greater than 2.5 will be considered for "Admission with Permission to Continue".
Please note no academic credit, course waivers, or credit for practicum shall be granted for life experience or previous work experience.
See the Admission Criteria section of this catalog for more information.
Curricular Requirements
MSW Program Tracks: Two formats, on campus or primarily online
Advanced Standing (42 credit hour)
- Students holding a Bachelor of Social Work degree from a CSWE accredited institution.
- Admission requires a "B" average or better in all professional foundation Social Work courses including practicum education, with no more than one "C" in upper level Social Work courses.
- Offered Summer term only
Two Year (60 credit hour)
- Students who hold a bachelors degree from a regionally accredited institution.
- Students who do not meet Advanced Standing criteria must apply to 60 hour program.
- Offered Fall term only
MSW Program Requirements: Two formats, campus or primarily online
Advanced Standing (42 credit hour)
The Advanced-Standing Program is a 42-credit-hour program for only those who hold a CSWE-accredited BSW. It can be completed in one year when pursued full-time. Advanced-standing students fulfill professional foundation requirements by successfully completing 'bridge' courses offered in the summer before beginning the concentration year.
Two Year (60 credit hour)
The 60-credit-hour program is for those who currently do not hold a CSWE-accredited BSW. It can be completed in two years when pursued full-time. Coursework is offered in two formats, campus or primarily online..
Practicum Education Requirements
Advanced Standing (42 credit hour)
- One supervised practicum placement
- Practicum is taken in the spring
- A minimum of 500 clock hours
- In a practicum placement Monday-Friday for 32-40 hours per week for 15 weeks
- Optional: Two variable courses in the spring and summer for 16 hours per week (varies)
- Required: SW 582, SW 583
Two Year (60 credit hour)
- Two supervised practicum placements
- Practicum is taken in the fall and spring
- A minimum of 500 clock hours, respectively
- In practicum placements Monday-Friday for 20 hours per week for 25 weeks
- Required: SW 592, SW 538, SW 593, SW 539, SW 597, SW 574, SW 598, SW 575
The MSW Program offers additional practicum placement opportunities unique to the Capstone experience.
Advanced Standing Program
| Summer Semester | Hours | |
|---|---|---|
| SW 512 | AGP 1 | 3 |
| SW 571 | Social Work Research | 3 |
| SW 576 | DOAR | 3 |
| SW 502 | Foundations of SW Policy | 3 |
| Total Hours | 12 | |
| Fall Semester | Hours | |
|---|---|---|
| SW 584 | SW Practice in Leadership | 3 |
| SW 530 | AGP 2: Psychopathology | 3 |
| SW 531 | AGP 3: Mental Health Lifespan | 3 |
| SW Elective | 3 | |
| SW Elective | 3 | |
| Total Hours | 15 | |
| Spring Semester | Hours | |
|---|---|---|
| SW 580 | Advanced Policy Analysis | 3 |
| SW 582 | Int Sem 2 (AS) | 1 |
| SW 583 | Field Ed 2A (AS) | 8 |
| SW Elective | 3 | |
| Total Hours | 15 | |
| Social Work Electives | Hours | |
|---|---|---|
| SW 507 | SW Practice w OAF | 3 |
| SW 508 | SW Practice in CW | 3 |
| SW 509 | SW Practice w CA Mental Health | 3 |
| SW 516 | Trauma-Informed SW Practice | 3 |
| SW 517 | SW Practice in Health Care | 3 |
| SW 518 | Public Health Social Work | 3 |
| SW 519 | Community Policy/Advocacy | 3 |
| SW 520 | Leg. & Policy Advo. | 3 |
| SW 521 | Juvenile Criminal Justice | 3 |
| SW 522 | Nonprofits, Programs, & Grants | 3 |
| SW 524 | Comm. Org. & Plan | 3 |
| SW 527 | Advanced Clinical SW Practice | 3 |
| SW 544 | Substance Use & SW Practice | 3 |
| SW 545 | Nonprofits & Agencies | 3 |
| SW 587 | Geriatric Care Management | 3 |
| SW 588 | SW Practice in EOL | 3 |
| 3 elective courses are required | ||
60 Credit Hour Program
The following are all courses required to complete the MSW program for students enrolled in the traditional program. A total of 60 credit hours is required for program completion. There are no additional admission or retention requirements.
| Fall Semester | Hours | |
|---|---|---|
| SW 576 | DOAR | 3 |
| SW 503 | HBSE | 3 |
| SW 504 | SW Practice with Groups | 3 |
| SW 505 | SW Practice w Ind. & Fam. | 3 |
| SW 592 | Field IA (2 year, Trad) | 2 |
| SW 538 | Integrative Seminar I | 1 |
| Total Hours | 15 | |
| Spring Semester | Hours | |
|---|---|---|
| SW 502 | Foundations of SW Policy | 3 |
| SW 543 | SW Practice w. Comm. & Orgs. | 3 |
| SW 571 | Social Work Research | 3 |
| SW 593 | Field IB (2 year, Trad) | 5 |
| SW 539 | Integrative Seminar I | 1 |
| Total Hours | 15 | |
| Fall Semester | Hours | |
|---|---|---|
| SW 584 | SW Practice in Leadership | 3 |
| SW 530 | AGP 2: Psychopathology | 3 |
| SW 531 | AGP 3: Mental Health Lifespan | 3 |
| SW 597 | Field Ed 2A (2 year, Trad) | 2 |
| SW 574 | Int Sem 2 (2 year, Trad) | 1 |
| SW Elective | 3 | |
| Total Hours | 15 | |
| Spring Semester | Hours | |
|---|---|---|
| SW 580 | Advanced Policy Analysis | 3 |
| SW 598 | Field Ed 2A (2 year, Trad) | 5 |
| SW 575 | Int Sem 2 (2 year, Trad) | 1 |
| SW Elective | 3 | |
| SW Elective | 3 | |
| Total Hours | 15 | |
| Social Work Electives | Hours | |
|---|---|---|
| SW 507 | SW Practice w OAF | 3 |
| SW 508 | SW Practice in CW | 3 |
| SW 509 | SW Practice w CA Mental Health | 3 |
| SW 516 | Trauma-Informed SW Practice | 3 |
| SW 517 | SW Practice in Health Care | 3 |
| SW 518 | Public Health Social Work | 3 |
| SW 519 | Community Policy/Advocacy | 3 |
| SW 520 | Leg. & Policy Advo. | 3 |
| SW 521 | Juvenile Criminal Justice | 3 |
| SW 522 | Nonprofits, Programs, & Grants | 3 |
| SW 524 | Comm. Org. & Plan | 3 |
| SW 527 | Advanced Clinical SW Practice | 3 |
| SW 544 | Substance Use & SW Practice | 3 |
| SW 545 | Nonprofits & Agencies | 3 |
| SW 587 | Geriatric Care Management | 3 |
| SW 588 | SW Practice in EOL | 3 |
MSW/MPH Coordinated Degree
The University of Alabama School of Social Work in Tuscaloosa and The University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Public Health jointly offer an MSW/MPH coordinated degree program designed for people with career goals in community-oriented health services for families and children.
Students who are interested in this coordinated degree should separately apply to UA’s MSW Program and to the Department of Health Care Organization and Policy at The University of Alabama-Birmingham School of Public Health for admission to the MPH Program.
For UAB curriculum guides and admission requirements, please visit the University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Public Health website.
Advanced Standing MSW/MPH (summer start)
| Summer Semester | Hours | |
|---|---|---|
| SW 502 | Foundations of SW Policy | 3 |
| SW 571 | Social Work Research | 3 |
| SW 512 | AGP 1 | 3 |
| SW 576 | DOAR | 3 |
| Total Hours | 12 | |
| Fall Semester | Hours | |
|---|---|---|
| SW 530 | AGP 2: Psychopathology | 3 |
| SW 531 | AGP 3: Mental Health Lifespan | 3 |
| SW 584 | SW Practice in Leadership | 3 |
| SW Elective | 3 | |
| Total Hours | 12 | |
| Spring Semester | Hours | |
|---|---|---|
| SW 580 | Advanced Policy Analysis | 3 |
| SW 582 | Int Sem 2 (AS) | 1 |
| SW 583 | Field Ed 2A (AS) | 8 |
| Total Hours | 12 | |
| UAB (MPH) Core Requirements that transfer to UA | Hours | |
|---|---|---|
| PUH 602 (SW Elective) | 3 | |
| PUH 603 (SW 571) | 3 | |
| PUH 604 (SW Elective) | 3 | |
| Social Work Electives | Hours | |
|---|---|---|
| SW 507 | SW Practice w OAF | 3 |
| SW 508 | SW Practice in CW | 3 |
| SW 509 | SW Practice w CA Mental Health | 3 |
| SW 516 | Trauma-Informed SW Practice | 3 |
| SW 517 | SW Practice in Health Care | 3 |
| SW 518 | Public Health Social Work | 3 |
| SW 519 | Community Policy/Advocacy | 3 |
| SW 520 | Leg. & Policy Advo. | 3 |
| SW 521 | Juvenile Criminal Justice | 3 |
| SW 522 | Nonprofits, Programs, & Grants | 3 |
| SW 524 | Comm. Org. & Plan | 3 |
| SW 527 | Advanced Clinical SW Practice | 3 |
| SW 544 | Substance Use & SW Practice | 3 |
| SW 545 | Nonprofits & Agencies | 3 |
| SW 587 | Geriatric Care Management | 3 |
| SW 588 | SW Practice in EOL | 3 |
60 Credit Hour MSW/MPH (fall start)
| Fall Semester | Hours | |
|---|---|---|
| SW 503 | HBSE | 3 |
| SW 504 | SW Practice with Groups | 3 |
| SW 505 | SW Practice w Ind. & Fam. | 3 |
| SW 576 | DOAR | 3 |
| SW 538 | Integrative Seminar I | 1 |
| SW 592 | Field IA (2 year, Trad) | 2 |
| Total Hours | 15 | |
| Spring Semester | Hours | |
|---|---|---|
| SW 502 | Foundations of SW Policy | 3 |
| SW 543 | SW Practice w. Comm. & Orgs. | 3 |
| SW 571 | Social Work Research | 3 |
| SW 593 | Field IB (2 year, Trad) | 5 |
| SW 539 | Integrative Seminar I | 1 |
| Total Hours | 15 | |
| Fall Semester | Hours | |
|---|---|---|
| SW 530 | AGP 2: Psychopathology | 3 |
| SW 531 | AGP 3: Mental Health Lifespan | 3 |
| SW 584 | SW Practice in Leadership | 3 |
| SW 574 | Int Sem 2 (2 year, Trad) | 1 |
| SW 597 | Field Ed 2A (2 year, Trad) | 2 |
| Total Hours | 12 | |
| Spring Semester | Hours | |
|---|---|---|
| SW 580 | Advanced Policy Analysis | 3 |
| SW 575 | Int Sem 2 (2 year, Trad) | 1 |
| SW 598 | Field Ed 2A (2 year, Trad) | 5 |
| Total Hours | 9 | |
| UAB (MPH) Core Requirements that transfer to UA | Hours | |
|---|---|---|
| PUH 602 (SW Elective) | 3 | |
| PUH 603 (SW 571) | 3 | |
| PUH 604 (SW Elective) | 3 | |
| PUH 605 (SW Elective) | 3 | |
| Social Work Electives | Hours | |
|---|---|---|
| SW 507 | SW Practice w OAF | 3 |
| SW 508 | SW Practice in CW | 3 |
| SW 509 | SW Practice w CA Mental Health | 3 |
| SW 516 | Trauma-Informed SW Practice | 3 |
| SW 517 | SW Practice in Health Care | 3 |
| SW 518 | Public Health Social Work | 3 |
| SW 519 | Community Policy/Advocacy | 3 |
| SW 520 | Leg. & Policy Advo. | 3 |
| SW 521 | Juvenile Criminal Justice | 3 |
| SW 522 | Nonprofits, Programs, & Grants | 3 |
| SW 524 | Comm. Org. & Plan | 3 |
| SW 527 | Advanced Clinical SW Practice | 3 |
| SW 544 | Substance Use & SW Practice | 3 |
| SW 545 | Nonprofits & Agencies | 3 |
| SW 587 | Geriatric Care Management | 3 |
| SW 588 | SW Practice in EOL | 3 |
| Foundation Year - Spring | Hours | |
|---|---|---|
| SW 541 | SW Practice with Groups * | 3 |
| SW 542 | Practice w/Communities & Orgs * | 3 |
| SW 570 | Research-Informed Practice | 3 |
| SW 535 | Integrative Seminar I-B | 1 |
| SW 591 | Field Education I-B | 5 |
| Total Hours | 15 | |
Concentration Year
| Concentration Year - Fall | Hours | |
|---|---|---|
| SW 532 or | SW Pract w/Adults Mental Hlth * | 3 |
| SW 564 | SW Prac Child Adol Ment Hlth | |
| SW 533 or | Mod/Meth Gerontologl SW Pract * | 3 |
| SW 565 | SW Prac Child Welfare Fam Serv | |
| SW 595 | Field Education II-A | 3 |
| Total Hours | 9 | |
| Spring | Hours | |
|---|---|---|
| SW 501 | Soc Welfare Adv Pol Analysis | 3 |
| SW 596 | Field Education II-B | 6 |
| Total Hours | 9 | |
| UAB (MPH) Core requirements that transfer to UA | Hours | |
|---|---|---|
| PUH 602 (SW Elective) | 3 | |
| PUH 603 (SW 525) | 3 | |
| PUH 604 (SW Elective) | 3 | |
| PUH 605 (SW Elective) | 3 | |
| Social Work Electives- with concentrations | Hours | |
|---|---|---|
| SW 506 | Planning & Prog Development | 3 |
| SW 513 | SW Practice in Health Care | 3 |
| SW 514 | Chem Depend Knowledge Interven | 3 |
| SW 515 | Psychopathology | 3 |
| SW 523 | Family Preservation | 3 |
| SW 528 | Spirituality In SW Practice | 3 |
| SW 529 | Adv Clinical Social Work Prac | 3 |
| SW 536 | Social Service Prog Agency Adm | 3 |
| SW 549 | Crisis Intervention | 3 |
| 3 elective courses are required | ||
MSW/JD Coordinated Degree Program
The Master of Social Work/Juris Doctorate Degree Program is coordinated between the School of Social Work and The University of Alabama School of Law.
Before being classified as a MSW/JD coordinated degree student, applicants must be accepted in the School of Law and then the MSW program. Separate admission to each program is required. Admission requirements for the coordinated degree program are exactly the same as those currently established for the MSW Program and the JD Program separately. All prerequisites for both programs must be met.
Students in the MSW/JD Coordinated Degree Program must complete all the required MSW courses necessary for the degree; students have the option to complete their elective requirements (currently nine credit hours) in the Law School.
Advanced Standing Program MSW/JD Degree Plan (On-Campus Only)
| First Year | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | Hours | Spring | Hours | Summer | Hours |
| LAW 602 | 4 | LAW 600 | 4 | SW 502 | 3 |
| LAW 603 | 4 | LAW 601 | 4 | SW 571 | 3 |
| LAW 608 | 4 | LAW 609 | 4 | SW 576 | 3 |
| LAW 610 | 1 to 2 | LAW 648 | 2 | SW 512 | 3 |
| LAW 713 | 1 | LAW 742 | 2 | ||
| 14-15 | 16 | 12 | |||
| Second Year | |||||
| Fall | Hours | Spring | Hours | ||
| SW 530 | 3 | SW 580 | 3 | ||
| SW 531 | 3 | SW 582 | 1 | ||
| SW 584 | 3 | SW 583 | 8 | ||
| LAW 660 | 3 | ||||
| 12 | 12 | ||||
| Total Hours: 66-67 | |||||
Traditional Program MSW/JD Degree Plan (On-Campus Only)
| First Year | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | Hours | Spring | Hours |
| LAW 602 | 4 | LAW 600 | 4 |
| LAW 603 | 4 | LAW 601 | 4 |
| LAW 608 | 4 | LAW 609 | 4 |
| LAW 610 | 1 to 2 | LAW 648 | 2 |
| LAW 713 | 1 | LAW 742 | 2 |
| 14-15 | 16 | ||
| Second Year | |||
| Fall | Hours | Spring | Hours |
| SW 503 | 3 | SW 502 | 3 |
| SW 504 | 3 | SW 539 | 1 |
| SW 505 | 3 | SW 543 | 3 |
| SW 538 | 1 | SW 571 | 3 |
| SW 576 | 3 | SW 593 | 5 |
| SW 592 | 2 | ||
| 15 | 15 | ||
| Third Year | |||
| Fall | Hours | Spring | Hours |
| SW 530 | 3 | SW 580 | 3 |
| SW 531 | 3 | SW 582 | 1 |
| SW 584 | 3 | SW 583 | 8 |
| LAW 660 | 3 | ||
| 12 | 12 | ||
| Total Hours: 84-85 | |||
Law Electives for MSW/JD Degree Plan
| Law electives approved to count towards the MSW | Hours | |
|---|---|---|
| LAW 621 | Immunity Doctrine Seminar | 2 to 3 |
| LAW 626 | Special Topics Law - Pass/Fail | 1 to 4 |
| LAW 655 | Immigration Law | 2 to 3 |
| LAW 657 | Disability Benefits | 2 to 3 |
| LAW 674 | Family Law I | 1 to 3 |
| LAW 696 | Health Care Law | 3 |
| LAW 705 | Alternative Dispute Resolution | 2 |
| LAW 725 | Education Law | 2 to 3 |
| LAW 726 | Civil Rights Actions | 2 to 3 |
| LAW 750 | Critical Race Feminism Seminar | 2 to 3 |
| LAW 753 | Special Topics in Law Seminars | 1 to 3 |
| LAW 756 | Family Law II | 2 to 3 |
| LAW 769 | Poverty Law | 2 to 3 |
| LAW 779 | Mediation Practice & Process | 2 to 3 |
| LAW 819 | International Human Rights Law | 1 to 3 |
| LAW 821 | Public Interest Lawyering | 2 to 3 |
| LAW 834 | Mental Health Law Seminar | 2 to 3 |
| LAW 895 | Domestic Violence Law Clinic | 2 to 4 |
| LAW 897 | Children's Rights Law Clinic | 2 to 4 |
The JD program currently requires at least 90 hours of coursework, of which six hours may be fulfilled with approved courses offered outside of the Law School. The JD is a cohort-based program completed over 3-4 years. Students in the coordinated degree program are required to complete 9 hours of MSW courses as part of the 90 hours constituting study for the JD. The following MSW courses will count towards the JD, contingent upon the student having first completed a year of the JD program. MSW courses taken before that year will not count toward the JD degree. Courses taken in an online or primary online format will not count towards the JD degree.
The coordinated degree program requires 114 credit hours for students admitted as MSW advanced standing 42 credit hour program and 132 credit hours for students admitted as MSW 60 credit hour program.
Transfer Credit
Applicants interested in transferring graduate credit to the MSW program from another institution or graduate program must make a formal request after admission to the program. The proposal is initiated in the Graduate School with the Request for Transfer Credit Form form. Review the master's degree transfer credit details provided by the Graduate School.
Please note the School of Social Work allows a maximum of 9 hours of transfer work for the 42 credit hour program and a maximum of 12 hours of transfer work for the 60 credit hour program upon approval by the program director.
Practicum Requirements
The practicum is considered to be the signature pedagogy of social work education. Expectations for practicum are rather demanding in terms of placement duties and hours of commitment. Two-year Traditional students completing the practicum complete two practicum experiences over their two years. This is completed through four (4) semesters in two different placements. Students completed 500 hours each year, with 200 being completed in the Fall and 300 being completed in the Spring each year. Advanced Standing students complete the practicum in the culminating semester of their program. Students typically will complete all 500 hours in one semester. The variable option is also available where students complete the 500 hours over two corresponding semesters.
Students employed in full-time work should anticipate meeting this challenge. Employment-based practicums are available if there is a determination that the student’s specific agency of employment meets the standards set by the Council on Social Work Education and the School of Social Work for a practicum education site. This is only an option for one placement during the program. Employment placements have enabled many students to complete their education while remaining employed. Students and their work supervisors must complete a thorough application if requesting this.
Traditional Program Practicum Hours
First Year Practicum: Fall Semester: 10 Weeks @ 16-20 hours/week = 200 hours Spring Semester: 15 Weeks @ 16-20 hours/week = 300 hours for a total of 500 hours for the academic year
Second Year Practicum: Fall Semester: 10 Weeks @ 16-20 hours/week = 200 hours Spring Semester: 15 Weeks @ 16-20 hours/week = 300 hours for a total of 500 hours for the academic year
Advanced Standing Program Practicum Hours
Spring semester: 15 weeks @ 32-40 hours/week = 500 hours
Practicum Education Placement Service Area
The primary service area of The University of Alabama School of Social Work is the state of Alabama. The School commits itself to providing education for students located throughout the state, as well as nationally and internationally, and to developing and utilizing qualified practicum agencies as practicum educational sites. Both main campus and distance learning students can explore international placements. In addition, the School has developed a special program that provides practicum education opportunities with Faculty Liaison and supervision in the Washington, DC, area for students in the second year of the MSW program and BSW or BSW-eligible students. However, to be eligible for national placements, the student must be a distance learner living in the state where they are seeking placement. It is expected that main campus students will be placed in the Tuscaloosa/Birmingham area.
All placements are initiated by the Practicum Education Program. Students within the state of Alabama should not contact agencies to inquire about placement opportunities. Students who reside out of state will be responsible for helping secure potential practicum placement locations. The Practicum Program will contact out-of-state students at the appropriate time to begin the process and will provide more
information about the Placement Exploration Tool (PET) form at that time.
The Practicum Education Program cannot guarantee a practicum placement in the town in which you are living. We will make every effort to place you close to home; however, the Practicum Education Program’s priority is making an educationally sound placement. Students need to be prepared to drive at least 60 miles away from their primary geographic location to accommodate placement It is important to
note that changing geographic preferences once the practicum application has been submitted is only considered as an exception. Exceptions will be considered by the Director on a case-by-case basis. Please do acknowledge that changing your location preference may delay your entry to your practicum placement and may impact your graduation timeline
Background Checks: All students must have a background check on file in the Practicum Education Program prior to entering the Practicum Education. The background information and instructions are provided to the MSW first-year and advanced-standing students during their acceptance or orientation to the MSW program. ALL background checks, regardless of whether students are in-state or out of state, should be completed via Castle Branch, a DISA Healthcare company.
Student Responsibilities: Practicum courses are restricted to students who have met the appropriate prerequisites for the practicum they are applying for and to those who have completed the application process. To plan for practicum, the student is responsible for completing the following:
- Practicum Application, to be accompanied by a current résumé
- Background Check
- Practicum Education Orientation
- Appropriate Practicum Forms
The student is responsible for follow-through on utilization of practicum information sources provided by the School; for example, discussions with Practicum Coordinators; and information available through the Practicum Education Program. The student is responsible for conveying sufficient information to the Practicum Education Program about personal needs, goals, interests, constraints, and/or special circumstances regarding the placement site. Once a student receives an e-mail assigning them to a specific agency, the student is responsible for contacting the agency within 72 hours for a confirmation interview. This will allow the student to participate in a confirmation interview with the practicum instructor to assure quality of fit between the student and the agency. In the event that the confirmation interview raises serious questions in the student’s mind about the viability of the placement, they are responsible for immediately raising those issues with their designated Practicum Coordinator. Throughout the practicum, the student is held accountable to all School and agency policies. Most importantly, the student is responsible for her/his own learning.
Documentation: Interns are responsible for retaining cumulative documentation of all internship activities. The program requires completion of a supervised internship in the student’s designated program area of 500 clock hours, begun after successful completion of the practicum. The internship is intended to reflect the comprehensive work experience of a professional social worker.
Required Standards for Interns:
- After successful completion of each practicum, students complete 500 hours of supervised internship in roles and settings deemed appropriate by the Practicum Education Team.
- Students are to co-decide on which competency supported activities they will complete over the course of the practicum with their task supervisors, practicum instructors, and faculty liaisons.
- Students must document all hours and all learning in the Intern Placement Tool (IPT). Hours and learning associated with the 9 CSWE competencies must be documented daily.
- Throughout the duration of the internship, each student receives individual and/or group supervision on a regular schedule that averages one hour a week by the Practicum Supervisor.
Internship Evaluation: Students enrolled in all practicum education courses will be given both a midterm grade and a final grade. Students are graded according to mastery of the 9 CSWE Social Work Competencies on the Learning Contract in the online tool Intern Placement Tool (IPT). Grades will be recommended by the Practicum Instructor and will be issued by the Faculty Liaison. For the midterm evaluation, Practicum Instructors, students, and Faculty Liaisons will make contact to evaluate the students' practicum performance. If the student is performing in a satisfactory way, the Practicum Instructor will complete the midterm grade on the learning contract and will provide feedback to the Faculty Liaison. If the student is performing in a marginal or unsatisfactory way at midterms, a practicum staffing and corrective action plan should be initiated. All learning competencies will be graded on a point scale, but the learning contract as a whole is graded on a Pass/Fail scale. Whenever there is a rating of 1 or 2 at midterm, the student, the student, Practicum Instructor and Faculty Liaison should modify the learning contract to promote student improvement; whenever there is a “NO” (No Opportunity) at midterm, plans should be made to ensure there will be an opportunity for the student to exhibit the behavior before the conclusion of the practicum education placement. There must be no “NOs” at the final. A student who receives a 1 or 2 at the final for any competency-supported activity does not pass this practicum education class.
Practicum Staffing Process: At the earliest indication of difficulties in practicum a discussion should occur and if not resolved, the practicum staffing should be called. The Faculty Liaison, Practicum Instructor, Director of OEPCP, and Practicum Coordinator each have the authority to temporarily suspend the practicum until a Practicum staffing is convened and an outcome determined. The Director of OEPCP Program or Practicum Coordinator will officially notify the student of the suspension as soon as practical and provide the date of the practicum staffing.
Reasons for Review: Some difficulties in the practicum may necessitate a practicum staffing. The practicum staffing is designed to resolve problems and reach appropriate outcomes in the best interest of all involved parties. Below are some reasons that may prompt consideration of practicum staffing.
- The student is not adequately prepared for the practicum. A practicum staffing may be called for if there is reason to believe that the student is not adequately prepared for the practicum experience.
- Student fails to meet the expected standards for ethical professional practice. Students are expected to demonstrate professional and ethical conduct and to adhere to the practicum agency’s policies and procedures, as long as said policies and procedures are not in conflict with the NASW Code of Ethics.
- Student health condition or impairment. In the event the student experiences a health condition or other impairment that affects his or her ability to participate in the practicum placement.
- The agency is unable to provide an appropriate educational opportunity. An OEPCP team member may question whether the agency is able to provide the expected learning experiences and/or appropriate supervision, or to meet any of the expectations identified in the Affiliation Agreement
- Agency requests termination of placement. The agency maintains the right to terminate the practicum placement pursuant to the terms of the affiliation agreement.
Possible Outcomes: A typical practicum staffing will include one or more meetings between the practicum coordinator, practicum instructor, faculty liaison, and student. The practicum staffing is designed to solve problems and determine appropriate outcomes.
- No Change. In some cases, a practicum staffing results in no change to the practicum placement, and the student will be expected to return to his or her position as of the date of reinstatement.
- Voluntary Student Suspension of Placement. A student may decide that it is in his or her best interest to suspend the placement. This outcome will require a timeline from the student, including the date of reinstatement, that must be approved by the Practicum Education Program.
- Corrective Action Plan. A Corrective Action Plan (CAP) is created by the Director of OEPCP and/or Practicum Coordinator when a practicum staffing concludes that the student is not satisfactorily meeting competencies in practicum. The CAP will be used to (a) highlight the specific competencies not being performed; (b) identify specific tasks that will need to be completed in order to adequately improve the competency(s); (c) provide a target date for reevaluation; (d) outline the responsibilities of the student, practicum instructor, and faculty liaison; and (e) provide other information that may be deemed necessary to a student in successfully completing the practicum placement. A student’s inability to satisfactorily complete the CAP requirements, as determined in the discretion of the assigned professional social work supervisor, and/or Practicum Coordinator, Director of OEPCP, will result in an “F” for practicum.
- Termination of current practicum placement and change of practicum placement. In some cases, a practicum staffing may reveal that the student’s continued participation in the internship would not be in the best interest of the parties, or a practicum agency may decide to terminate a student’s participation in the internship. If an initial internship is terminated prior to completion, the Practicum Coordinator will, in most cases, work to assign the student to a second practicum placement. Assignment to a second internship is contingent on disclosure of the reasons for the termination of the initial placement and the sharing of the last Practicum evaluation form to the new potential practicum instructor/agency. Assignment to a second placement is contingent on the availability of placements. Students should be aware that there could be a potential delay in finding a suitable placement. If a student’s initial internship is terminated based on unsatisfactory performance related to educational competencies, professional behavior, misconduct, or other behavior that does not coincide with the standards, values, and expectations of the practicum agency, the Practicum Coordinator will not work to assign the student to a second placement setting until the student has successfully completed a corrective action plan. This plan will be created by the Practicum Coordinator in consultation with the Director of OEPCP. This will delay the reentry into the practicum experience and will impact the graduation timeline. If the student is assigned to a new internship following a practicum staffing, the student will normally be required to complete the full number of hours required for the course during his or her time in the new internship. In exceptional circumstances, the Practicum Coordinator may negotiate with the student to determine “hours credited” from the first internship. In either case, the student will not need to reregister for the course. If the student is terminated from a second internship, the student will receive an “F” for practicum, and the practicum office will refer the student for an Academic and Professional Assessment Review (APAR). If the student disagrees with the practicum staffing outcomes reached pursuant to the outcomes above, the student may make use of the student-Initiated Review Process or the University-wide Academic Grievance Policy.
Site Supervisors Requirements for Practicum: It is preferred that MSW placements are supervised by an individual who has both an MSW degree and practice experience. However, some areas in Alabama and surrounding states have an undersupply of qualified social workers. Each circumstance will be considered on its own merits. If the coordinators of practicum and the agency can locate an MSW (e.g., another agency staff member, member of the board of directors, or an agency consultant–individuals who are familiar with the caseload and organization of the agency), this individual’s appointment as Practicum Instructor will be considered. In such cases, an experienced staff member will be asked to serve as a Task Supervisor to monitor the student’s performance of agency policies and daily responsibilities. In rare instances, faculty members may be asked to serve as Practicum Instructors to ensure educational monitoring of a placement. If a student is requesting an employment placement, the agency is responsible for providing MSW supervision for students (see employment policy). In all cases, the issue of appropriate placement monitoring is a predominant concern of the Director of OEPCP.
Student Insurance: The University of Alabama provides professional liability insurance for students. However, if a student would like to purchase professional liability insurance above and beyond the University’s coverage, NASW provides a reasonably priced policy for student members; application forms for NASW membership and Professional Liability Insurance through NASW.
Academic and Professional Assessment Review
Academic and Professional Assessment Review (APAR) ensures that students in The University of Alabama School of Social Work Master of Social Work (MSW) program meet the academic, ethical, and professional standards required for successful completion of the program and effective social work practice. The review process is designed to assess students' alignment with the core competencies, values, and ethical standards of social work dictated by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) core competencies and the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) Code of Ethics. This policy applies to all students enrolled in the MSW Program who are undergoing academic progression reviews, practicum placement assessments, or demonstrating concerns regarding fitness for social work practice.
Definition of Preparedness for Professional Practice
Preparedness for social work practice refers to the combination of the following competencies:
- Academic Performance: The ability to meet academic requirements and demonstrate proficiency in social work knowledge, skills, and theory.
- Including but not limited to: Class Attendance, Class Participation & Engagement, Quality of Coursework, Grades, etc.
- Professional Conduct: The demonstration of ethical behavior, professionalism, and adherence to the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) Code of Ethics and the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) Core Competencies and Accreditation standards
- Including but not limited to: Punctuality, Preparedness, Communication, Self-Regulation, Openness to feedback, Professional appearance, behavior, cooperation, conflict resolution, etc.
- Emotional and Behavioral Suitability: The capacity to manage personal issues in a way that does not interfere with professional responsibilities, including emotional regulation, interpersonal skills, and self-awareness.
- Cultural Competency/Humility: The ability to engage with diverse populations in a manner that is respectful, nonjudgmental, and culturally responsive.
Review Process
- Referral for Review: A student may be referred for a fitness review based on concerns regarding academic performance, professional conduct, or other issues that may impair their ability to succeed in the program or practice effectively as a social worker. Such concerns may arise from:
- Faculty evaluations or concerns
- Practicum placement assessments or concerns
- Peer feedback
- Self-reports by the student
- Other relevant factors that may affect the student's ability to meet program requirements or ethical standards
- Initial Evaluation: Once a student is referred, an initial review will be conducted by a designated Faculty Review Committee (FRC). The committee will consist of the specific program director, the Director of Experiential programs and Community Partnerships, the corresponding academic advisor, two additional program committee faculty members, and may include a practicum education coordinator and other relevant professionals.
- The student will be notified of the review process and given the opportunity to provide input, including any extenuating circumstances that may have impacted their performance or conduct.
- The committee will review relevant documentation, including academic records and faculty correspondence, practicum evaluations and practicum staffing notes, and any other pertinent information.
- Review Meeting: The student will be invited to meet with the Faculty Review Committee. During this meeting, the student will have the opportunity to discuss the concerns raised, provide any additional context, and outline plans for addressing the issues. The committee will also offer feedback and clarify expectations for continued enrollment in the program.
- Assessment of Preparedness for Professional Practice: The Faculty Review Committee will assess whether the student demonstrates the necessary academic, professional, and personal competencies to continue in the program. In making this determination, the committee will consider:
- Whether the student is capable of safely and effectively performing social work responsibilities in academic and field settings.
- Any accommodations or support services that might assist the student in meeting the program's requirements.
Possible Outcomes: After the review meeting, the Faculty Review Committee may recommend one of the following outcomes:
- Continuation with Support: If the committee determines that the student is capable of meeting the program’s requirements with additional support or interventions, the student may be allowed to continue in the program under specific conditions. These conditions may include:
- Completion of a remediation plan or corrective action plan(e.g., additional coursework, counseling, or mentoring).
- Ongoing monitoring of progress through periodic check-ins or evaluations.
- Participation in support services (e.g., academic tutoring, professional development, or emotional regulation programs).
- Conditional Continuation: If the committee finds that the student may benefit from specific conditions or restrictions (e.g., additional supervision, additional projects or assignments, or restricted participation in certain program activities), the student may be allowed to continue under conditional terms.
- Probation: In cases where the student’s preparedness for practice is significantly in question, the committee may place the student on probation. During the probationary period, the student will be required to meet additional academic, behavioral, or professional standards. The student’s progress will be closely monitored, and failure to meet probation conditions will result in dismissal from the program.
- Dismissal from the Program: If the committee determines that the student is unable to meet the academic, ethical, or professional standards required for social work practice, or if the student’s behavior or performance presents a risk to clients, peers, or the public, the student may be dismissed from the program. Dismissal may occur for reasons such as
- Persistent failure to meet academic standards.
- Repeated violations of professional ethics or conduct.
- Inability to demonstrate emotional and behavioral suitability for social work practice.
- Inability to engage in culturally competent practice.
Appeal Process: Students who are dissatisfied with the outcome of the review process may appeal the decision. Appeals must be submitted in writing within ten (10) business days of receiving the decision. The appeal must include:
- A clear explanation of the reasons for the appeal.
- Any new information or evidence that was not available at the time of the review.
- A request for a re-evaluation of the decision.
An appeals committee, consisting of the Associate Dean and two program faculty who were not involved in the initial review, will evaluate the appeal and make a final determination. The
decision of the appeals committee will be communicated to the student in writing.
Confidentiality: All information related to the review process will be treated with strict confidentiality in accordance with university and professional standards. Only those directly involved in the review will have access to the student's records and information.
Time Limits for Degree Completion Requirements
All requirements for a master's degree must follow the Graduate School's time limit guideline.
Academic Misconduct Information
MSW students are subject to the academic performance criteria of the Graduate School.
Withdrawals & Leave of Absence Information
A graduate student may withdraw from the University. It is the student responsibility to initiate a withdrawal online.
Discontinuation of One of the degrees
If a student enrolled in the coordinated degree program were to discontinue enrollment in the program and continue seeking only one degree (MSW or JD), the student would have to meet the full requirements of that degree.
Academic Grievances Information
The School of Social Work follows the University-wide Academic Grievance Procedures.
Grades and Academic Standing
Academic Requirements for Continuation in the MSW Program
Students in the master's degree program of the School of Social Work must meet the Graduate School requirements for good academic standing of a 3.0 grade point average on a 4.0 scale. In addition to the Graduate School academic requirements, the following standards serve as criteria for a student in the School of Social Work to remain in the MSW program. Failure to meet the following requirements may result in dismissal from the MSW program:
- No more than one "C" in foundation courses regardless of overall grade point average.
- No more than one "C" in concentration courses (including electives) regardless of overall grade point average.
- No grades of "D" or "F" in any class regardless of overall grade point average.
- No grade of "fail" in practicum education courses
It is the responsibility of a student who earns a C in any course to meet with their advisor and develop an academic success plan. Students who receive one C will receive an Academic Warning letter from the MSW Program Director.
Because the academic requirement for good standing in graduate-level education is "B" or better performance, a student's work in practicum education evaluated as less than "B" work is graded as "fail."
Final Grade Appeal
If a student believes that a final grade is in error, the student may protest the grade. Grounds for the protest include an arithmetic or clerical error; arbitrariness, including discrimination; or personal malice. Procedures for grade appeal can be found in the MSW Handbook under University-wide Academic Grievance Procedures.
Handling Academic Difficulties of Graduate Social Work Students
Resolution of student learning difficulties should first be initiated and negotiated between the student in question and the instructor. The student should assume responsibility for initiating and negotiating a resolution of the learning difficulty. Unless shown otherwise, it will be assumed that any learning difficulty will be considered an educational problem rather than a personal one. If the student believes that resolution of the learning difficulty, whether of an academic or related personal nature, appears improbable, then the student should consult their advisor. After a conference with the advisor, a discussion among the student, the instructor, and the advisor should take place for a speedy resolution of the learning difficulty. The intent of these guidelines is that most student learning difficulties can be resolved at the classroom level or in joint consultation with the advisor. After following these steps, if the student believes the resolution of the difficulty is unsatisfactory, the student may use the student-initiated review process (see next section). If the situation results in the student not meeting the requirements for continuation in the program, the MSW Program Director will appoint an ad hoc student progress committee to conduct a review and to make a recommendation regarding the student's status.
- Student-Initiated Review Process: Students who experience academic difficulty may request a review of their academic situation. This review will be held with the student, the advisor, and the MSW Program Director. Students may also invite another faculty member or student to be present if they wish to do so. The purpose of the review is to explore alternatives for resolving the difficulty. If an exception to a School of Social Work or University policy is requested, the review will provide information needed by the MSW Program Director in making a recommendation to the Associate Dean of Educational Programs and Student Services. It is expected that such a review will be initiated only after the student has attempted to work through the difficulty in consultation with their advisor.
- Handling Learning Difficulties in Practicum Education: Please see Practicum Requirements for details.
- Practicum Staffing Initiated by the Practicum Education Coordinator: Please see Practicum Requirements for details.
Readmissions in the MSW Program
- Individuals required to withdraw from the MSW Program due to the following reasons may apply for readmission to the MSW program:
- Failure to meet academic standards for continuation in the program
- Failure to meet professional preparedness standards
- Academic misconduct
- Individuals required to withdraw for any reason may apply for readmission; at least 12 months must lapse between enrollments.
- Potential applicants are advised that processing an application for readmission may take several months and they should time their applications accordingly.
- Applicants for readmission must present a written statement to the MSW program Director that includes the following elements:
- A detailed statement of the applicant's understanding of the reasons they were required to withdraw.
- Written evidence that supports how the applicant or the applicant's circumstances have changed since the withdrawal such that they are now prepared to successfully meet academic and professional preparedness standards for completing the MSW degree.
- Accompanying documentation (e.g., physician's statement) supporting the applicant's statement about their current preparedness to meet standards (if appropriate).
- The MSW program Director may ask the applicant to re-draft the statement ensuring all areas are addressed.
- The MSW program Director will appoint a committee consisting of three full-time members of the faculty of the School of Social Work to review the readmission request. The applicant's previous academic advisor will be a fourth, nonvoting, member of the committee. If the advisor is not available, the program Director will appoint an advisor.
- The committee will review:
- The applicant's readmission statement
- The applicant's academic file in the school
- All files and documentation (if any) concerning the applicant's academic misconduct
- All files and documentation (if any) concerning reviews of the applicant's professional preparedness
- The committee may request information, either oral or written, from any faculty member who is familiar with the applicant's academic and professional performance. The committee may seek additional information from others, based on the applicant's application for readmission.
- The applicant will be contacted by the member of the committee and provided with the opportunity to meet with the members and provide a statement regarding their readmission into the program.
- The committee will meet in executive session to formulate a recommendation to the MSW Program Director. The committee may recommend conditions for readmission (e.g., timing of readmission, re- taking of courses, number of courses the student may take initially, special monitoring of the student's progress). The committee will recommend readmission only if the preponderance of evidence the committee has considered suggests that the applicant is likely to meet academic and professional preparedness standards for successfully completing the MSW degree program.
- The committee's recommendation will be presented in writing to the MSW Program Director, who will decide whether the applicant will be readmitted.
- Decisions of the MSW Program Director may be appealed to the Dean.
Graduate School Deadline Information
Application for Graduation Information
Coordinated Degrees Conferred in same Commencement
Both degrees are conferred during a single commencement exercise, once all degree requirements have been met. Neither degree will be granted until both degrees are earned, except in cases in which a student formally withdraws from the coordinated degree program.