MSW Curriculum

The Brown School boasts a list of eight diverse concentrations and eight specializations. These focus areas align in traditional realms of social work, as well as drive new career paths in the field. For students whose interests lie outside these pre-determined focus areas, you can create an individualized concentration. This flexibility ensures you can seek out resources and opportunities you will need for your unique professional aspirations.

Every semester, extensive course offerings provide preparation for impact across the field. Students interested in clinical work select from a comprehensive list of population-specific practice and treatment courses. Coursework focusing on implementation, evaluations, politics and economics prepare students who want to work in community development, management or policy-related positions. A diverse list of one-credit Skill Labs — on topics including grant writing, fundraising, budget management, data management and statistical analysis software — equip you with specific skills to enhance your readiness for the job market.

We know that data-driven decision making allows the field to progress in effective and sustainable ways. A commitment to evidence-based approach uniquely equips our students to assess and respond to complex data with comprehensive solutions. As such, our faculty have found that an understanding of statistics analysis is critical to every student’s success. Your foundations courses will allow you to develop this competency.

Our graduates progress to leadership roles in a short time. In fact, most Brown School alumni who want to advance into management positions do so within two years of graduating. Our MSW curriculum ensures that you’ll take the leadership coursework that will support you as your career develops.