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Social work is a profession concerned with the prevention
and resolution of problems for individuals, families, groups
and communities. Those who study social work acquire the knowledge,
skills and values that facilitate the prevention and resolution
of such problems.
The School of Social Work at the University of Hawai'i at Mānoa (UHM) offers graduate programs leading to the Master
of Social Work (MSW), and the PhD in Social Welfare. Accredited
by the Commission on Accreditation of the Council on Social
Work Education, the MSW program prepares students for professional
advanced social work practice. The MSW is normally a two-year
program. However, students admitted with advanced
standing status can complete the program within a year.
The PhD program prepares students for leadership roles in
the profession of social work and in the field of social welfare.
In addition to the MSW and PhD programs, the school provides
continuing education on current issues in the field to human-service
professionals and paraprofessionals.
The school's curriculum is designed for students who believe
in social changes and improving the quality of life, and who
are committed to working with people, conducting research,
and developing resources. The foundation curriculum covers
social welfare policies and services; human behavior in the
social environment; research; social work practice with individuals,
families, groups, and communities; and the practicum. The
advanced curriculum is organized around four concentrations:
child and family, gerontology, health, and mental health.
Emphasis in the justice system is also available. Elective
courses are available in areas such as family therapy, substance
abuse, justice system, child abuse and neglect, therapeutic
strategies with the elderly, human sexuality, and ethnic and
minority content.
The PhD program advances the school's mission to understand
the relationship between social problems and effective professional
practice. The program encourages scholarly inquiry to enhance
knowledge of different cultures, particularly the cultures
of the Asia Pacific region, and the societal structures intended
to enhance well-being. The PhD curriculum exposes students
to a program of study and investigation, which places its
highest priority on independent inquiry and the enhancement
of intellectual, creative and analytical abilities. Each student
will acquire the ability to conduct independent research on
a critical social problem.
The school offers notice of position openings for its students
and the community. Career employment sessions are held each
year for graduating students. Career opportunities for graduates
include direct practice, supervision and administration, research,
and other positions in public and private agencies in Hawai'i and other states and countries.
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MSW Degree Requirements
The MSW program requires 57 credits. For students who hold
BSW degrees from programs accredited by the Council on Social
Work Education, the program requires 30 credits instead of
57 credits.
Students may select Plan A (thesis) or Plan B (non-thesis).
Plan A requires a written thesis and defense of the thesis.
Plan B requires a research course or a research project, or
a combination of both.
Students must complete all degree requirements within four
years of the date of admission.
PhD Degree Requirements
- 39 credits of course work,
- dissertation design requirement,
- qualifying exam,
- comprehensive exam,
- dissertation, and
- final oral exam / defense of dissertation.
Courses
To view a listing of courses offered, visit www.catalog.hawaii.edu/courses/departments/sw.htm.
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