Overview
This concentration emphasizes expertise in health and mental health across the lifespan through the integration of research and critical thinking, practice, leadership and policy analysis. Drawing from the social determinants of health model, issues of quality of life and longevity are linked to the exacerbation of social and economic disparities.
Courses in the concentration examine well-being and resilience as well as disease and disability. The practice emphasis is on prevention and behavior change, by means of theoretically driven, empirically tested, culturally tailored and technology-supported interventions. Barriers and obstacles impeding individuals from gaining access to, and using, affordable and personalized services in health, mental health, and social services are analyzed from various perspectives.
Students pursue employment in a wide range of health, mental health and substance abuse oriented settings in communities and institutions, including private practice. They can expect to pursue careers in behavior change (individual and group counseling and psychotherapy), case management, administration, policy formulation and analysis, and research and teaching.
Year 1: Standard MSW Core Curriculum
In the first year, our generalist core curriculum is comprised of coursework in:
- Social welfare policy and leadership
- Theories of human behavior and social systems
- Generalist practice
- Research and statistics
- Practicum education
Year 2: Health and Mental Health Across the Lifespan Area of Concentration
12 courses (45 units)
| Course Type | Required or Choice | List of Courses* |
| Advanced Practice | 1 Required | SW 231K – Mental HealthSW 231M – Health |
| Elective Advanced Practice | 1 Required, more recommended | SW 231A – Family Systems InterventionsSW 231E – School Social WorkSW 231F – Cognitive Behavioral TherapySW 231G – Substance AbuseSW 231N – Early Childhood Mental HealthSW 231P – GerontologySW 231Q – PsychopharmacologySW 231S – Child and Adolescent TraumaSW 231x – Human SexualitySW 251A – Domestic & Sexual Violence |
| Advanced Policy | 1 Required | SW 290K – Mental Health PolicySW 290M – Health Policy |
| Elective Advanced Policy | 1 Required | SW 290D – Criminal Justice and Mass Incarceration PolicySW 290E – LGBT Health, Law and Public PolicySW 290G – Psychotropic Drugs & Medications: Harm Reduction PoliciesAny SW 290 course (to be approved by your advisor) |
| Research Capstone | 3 Required | SW260A, SW260B, SW 260C |
| MSW Electives | 2 Required | Can be any MSW course |
| Practicum | 3 Required | SW 402A, SW 402B, SW 402C, SW 405 |
* Not all choices will be offered each year
View a complete list of Social Welfare graduate courses with descriptions.