Social Work, M.S.W., Ph.D.

SLU’s School of Social Work’s interactive teaching methods integrate community-based practice with classroom activities and discussions. Small class sizes facilitate an atmosphere of intellectual dialogue that fosters relationships between students and faculty.

The M.S.W. program at SLU requires 57 credit hours and offers multiple course delivery formats to assist students who are working full- or part-time and for those who want to progress faster by taking additional credit hours per semester.

• View the sample curriculum for the M.S.W. program

Formats include the traditional 15-week format (2.5-hour classes, fall and spring semesters) and an accelerated 10-week format (3.5-hour classes, summer semester).

Electives may also be offered in the following formats: two intersession periods of week-long classes, online blended classes or five consecutive Saturday sessions (9 a.m. to 4 p.m.).

Applied Behavior Analysis

Learn to apply behavioral principles to produce socially significant changes, such as increasing social skills or decreasing drug use, while integrating social work ethics in practice. Use direct assessments, research evidence and single-subject experimental designs to inform and evaluate interventions.

Clinical

Prepare for advanced clinical practice serving children, youth, adults and families. This concentration assumes a holistic view that incorporates the political, environmental, psychosocial, biological and spiritual dimensions of clinical social work practice.

Community and Organization

Prepare for advanced practice focusing on social problems and societal change at the community and organizational levels.

Areas of Emphasis

You can further specialize your studies through coursework or practicum experiences in the following areas:

• Community Mental Health Practice
• Criminal Justice
• Gerontology
• Global Social Work
• Health Practice
• Nonprofit Administration
• Practice with Children and Youth
• School Social Work
• Substance Use Disorder Treatment
• Therapy with Individuals and Families
• Trauma-Informed Practice
• Veteran Services

An accelerated degree option is available for students wishing to complete the program in five years in combination with a Bachelor of Social Work degree.

SLU’s Ph.D. in social work requires 72 credit hours and offers rigorous methodological and interdisciplinary training for social workers and related professionals.

Building on the foundations of required coursework, you will develop an individualized plan of study that will meet your intellectual and professional requirements. These concentrations consist mainly of elected coursework and participation in mentored research. You will also complete a dissertation project corresponding with your educational and professional goals.

• Find a social work faculty member

SLU’s M.S.W. and Ph.D. are ranked in the top 20 percent of social work programs. Possible careers include work in the fields of health care, mental health, school, child welfare, family services, criminal justice, gerontology, policy, advocacy, administrative and community development.

Saint Louis University takes pride in being one of Barron's Best Buys in College Education and Kiplinger's Best Values in Private Colleges.

For information regarding the upcoming academic year’s tuition rate, fees and financial aid, visit SLU Financial Services.

2018-2019 Tuition and Fees
Cost Calculator
Financial Aid

We recognize that when choosing to continue your education, cost can be a concern. To help ease that decision, we have identified the following financial aid resources.

FASFA and Other Resources

All incoming students should complete the application for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). A step-by-step guide to submitting your FAFSA is available online.

Saint Louis University Student Financial Services provides a Graduate Financial Aid Handbook that outlines the process of financing your graduate education.

The following links to resources in Saint Louis University Student Financial Services may also be helpful:

• Graduate Loan Options
• Confirming Your Award
• Paying Your Bill and Payment Plans

Scholarships

New and continuing students are eligible for merit-based scholarships. Prospective students who apply for admission by the priority deadline are automatically screened for scholarship eligibility. No additional application is required; awards are based on information provided in the admission application.

Priority Deadlines

• October 1, 2018, for applicants who wish to start in spring 2019

Please note that the terms of scholarship are subject to change if the student petitions for a degree transfer or fails to remain in good academic standing.

The Doerr Diversity Scholarship is a full-tuition scholarship funded by the School of Social Work for new and continuing students. A separate application is required; email Kristi Richter for  deadline information.

Fellowships

Newly accepted master's or doctoral students and students in the first year of a program are eligible to apply for the Diversity, Dissertation and Presidential university-funded fellowships. You must apply to be nominated by the School of Social Work; email Kristi Richter, Director of Graduate Recruitment and Admission, for more information.

Other university scholarships that do not require nomination by a department/school are also available.

Graduate Assistantships

You can apply for a full or partial graduate assistantship with the School of Social Work. The application period for 2017-2018 is closed.

Current Students

Current students may be eligible for conference/training funding, graduate assistantships and scholarships. For more information and applications, visit the School of Social Work's Google Site.

SLU's M.S.W. and B.S.S.W. programs have been fully accredited since 1933; its accrediting body is the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).