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. 

• Beth S. Barrett, M.S.W., LCSW
• Marla Berg-Weger, Ph.D., M.S.W., LCSW
• Julie Birkenmaier, Ph.D., M.S.W., LCSW
• Brian Boutwell, Ph.D.
• Gabriel Carrillo, M.S.W.
• Shannon Cooper-Sadlo, Ph.D., M.S.W., LCSW
• Jami Curley, Ph.D, M.S.W.
• Noelle E. Fearn, Ph.D.
• Jesse J. Helton, Ph.D.
• Jin Huang, Ph.D., M.S.W.
• Pamela J. Huggins, M.S.W., LCSW
• Heather Lewis, M.S.W., BCBA
• Donald Linhorst, Ph.D., M.S.W., ACSW
• M. Dyan McGuire, Ph.D., J.D.
• Michael Mancini, Ph.D., M.S.W.
• Monica Matthieu, Ph.D., M.S.W., LCSW
• Brandy R. Maynard, Ph.D., M.S.W.
• Stephen Edward McMillin, Ph.D.
• Sandra Naeger, M.S.W., LCSW
• Susan Tebb, Ph.D., M.S.W.
• Sabrina W. Tyuse, Ph.D., M.S.W.
• Michael Vaughn, Ph.D.
• Cara Wallace, Ph.D., M.S.W., LMSW
• Norman White, Ph.D.
• Alyssa Wilson, Ph.D.

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.

2017-2018 Tuition and Fees
Cost Calculator
Financial Aid

SLU’s School of Social Work offers new and continuing students partial tuition remission and merit-based scholarships. Applicants who do not initially meet the scholarship criteria or who have applied initially and are not awarded a scholarship may re-apply during their first semester in the program. Scholarship awards are made based on information in the admission application. 

Additional scholarship/assistantship opportunities include:

• The Diversity and Presidential Fellowship for new master's or doctoral students at the School of Social Work, funded by Saint Louis University. The application period has closed for 2016-2017.
• Graduate assistantships.The application period has closed for 2016-2017.
• Outreach services coordinator position - Work 20 hours a week for the Francis Xavier College Church parish and  be compensated with $30,000 annually; $15,000 in tuition and $15,000 that can be used for tuition or as a stipend.  The application period has closed for 2016-2017.
• The Doerr Diversity Scholarship,  a full-tuition scholarship funded by the School of Social Work. The application period has closed for 2016-2017.

Contact Kristi Richter, graduate admission coordinator, for the School of Social Work, at 314-977-2752 or ksrichter@slu.edu with any questions.