Master of Social Work Degree Program

Dr. Sarah Ingram-Herring, Director of MSW Program

Program Overview

The Master of Social Work Program is a year-round, full-time and part-time graduate education program that offers a 63‑credit degree plan and a 32‑credit degree plan for baccalaureate prepared B.S.W. students seeking advanced clinical practice in Social Work. The program offers a trauma-informed, resiliency, and competency-based approach to social work education providing students with a strong foundation in generalist practice and a concentration year study of advanced clinical social work practice.

The table below aligns key elements of the program mission with the core values of the profession.

Key Elements of the M.S.W. Program Mission	Profession’s Core Values
Educating advanced clinical practitioners within a trauma-informed resiliency framework	Competence
Committed to advancing students as local and global leaders	Service
Advocates for social and economic justice	Social Justice
Academic excellence	Competence
Cultural diversity	Dignity and Worth of the Person
Ethical practice	Integrity
Community engagement	Importance of Human Relationships

Program Goals

The cultural, economic, social, global, and technological features that define the community of south Florida greatly influence the shaping of the School’s strategic agenda; the design of its programs, hiring practices of faculty, staff, and administrators; and the creation of partnerships in the community. The cultural, economic, and social diversity of this region offers a rich and transformative learning experience for students and an ideal setting for research, advocacy, and community engagement. The program is fully accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.

The academic program goals of the School of Social Work and the curriculum competencies of the M.S.W. Program emphasize both the missions of Barry University and the School of Social Work. They are designed to be responsive to the unique socio-political-cultural context of vulnerable and oppressed populations.

These goals are to educate professional Social Workers who:

Demonstrate professional practice reflecting the profession’s core values of service, social justice, dignity and worth of the person, importance of human relationships, integrity, and competence;
Demonstrate competency in advanced clinical social work practice with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities;
Demonstrate theoretical knowledge, practice skill, and commitment related to reducing the effects of oppression and discrimination and advancing social, economic, and environmental justice in local and global communities;
Demonstrate leadership in addressing the range of political, economic, and environmental factors that inform social work practice; and
Engage in continuing professional growth and development, self-reflection, and evaluation of one’s own practice.

These goals are additionally supported by the following ten competencies, drawn from CSWE’s Educational Policy and Accreditation Standards (EPAS) that mandates social workers to:

Demonstrate Ethical and Professional Behavior
Engage Diversity and Difference in Practice
Advance Human Rights and Social, Economic, and Environmental Justice
Engage in Practice-informed Research and Research-informed Practice
Engage in Policy Practice
Engage with Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities
Assess Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities
Intervene with Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities
Evaluate Practice with Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities

The table below shows distinct relationships between the mission of the M.S.W. Program mission and its goals.

M.S.W. Program Mission	M.S.W. Program Goals
Educating advanced clinical practitioners within a trauma-informed resiliency framework Academic excellence	Demonstrate competency in advanced clinical social work practice from a trauma-informed resiliency framework with individuals, families, groups, and organizations
Advocate for Social and economic Justice Committed to advancing students as local and global leaders Ethical practice	Demonstrate theoretical knowledge, practice skill, and commitment related to reducing the effects of oppression and discrimination and advancing social and economic justice in local and global communities Engage in continuing professional growth and development, self-reflection, and an evaluation of one’s own practice
Cultural Diversity	Demonstrate professional practice reflecting the profession’s values of service, social justice, dignity and worth of the person, importance of human relationships, integrity and competence
Community engagement	Demonstrate leadership in addressing a range of political, economic, and environmental factors that inform social work practice

Admission Requirements

The School of Social Work offers full-time and part-time program options at the Miami Shores—main campus. At the Miami Shores campus, students are admitted to the M.S.W. Program in the fall, spring, and summer semesters. The Miami location offers weekday and evening classes. Persons seeking admission to the M.S.W. program as degree seeking students must meet the following criteria:

Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited or internationally recognized college or university. All applicants must have earned a bachelor’s degree or equivalent from an institution that is regionally accredited or internationally recognized. The applicant’s academic record must show a capacity for successful work at the graduate level, with a minimum grade point average of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) for their last 60 college credits earned. Exception may be made on the basis of extenuating circumstances on a case by case basis, and an interview with the Admissions Committee is required.
Applicants should have a broad liberal arts background. This background should include study in the social, behavioral, and biological sciences and other liberal arts courses equal to 30 credits. This background should also include: (1) understanding of cultural heritage of oneself and others, (2) knowledge of methods of inquiry and problem solving, and (3) written and verbal communication skills.
Complete and submit an application form to be submitted electronically accessed by the School’s website at www.barry.edu/msw.
Official transcripts electronically submitted or sealed by the institution issuing the transcripts.
Upload a 1-2 page, typed, double-spaced personal statement.
Upload a copy of a resume or curriculum vitae.
Submit two recommendation forms to the School of Social Work Office of Admissions. Advanced Standing students must submit two recommendation forms and a copy of their final B.S.W. Field Placement evaluation.
Complete and sign Criminal History Disclaimer form located within the electronic application
Submit a $50.00 application fee.

All applicants who do not give evidence of being native English speakers, or who have not graduated from an institution where English is the primary language of instruction are required to submit a TOEFL or IELTS score. The minimum required scores are:

IELTS: 6.5
TOEFL IBT: 79
TOEFL paper-based test: 550
Duolingo English: 85

The TOEFL or IELTS may be waived for applicants with a minimum of 24 college level academic credits earned from an institution in which English is the basis of instruction and classroom interaction.

Admission interviews may be requested by the School in order to make an admission decision. Any applicant who would like to discuss special circumstances pertaining to his/her application or who has questions about the program is encouraged to contact the School of Social Work Office of Admissions.

The School’s Director of Admissions renders an evaluation of application credentials. Both achievement and potential are assessed in order to arrive at a decision on an applicant’s capacity for graduate social work and suitability for the profession. The School of Social Work Office of Admissions analyzes academic achievement, work experience (especially in social welfare), maturity, and motivation for social work. The final admission decision results in full acceptance, or denial of an application.

Professional Protocol for School Business

Graduate social work study prepares students to practice clinical social work on a professional level. As such, the School presumes that all students are adults, and all school business is conducted with students only.

International applicants should refer to the International Applicants section of this catalog. The responsibility for obtaining all admission credentials rests with the applicant.

Life Experience Credits

In keeping with CSWE standards, the School of Social Work cannot grant academic credit for life experience or previous work experience, in whole or in part, in lieu of the field internship or any courses in the curriculum.

Non-Degree Seeking Applicants

Applicants wishing to enroll in graduate social work courses without seeking a degree must complete a non-matriculating student application and submit it to the School of Social Work Office of Admissions. Non-matriculating applicants must meet all M.S.W. admission requirements. The Director of Admissions will evaluate course needs on an individual basis. Non-matriculating students must not exceed 9 credits in this enrollment status. The School of Social Work makes no guarantees of full admission to the M.S.W. Program for those who may later decide to pursue an M.S.W. degree.

Advanced Standing Program

Students who have earned a bachelor’s degree from a Council on Social Work Education accredited undergraduate social work program within five years prior to their date of enrollment in the M.S.W. Program, may apply to the Advanced Standing Program. The Advanced Standing Program consists of 32 concentration year credits and may be completed on a full-time basis in two consecutive semesters, or in four consecutive semesters on a part-time basis. All applicants accepted to this program must have a minimum grade point average of 3.0 in their social work courses taken in an accredited B.S.W. program. In some cases, students may be asked to take additional foundation year courses. Applicants who have obtained a B.S.W. degree with less than a 3.0 GPA in their social work courses of an accredited B.S.W. Program will be considered for admission on an individual basis to Barry University School of Social Work’s 63‑credit M.S.W. Program. Students’ B.S.W. transcripts are reviewed to determine the completion of coursework with an earned grade of “B” or better which may satisfy M.S.W. course requirements at Barry University. In addition, two recommendation forms and a copy of the student’s final B.S.W. field placement evaluation are required.

Program Options

Traditional – 63 credits

Advanced Standing – 32 credits

The M.S.W. Curriculum is a trauma-informed resiliency-based curriculum that prepares graduates for competent clinical practice. Trauma informed, resilience focused clinical social work practice is an overall approach, at the individual, family, group, organizational, and systemic levels, that uses respect and consideration of trauma histories to create safety and hope for clients. Trauma informed intervention recognizes human vulnerability, but focuses on finding and mobilizing survivors’ strengths, resources, and capacity for healing and recovery by promoting factors that will enhance a person’s resiliency. The M.S.W. curriculum offers a concentration in clinical social work practice which involves preparation for advanced clinical practice with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities. However, as the integration of social work’s policy practice framework is fundamental to the profession, students also have options to take advanced courses with focus on macro practice. Clinical internships provide for progressive learning experiences. Students must successfully complete 1000 hours of clinical internship in the 63‑credit program, 580 hours in the 32‑credit Advanced Standing program, participate in all clinical internship seminars, and complete all course work .

The program curriculum is year-round (fall, spring, summer semesters) and is offered at the Miami Shores Campus and in an Online format. The program has six distinct matriculation options: 63‑credit full-time, 32‑credit full-time, 63‑credit part-time, 32-credit part-time, 63-credit Online part-time, and 32‑credit Online part-time. The M.S.W. 63‑credit full-time option normally takes four semesters of coursework and clinical internship experience. This Program option is only available at the Miami Shores campus. Also available only at the Miami Shores campus, the 32‑credit full-time Advanced Standing Program takes two semesters of advanced clinical coursework and clinical internship. The 63‑credit and 32‑credit part-time options are available at Miami Shores and normally take eight semesters (63 credit) and four semesters (32 credit) to complete. The semesters completion time of the online 63-credit part-time and 32-credit part-time options are the same as the in-person part-time options.

Academic Standing

To be in good academic standing, the student must maintain both a semester average and a cumulative GPA of 3.0 (B) on a 4.0 scale, Credit (CR) in all Field Education courses, and evidence full compliance with the School’s Core Performance Standards. In the Foundation year of study, students who do not earn a semester GPA of 3.0 cannot advance to the Concentration year of study. Advancement to the concentration curriculum is granted only to those students who have successfully completed all foundation courses and exams and earned a 3.0 GPA or above at Barry University or have successfully completed those foundation courses at another accredited school of social work with an overall 3.0 GPA.

Students enrolled in the 63‑credit M.S.W. Program must maintain a cumulative and semester GPA of 3.0 or better and must complete all program requirements within five years of initial enrollment in the program. Students enrolled in the 32‑credit Advanced Standing M.S.W. Program must complete all program requirements within three years of initial enrollment in the program.

A student cannot earn more than one “C” grade in any course. A student may be suspended if he/she earns a GPA of 2.0 or lower in any given semester. A student who has been suspended for academic reasons must petition the Director of the M.S.W. Program Director at least one month before the beginning of the semester in which the student intends to resume study. The decision of the Program Director is final.

Repeat Course Policy

If a student fails a course and/or wishes to repeat any course in order to improve a grade (and cumulative GPA), he/she is eligible to do so at his/her own expense. However, no single course may be attempted more than twice. On a repeated course, withdrawal after the third week of class is considered an attempt. A maximum of two courses may be repeated within the entire 63‑credit program, and a maximum of one course may be repeated in the 32‑credit program. In the event a student repeats a course, the student must earn a grade of “B” or better and it is the last grade earned in a course that will stand as the final course grade. It is this final grade that will be used by the University’s Registrar for the purpose of calculating a student’s cumulative GPA. Receipt of a failing grade in a repeat course is cause for dismissal from the Program.

Academic Policies and Procedures

Students are required to comply with all policies and procedures outlined in the Student Handbook, Office of Professional and Clinical Practice Manual, and each course syllabi, as well as other written instructions provided by the School. Students are encouraged to review the Graduate Catalog, School handbooks and manuals, or consult with the Program Director or their Academic Advisors.

Academic Advising/Mentoring

Every student actively enrolled in the M.S.W. Program will be advised by a faculty advisor/mentor. Students, however, are required to make their own academic decisions with the understanding that some decisions may result in not completing the Program in the time indicated in the School’s master’s degree plan.

Academic Integrity

Fundamental to academic integrity are the values and ethical conduct standards embraced by the National Association of Social Workers Professional Code of Ethics and the social work profession. Students of the Barry University School of Social Work must adhere to the standards of professional ethics as defined in the NASW Code of Ethics and the School of Social Work Core Performance Standards for Admission, Matriculation, and Graduation. Specifically, students must refrain from all forms of cheating, plagiarism, collusion, and acts of deception.

Cheating is defined as the attempt, successful or not, to give or obtain aid and/or information by illicit means in meeting any academic requirements, including examinations. Cheating includes falsifying reports and documents and collusion. Collusion is defined as knowingly and intentionally assists another in performing any acts of cheating.

Plagiarism is defined as the use, without proper acknowledgement, of the ideas, phrases, sentences, or larger units of discourse from another writer or speaker. Plagiarism includes the unauthorized copying of software and the violation of copyright laws. All forms of cheating, plagiarism, and collusion represent a violation of the NASW Code of Ethics and the School’s Core Performance Standards. The extent to which these standards are breached due to cheating, plagiarism and/or collusion may result in a failing grade for the assignment, a failing grade of the course, and/or termination from the Program by the Dean of the School. Students terminated from the program may appeal said termination to the Provost of the University.

Attendance Policy

Due to the applied nature of social work as a professional discipline, participation and full engagement by students in all classes and field activities is essential. Prompt regular attendance is an expectation. Within the profession of social work, the well-being and, at times, the very lives of clients depend upon the knowledge and preparation of the social work practitioner, as well as his/her timely presence to appointments and timely response to the needs of clients. Not attending classes or clinical internship or being tardy for class and/or clinical internship seriously compromises the student’s ability to be fully prepared to meet his/her obligations and responsibilities as a professional social worker. Consequently, in the School of Social Work, prompt attendance to all scheduled class sessions and full compliance to one’s internship schedule is required. Failure to comply with this requirement contradicts the ethical principles that reflect the profession’s core values and the School’s Core Performance Standards and may impact the student’s overall grade in the class and/or Clinical Internship. Thus, the official attendance policy follows: Prompt and regular attendance to all scheduled class and field sessions is required of all students. In addition, late arrival, early departure or being absent from a course (Including internships) exceeding 30 minutes or more will count as an absence. More than two (2) absences within a semester will result in an automatic assignment of a grade of “F” for the course.

Withdrawal Policy

Students should refer to the Barry University Graduate catalog for detailed guidelines and procedures regarding the withdrawal process. Completion of the course withdrawal form to withdraw from a specific course or to withdraw from the University is the sole responsibility of the student. Please note that both types of withdrawals necessitate a meeting with the Director of the M.S.W. Program as well as the Manager of Operations of the School of Social Work.

Cultural Diversity

The School is committed to cultural and intellectual diversity and shall seek to create and maintain a learning environment that acknowledges, respects, and embraces inclusive communities.

Accessibility Statement

Please refer to the University’s statement on Accessibility Services found in this Graduate Catalog.

Graduation Requirements

63‑Credit Program

Completion of 63 graduate credits in Social Work, with a minimum grade point average of 3.00 and Credit (CR) in all Field Education courses.
Must not have earned more than one “C” grade throughout any course in their entire course plan.
Must not have earned a grade of “F” as a final grade in any course
Must successfully complete all professional development hours as directed per cohort.
Full compliance with NASW Code of Ethics and the School’s Core Performance Standards.
Complete a Graduation Application. Students are able to register online after they receive graduation authorization from the M.S.W. Program Director. The student is advised to retain a copy of the submitted graduation application for their records.
Submit the Graduation Application via online to the Registrar within the deadline date posted by the Registrar and the University academic calendar.
Failure to meet the advertised deadline will result in the posting of a later date of graduation on the student’s transcript and delay the issuance of a diploma.

32‑Credit Program

Completion of 32 graduate credits in Social Work, with a minimum grade point average of 3.00 and Credit in all Field Education courses.
Must not have earned more than one “C” throughout any course in their entire course plan.
Must not have earned a grade of “F” as a final grade in any course.
Must successfully complete all professional development hours as directed per cohort.
Full compliance with NASW Code of Ethics and the School’s Core Performance Standards.
Complete a Graduation Application. Students are able to register online after they receive graduation authorization from the M.S.W. Program Director. The student is advised to retain a copy of the submitted graduation application for their records.
Submit the Graduation Application via online to the Registrar within the deadline date posted by the Registrar and the University academic calendar.
Failure to meet the advertised deadline will result in the posting of a later date of graduation on the student’s transcript and delay the issuance of a diploma.

Grading Policy

The grading policy for students in the Master of Social Work Program is as follows:

A	90%–100%
B	80%–89%
C	70%–79%
F	0%–69%

Incomplete (I) Grades

A grade of "I" is granted in cases when a student is unable to complete course requirements in the time allotted due to circumstances beyond his/her control, and when 75 percent of the course work and/or Field hours has already been completed successfully. It is the student’s responsibility to arrange with the instructor to initiate a Memo of Incomplete in accordance with School policy. A grade of “I” is not assigned unless arrangements are made within the semester the course is being taken. In addition, all required signatures need to be affixed to the Memo of Incomplete, and respective Program Director has granted approval of this arrangement. Students with an “I” in a foundation course cannot take concentration courses until all foundation courses are successfully completed nor may a student register for a subsequent course in a curriculum sequence until the incomplete in the previous course is rectified. A grade of incomplete cannot extend beyond one calendar year. When a student fails to complete the coursework and/or Field hours within the specified timeframe, a grade of “F” or “NC” is assigned. Receipt of a failing grade in a repeat course is cause of dismissal from the Program.

Transfer of Credits

If you have started a Social Work program in another University that is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education, you may be able to transfer up to 28 credit hours. In order to transfer these credits, you must have taken the course within the past five years and earned a grade of “B” or better. You must submit an application for transfer credit form along with a syllabus and bibliography for each course that you are requesting transfer credit. The transfer credit form must be submitted at the same time that you apply to the MSW Program. If admitted to the MSW Program, all requests for transfer credit will be forwarded to the MSW Program Director for review. If admitted to the MSW Program, you will receive a comprehensive credit evaluation along with your enrollment packet and anticipated curriculum course plan. You must submit the application for transfer credits prior to beginning your course work within the School of Social Work. You will not be allowed to transfer credits after beginning your classes at the School of Social Work.

Students currently or previously enrolled in another accredited master’s level social work program who are seeking admission as a transfer student are required to submit additional materials.

A brief written statement describing the reasons why they are requesting a transfer.
A copy of their field education evaluation(s), if applicable.
A recommendation from the applicant’s current/former MSW program faculty advisor addressing their academic standing.
Complete an application for transfer credit form and attach all relevant social work syllabi for equivalency review. The transfer credit form can be retrieved by logging onto http://www.barry.edu/msw/admissions/transfer-credits.html. Please mail this information to the School of Social Work Office of Admissions.

Transfer from a Regionally Accredited College or University

If you have previously attended a regionally accredited college or university, you may transfer a maximum of six master’s-level credits, not taken in the field of social work. You must have earned at least a “B” in the courses being requested for transfer and have taken the course within the past five years. These credits will be considered for credit but cannot be guaranteed. In order for transfer credits to be considered, you must fill out application for transfer credit form prior to beginning your program at Barry and submit a syllabus and bibliography for the course that you are requesting transfer credit at the time that you apply to the MSW program.

Please be advised that a minimum of 32-credits must be completed at Barry University School of Social Work in order for an MSW degree to be conferred.

Waived Credits

Students with a B.S.W. degree who do not meet criteria for Advanced Standing enrollment may be considered for admission to the 63‑credit program. If accepted into the 63‑credit M.S.W. program, credits must have been earned within the last five years from their B.S.W. Program, and the student must have earned a grade of B or better in the courses being waived. Courses must meet equivalency criteria of Barry University School of Social Work curriculum.

Transcript Conferring Undergraduate Degree

Students admitted to Barry University School of Social Work must submit the final official transcript conferring their undergraduate degree to the Office of Admissions by the end of the first semester of initial enrollment. Failure to comply with this policy will adversely impact a student’s ability to register for subsequent semester.

Readmission

Former M.S.W. students of Barry University School of Social Work who left the Program in good standing are eligible for readmission. Former students who seek to return for completion of M.S.W. studies must formally apply for readmission according to the following process:

The applicant initiates the process by requesting a Readmission Form from the Admission Office in the School of Social Work or by submitting a new electronic graduate application.
All applicants must submit the following: (1) a “Request for Readmission” form, (2) a new electronic School of Social Work graduate application, (3) the application fee, (4) one new recommendation form, (5) a new two-page personal narrative detailing the applicant’s professional activities and preparedness to resume graduate studies, and, if applicable, (6) transcripts showing additional courses taken since leaving the program.
The completed admissions folder, including materials from prior degree work in the School, is sent for review according to the usual admissions process. The admission folder may be reviewed by a committee whose membership is determined by the M.S.W. Program Director of the School of Social Work.
Admissions recommendations are sent to the Director of the MSW Program and Student Services, who makes a final determination. Office of Admissions informs the applicant of this determination.
If an M.S.W. student has been on a temporary withdrawal, approved by the Director of the M.S.W. Program and Student Services, he/she is eligible to return for continued study within two years of initiating the leave. The student must contact the Director to secure approval to register. Once two years have elapsed those students are required to apply for readmission to the School of Social Work in order to enroll in classes. M.S.W. students who have been terminated from the School of Social Work due to core performance standards are not eligible for readmission.

Applicants Should Understand that Readmission to the Program is at the Discretion of the School and not Guaranteed

Withdrawals

Unless otherwise advised, Barry University’s reimbursement policy applies. This includes summer semester policies as well. See the Institutional Refund Policy section of this catalog for more details.

Barry University School of Social Work Financial Aid and Scholarships

For more information regarding loans and other financial sources, please refer to the Financial Aid section of Barry University’s Graduate Catalog or contact the Director of Admissions at (305) 899‑4765.

Core Performance Standards for Admission, Matriculation, and Graduation

All students must meet essential standards of behavior for social work practice. The following chart begins with the NASW Code of Ethics that identifies the core values on which social work’s mission is based. It summarizes ethical principles that reflect the profession’s core values; establishes a set of specific ethical standards that guide social work practice and knowledge generation and knowledge dissemination; and provides the principles on which the public can hold social work practitioners, scholars, and educators accountable. These principles depict the scope of responsibility to which all students obligate themselves from the time of entry in the Barry University School of Social Work. The Core Performance Standards are based on the assumption that the standards, including the Code of Ethics, are exercised differentially in accord with a social worker’s role, but that in this set of standards, correlated skill areas, and examples of essential behaviors, all social workers, including students in Barry University’s social work Bachelor, Master, and Doctoral degree programs, will recognize their professional responsibilities and criteria for professional conduct. In order to remain in good standing in the School of Social Work, all students, as stated in the NASW Code, “. . . must not allow their own personal problems, psycho-social distress, legal problems, substance abuse, or mental health difficulties to interfere with their professional judgment and performance or to jeopardize the best interests of people for whom they have a professional responsibility” (p. 23, NASW Code of Ethics, 2008).

Standards	Skill Areas	Description of Essential Behavior
Professional Ethics:		Student:
Individual judgment and conduct is consistent with established laws and the values and ethics of the social work profession as set forth in the NASW Code of Ethics.	Identifies and maintains legal and ethical standards in all practice and academic roles and settings; seeks appropriate consultation when necessary. Demonstrates integrity and trustworthiness in carrying out all professional/academic roles and activities. Demonstrates academic integrity in the preparation of written assignments, research, and scholarly papers. Understands and appropriately applies laws pertaining to client confidentiality; protects the well-being of research participants in accord with IRB human subjects’ protection guidelines. Advocates for and advances change on behalf of vulnerable populations. Demonstrates respect for the positive value of diversity.	Refrains from socializing with clients; maintains boundaries with research participants and students they may teach. Utilizes clinical supervision and/or refers client when needed interventions are beyond his/her competence. Keeps commitments to clients, research participants, students they may teach and colleagues. Refrains from cheating and plagiarism as defined in the student handbook. Utilizes pseudonyms when discussing clients in class or academic papers; protects research participant identity in written reports of studies. Submits research proposal to IRB for review prior to initiating research activities with human subjects. Participates in individual and/or group activities at the local, state, or national level, such as Lobby Day. Willingly accepts and works with a diverse client caseload; designs research and scholarship that reflect cultural validity. Participates in Social Action and Legislative Education and Advocacy Day (LEAD) events as scheduled by the School of Social Work.

Standards	Skill Areas	Description of Essential Behavior
Critical Thinking:		Student:
Individual reasoning reflects a comprehensive analysis that distinguishes fact from inference; an individual’s conclusions and assigned meanings are grounded in relevant data, information, and evidence.	Applies a scientific, analytic approach to practice, research, and scholarship that integrates the critical appraisal of social research findings and the evaluation of social policies, program, and practice outcomes. Organizes information from extant bodies of knowledge and literature, or secures primary or secondary data, or a combination, and exercises logical thinking, analysis and synthesis, comparison, and contrast, to develop cogent understandings of scholarly issues. Demonstrates an ability to integrate theory and practice in all academic work including research and field education. This includes a demonstrated knowledge of the influence of social, political, and economic factors in the evaluation of academic scholarship, research, client systems, organizations, and communities.	Academic presentations reflect a comprehensive, inclusive, and relevant review of appropriate literature. Process recordings reflect student’s use of this knowledge in working with clients.

Professional Use of Self

Standards	Skill Areas	Description of Essential Behavior
Task Management:		Student:
Effective time/task management strategies guide all professional and academic responsibilities and activities.	Consistently completes quality work on schedule. Acts responsibly with respect to communication and negotiation of professional and academic commitments.	Submits all required work without being prompted, and follows through with field placement or practicum terms and commitments on collaborative projects. Punctually attends field or practicum placements, meetings, and classes. Communicates in advance to all affected parties whenever there is an interruption of planned attendance or task completion and identifies appropriate alternatives when a change in plans is necessary to include instructors and advisors around absences or the late submission of assignments.

Standards

Skill Areas

Description of Essential Behavior

Self Awareness:

Student:

A commitment to the process of self-reflection and self-critique assuming full responsibility to protect peers, colleagues, research participants, clients, and others from the adverse consequences of personal performance problems and behaviors.

Examines professional practice and academic strengths and weaknesses.

Solicits, accepts, and incorporates feedback with respect to performance.

Identifies and addresses barriers to performance through the design and implementation of specific goals and strategies for professional growth.

Engages the challenge of self-reflection and self-critique process in all classroom, field education and practicum discussions, and written exercises.

Utilizes weekly supervisory sessions and/or other forms of professional and academic advisement and mentorship.

If in a field placement, submits required process recording and actively participates in field supervision.

Seeks professional help and consultation when necessary.

Makes the necessary adjustments to professional and/or academic workloads in the face of personal difficulties that may adversely impact the quality of academic work or practice with clients.

Professional Relationships:

Student:

All professional interactions reflect respect, integrity, honesty, cooperation, and collaboration, as well as a clear understanding of professional role, authority, and appropriate boundaries.

Develops and maintains cooperative and collegial relationships with clients, colleagues, superiors, peers, students, research participants, agency personnel, faculty, school staff, advisors, and field educators.

Contributes as a constructive participant in academic and agency affairs.

Cooperates, collaborates, and supports social work and interdisciplinary colleagues in the knowledge-building and knowledge dissemination enterprise.

Identifies and demonstrates an appreciation of the uniqueness and commonalities, strengths/resilience and limitations, and conflicting values that characterize self and other individuals and groups.

Collaborates effectively with community resources and connects clients with local community resources.

Engages, maintains and appropriately terminates relationships with diverse client groups, faculty, University personnel, colleagues, students, organizations, communities, and research participants in a professional, responsible, and respectful manner.

Voices concerns to field educator or practicum mentor or faculty supervisors of assistantships in a respectful manner and in accordance with agency protocol.

Keeps field advisor or doctoral faculty advisor informed of all issues that may arise in the field and works proactively with all parties to alleviate issues.

Honors and follows through on verbal and written agreements and commitments made with others.

Attends “Meet the Dean” sessions and/or student forums offer constructive suggestions to improve the quality of the program.

Co-authors publications with peers and faculty colleagues.

Constructs culturally grounded research and scholarship and intervention plans with various client systems.

Prepares strength-based social work research designs and assessments of clients.

Makes appropriate referrals of clients or research participants, as appropriate, for client services.

Exits assigned field placement or doctoral practicum with proper notification to all relevant parties, including clients, field educator or practicum mentor, and field advisor or doctoral faculty advisor.

Standards	Skill Areas	Description of Essential Behavior
Communication:		Student:
All verbal, non-verbal, and written exchange of information between self, clients, faculty, University personnel, and colleagues are in accordance with established laws and professional standards.	Receives and responds appropriately to verbal, non-verbal, and written forms of communication with a wide range of client systems and persons demonstrating an understanding of professional role and sensitivity to differences due to class, age, culture, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, and physical or mental abilities without evaluation or judgment; effectively uses language to communicate with others. Demonstrates mastery of the English language. Demonstrates timely and appropriate receipt of, response to, and documentation of communication with faculty, school staff, peers, other colleagues, students, field educators, advisors, research participants, and clients as indicated.	Speaks with dignity, respect, and sensitivity to clients, colleagues, faculty, school staff, field staff, research participants, students, and others at all times. Prepares written and oral academic products and presentations with responsible content. Prepares written documents that are clear, concise, accurate, and complete and reflect correct grammar, syntax, thought development, and APA referencing format. Follows agency guidelines for record keeping SSW guidelines for record keeping if deployed by the SSW. Uses process recordings to communicate learning progress to the field educator and field advisor. Returns all calls or emails in a timely manner to faculty, school staff, peers, other colleagues, students, field educators, advisors, research participants, and clients as indicated.

M.S.W. Curriculum

Foundation Courses

The foundation curriculum is designed to provide a base for generalist social work practice. The foundation curriculum offers required and elective courses that examine the breadth of social work practice and prepare students for the advanced content of the concentration curriculum.

Required courses during the Foundation year of study are:

SW-507	SOCIAL WORK: AN INTRO TO THE PROFESSION	3
SW-519	WAYS KNOWING FOR SW PRACT	3
SW-537	FIELD EDUCATION I	3
SW-539	HUMAN DEVELOPMENT	3
SW-546	DIRECT PRACTICE SKILLS IN SW I	3
SW-547	DIRECT PRACTICE SKILLS IN SW II	3
SW-550	SW MACRO & POLICY PRACTICE	3
SW-563	MODELS CLINICAL SW PRACTICE	3
SW-569	INTRO TRAUMA AND RESILIENCY	3
SW-577	FIELD EDUCATION II	2

*Please note that students are required to complete a total of 4 credits of SW 577- Field Education II.

Students are required to satisfactorily complete the Foundation Curriculum with a 3.0 GPA prior to commencing the Concentration Curriculum.

Concentration Courses

The Concentration Curriculum is directed at educating students for advanced clinical social work practice. Clinical social work practice is rooted in the profession’s historical mission of social and economic justice, its enduring values, and its Code of Ethics, and is defined as the demonstration of competency in the following:

Assessing the acute, transient, and enduring personal, interpersonal, and environmental factors that create and keep problems in place as well as the strengths, coping, and resources that mitigate these factors;
The differential use of a range of individual, family, and group practice approaches which guide assessment and intervention directed toward personal, interpersonal, and environmental change;
Community and organizational advocacy with clients to enhance service delivery and environmental resources;
Use of select methods of practice evaluation including quantitative and qualitative approaches;
Application of specialized knowledge and skills regarding practice methods, policies, programs, and practice approaches.

The Concentration Curriculum reflects this definition of Advanced Clinical Social Work Practice and includes five practice courses, two field education courses, and one psychopathology course. Required courses in the Concentration Curriculum include:

SW-607	PSYCHOPATHOLOGY	3
SW-611	ADV CLINICAL PRACTICE INDIVIDUALS	3
SW-619	ADV CLINICAL PRACTICE FAMILIES	3
SW-662	MIND BODY CONNECT: NEUR CLIN PRACTICE	3
SW-675	FIELD EDUCATION III	2
SW-677	ADV CLINICAL PRACTICE GROUPS	3
SW-687	SOCIAL WORK POLICY PRACTICE	3
SW-685	EVAL CLINICAL SW PRACTICE	3
SW-689	FIELD EDUCATION IV	2

*Please note that students are required to complete 4 credits of SW 675 Field Education III and 4 credits of SW 689 Field Education IV.

Focused Practice Courses

Alternates Each Year

SW-525	COMMUNITY ORGANIZATION	3
SW-528	CLIN SW PRAC PERSONS WTH ADDICTIONS	3
SW-543	SPIRITUALITY & CLINICAL SOC WK PRACTICE	3
SW-556	SW PRAC W/AGING IND & THEIR FAMILIES	3
SW-579	CLINICAL ASSESSMENT CHILD MALTREATMENT	3
SW-580	CHILD WELFARE SERVICES & POLICIES	3
SW-615	SW PRACTICE & FAMILY VIOLENCE	3
SW-627	INTRO TRAUMA INF CLIN SW PRAC SCH SET	3
SW-634	ADMN & SUPVSN TRAUMA INFORMED SYS CARE	3
SW-654	CONT SW PRAC/LESBIAN GAY BISEX TRANSGEN	3
SW-674	CLINICAL SW INTERVENTIONS IN BEHAV HLTH	3

Professional and Clinical Practice (Field Education)

Malita McMiller Robinson, DSW, MSW serves as the Director of Professional and Clinical Practice and oversees the clinical internship component of the social work curriculum. Clinical practice begins in theory prior to the Clinical internship experience. It begins during the foundation year, as students develop their theoretical understanding of social work practice and gain a better perspective on the social context of various populations locally, nationally, and internationally. The clinical internship allows students to take this new knowledge and apply it in practice under the supervision of a trained social worker.

M.S.W. Field Course Schedule

General Information

Students must complete a minimum of 10 field hours per week per semester.
Students may complete their clinical practice hours no earlier than two weeks prior to the end of the semester.
Students enrolled in Clinical internships are required to attend a Practice Directed Seminar each semester. Details of the seminars are provided to students by the Office of Professional and Clinical Practice.

Foundation Year

SW 537 Field Education I: 140 hours of internship hours
SW 577 Field Education II: 280 hours of internship hours
Total hours of Foundation Year Field Education: 420 hours

Concentration Year

SW 675 Field Education III: 280 hours of internship hours
SW 689 Field Education IV: 300 hours of internship hours
Total hours of Concentration Year Field Education: 580 hours

Total field education hours: 1000 (63 Credits—Full-time and Part-time)

Total Field Education hours: 580 (32 Credits—Advanced Standing- Full-time and Part-time)

Clinical Internships (Field Education) and Co-Requisites

Field Education I (SW-537) is taken with co-requisites SW-546 Direct Practice Skills in Social Work I: A Trauma-Informed Strength-Based Framework and SW-550 Social Work Macro and Policy Practice: Poverty, Oppression, and Trauma.

Field Education II (SW-577) is taken with co-requisites SW-547 Direct Practice Skills in Social Work II: A Trauma-Informed Strength-Based Framework and SW-563 Models of Intervention in Clinical Social Work Practice.

Field Education III (SW-675) is taken with co-requisite courses SW-607 Psychopathology, SW-611 Adv. Clinical Social Work Practice with Individuals, SW-619 Adv. Clinical Social Work Practice with Families.

Field Education IV (SW-689) is taken with SW-677 Adv. Clinical Social Work Practice with Groups and SW-685 Evaluation in Clinical Social Work Practice.

Clinical Internship Agency Placements

The primary Field Education Agency sites are located throughout Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach/Treasure Coast, and Lee counties. Students are assigned a Field Educator responsible for providing direct weekly supervision. Field Educators must hold a Master of Social Work degree with a minimum of two years post-master’s experience in a social work practice setting. It should be noted that Field Education cannot guarantee the placement of any student in a specific agency.

Own Agency Placement

Own Agency Placements (OAP) is an approved Clinical Internship in the organization in which the student is employed. Students may request an OAP Field placement; however, OAP requests must meet a specific set of criteria prior to obtaining final approval from the Director of Professional and Clinical Practice.

Transfer Students

Field Education accepts transfer credits from other Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) accredited Social Work programs. The student must show evidence that he/she has successfully completed a Field course as demonstrated by an Official transcript grade and a supporting letter from the previous program’s Field Education program. Final transfer approval of Field Education hours is determined by the Director of Professional and Clinical Practice.

Criminal Background Checks Process and Fees

Students are required to complete a criminal background check and may have to complete additional health screenings for entry into Field agencies. All costs related to screening requirements will be the responsibility of the student.

A positive criminal history may pose a barrier to any field education placement; agencies may deny a student internship because of a felony or misdemeanor conviction, failure of a required drug test, or inability to produce appropriate health clearances. Prompt disclosure of a known positive criminal incident is therefore recommended.

It is important to note that Field Education cannot guarantee the placement of students who have prior adult convictions and/or criminal penalties and/or who fail to disclose information regarding prior adult convictions and/or criminal penalties to Field Education or any field agency. Any intentional acts of deception may result in disciplinary action by the Barry University School of Social Work and/or termination from the Social Work program by the Dean.

Field Education Liability Insurance Fees

The School of Social Work purchases liability insurance through the National Association of Social Works (NASW) for students when they are enrolled in a field education course. This liability insurance covers the student for professional liability when they are in a field agency under the supervision of a field educator. The majority of the actual cost for this insurance is absorbed by the School of Social Work with a student co-pay of $25.00 for each semester in which a student enrolls in a new field education course. The fee will be visible on the student’s tuition statement. Additional information on liability insurance fees may be found in the Field Education Manual. Please note that the insurance liability fee is not included as part of any individual membership benefits with NASW.

Grades in Field Education

The Director of Professional and Clinical Practice is the instructor for all Field Education courses and determines all final grades. The criteria for the grades are the sole responsibility of the Director of Professional and Clinical Practice and grades cannot be appealed within the School, however a student may file a grievance and formally request the MSW Program Director to review the grading process and criteria.

Students earn a CR (Credit) when the student satisfactorily meets the expected student learning outcomes and completes all course requirements each semester of field placement.

Students earn a NC (No Credit) when the student fails to satisfactorily meet the expected student learning outcomes and/or fulfill all course requirements each semester of Field placement. A grade of No Credit indicates the student has failed the Field Education course. A grade of No Credit will require the student to repeat the course and audit the respective Practice course at cost. In the event there is a disruption in a student’s field placement and the student is unable to fulfill the educational requirements of Field Education, the student must also withdraw from the respective Practice course.

Students earn an I (Incomplete) when a student has fulfilled at least 75 percent of the Field Education expected student learning outcomes, to include Field assignments and Field agency hours. A Memo of Incomplete must be completed and signed by the student and been approved by the Director of Professional and Clinical Practice prior to the end of the semester in which the student will earn an Incomplete. (See B.S.W./M.S.W. Field Manual for details). A grade of incomplete will not be approved unless the criteria for earning an “I” has been met. Failure to submit a Memo of Incomplete for approval will result in a NC (No Credit) grade.

Failure to complete all requirements in Field Education courses, including submission of Field documents by deadlines and completion of Field assignments and Field agency work within the specified Field hours may result in a NC (No Credit) grade.

Repeat Course Policy

Field Education is a course. As per the course repeat policy (see M.S.W. Professional and Clinical Practice Manual for full policy), students may not repeat Field Education course more than twice and they must earn a CR in the repeated course.

Field Education Course Sequence Requirements

Students are expected to successfully complete all the requirements of their assigned field education course in order to move into their next sequenced field education course. M.S.W. Foundation year students must satisfy all M.S.W. Foundation year course requirements in order to move into the M.S.W. Concentration year.

Course Sequence

Course sequencing is critical in each program option. Students are requested to register in accordance with the overall course sequencing degree plan. Below is a sample of course sequencing at each program site.

Full-Time M.S.W. 63‑Credit Program

The School of Social Work offers a full-time year-round program of graduate study at the Miami campus. In the full-time program, students take a total of 28 credit hours in the foundation year and 35 credit hours in the concentration year. All courses must be taken in accordance with established pre- and co-requisites. Students who request a temporary withdrawal or must repeat a course are advised that they may experience a disruption in course sequencing. Full-time students are admitted each semester.

Full-Time M.S.W. 32‑Credit Program

The School of Social Work offers a full-time year-round program of graduate study at the Miami campus. Advanced Standing students take a total of 32 credit hours in their advanced clinical practice concentration. All courses must be taken in accordance with established pre- and co-requisites. Students who request a temporary withdrawal or must repeat a course are advised that they may experience a disruption in course sequencing. Full-time students are admitted each semester.

Part-Time M.S.W. 63‑Credit Program (in person and fully online programs)

The School of Social Work offers part-time graduate programs at the Miami campus and as an online program. The part-time program is designed to accommodate today’s busy graduate student who is managing multiple demands and responsibilities. Students who take a leave of absence or must repeat a course are advised that they may experience a disruption in course sequencing. Students are admitted into the part-time 63‑credit program each semester.

Part-Time M.S.W. 32‑Credit Program (in person and fully online programs)

The School of Social Work offers a part-time program of graduate study at the Miami campus and as an online program. Advanced Standing students take a total of 32 credit hours in their advanced clinical practice concentration. All courses must be taken in accordance with established pre- and co-requisites.

Students who request a temporary withdrawal or must repeat a course are advised that they may experience a disruption in course sequencing. Part-Time students may be admitted each semester.