MSW Curriculum
At the Brown School, our MSW curriculum is intentionally designed to prepare students not just for employment—but for meaningful, long-term leadership in social work. Grounded in research, driven by evidence, and enriched by practice, our coursework equips students to lead change at the micro, mezzo, and macro levels.
Your courses will be taught by our field-leading faculty members, renowned for their contributions that move the fields of social work and social policy forward. Faculty bring their research back into the classroom, giving you access to cutting-edge developments in the field.
With a more than 100-year legacy as one of the most respected schools of social work in the country, the Brown School curriculum prepares social work graduates to enter the field with the confidence, tools, and vision to enact change where it matters most.
Discover more below:
The Brown School boasts a list of eight diverse concentrations and eight specializations. These focus areas align with traditional career paths in social work, as well as innovations in the field. For students whose interests lie outside these predetermined focus areas, an individualized concentration is available. These varied areas of focus allow you to select a course path tailored to your unique professional aspirations.
Every semester, course offerings provide preparation for impact across the field. Students interested in clinical work select from a comprehensive list of population-specific practice and treatment courses. Coursework focusing on implementation, evaluations, politics and economics prepare students who want to work in community development, management or policy-related positions. One-credit Skill Labs — on topics including grant writing, fundraising, budget management, data management and statistical analysis software — equip you with specific skills to enhance your readiness for the job market.
The Brown School is recognized as a pioneer in evidence-based practice—and this is reflected in every course. From your very first semester, you’ll develop fluency in statistical analysis and data interpretation – essential tools for creating sustainable, measurable solutions that respond to complex social challenges.
Our approach to teaching evidence-based practice doesn’t end at theory—it’s embedded in classroom learning, field work, and faculty mentorship. As one of the most research-funded social work programs in the country, we prepare students to analyze what works, adapt to context, and lead implementation that makes a difference.
The Brown School believes that its graduates are expected to be leaders in the field of social work practice. Many of our alumni rise quickly into leadership roles in programs and organizations within a short time following graduation, due in part to our curriculum’s integrated focus on leadership and administration. Every MSW student completes coursework in leadership and management as a vital component of their professional training. No matter your professional goals, you will graduate with the mindset and competencies to advance your career.
Required Courses
The list below includes the required courses that you’ll use to build your course of study. Any item in italics represents an opportunity to choose from a variety of courses offered within that category. Because of the chance for customization of each MSW degree at the Brown School, the order in which you take your courses may vary.
Curriculum and required credit hours are subject to change.
| Foundation | 21 credit |
|---|---|
| Research Methods with Statistical Applications | 3 credits |
| Human Behavior | 3 credits |
| Social Justice and Human Diversity | 3 credits |
| Social, Economic, and Political Environment | 3 credits |
| Social Welfare Policies and Services | 3 credits |
| Social Work Practice with Individuals, Families, and Groups | 3 credits |
| Social Work Practice with Organizations and Communities | 3 credits |
| Foundation Practicum | 4 credit |
|---|---|
| Foundation Practicum | 3 credits (360 hours) |
| Foundation Practicum Integrative Seminar | 1 credits |
| Concentration* | 21 credit |
|---|---|
| Theory, Problems, and Issues | 3 credits |
| Social Policy | 3 credits |
| Practice Methods | 9 credits |
| Leadership and Management | 3 credits |
| Evaluation | 3 credits |
*Specific course options vary according to the concentration you pursue.
| Concentration Practicum | 5 credits (600 hours) |
|---|
| Electives** | 9 credit |
|---|---|
| Elective I | 3 credits |
| Elective II | 3 credits |
| Elective III | 3 credits |
**Use your elective credits to earn an optional specialization or to take other graduate coursework. Choose from a wealth of social work electives or pursue relevant courses from other WashU graduate programs.
Additionally, you’ll find outstanding research opportunities, as well as real-world learning experiences through practica and field-based coursework. For those who are interested in making a global impact, the Brown School offers field-based courses around the world.
If you have earned a BSW from a CSWE-accredited school, you may be eligible for advanced standing credit.