Social Work Master's Degree
Influence systemic change, tackle societal inequalities, and advocate for marginalized communities.In-Demand Career
There is now a huge demand for social workers with advanced degrees in Southeast Kansas. The 16-county area has the lowest ratio of clinical social workers per resident in the state.
Two Courses of Study
The program will have two courses of study: a one-year program for students who have a Bachelor’s in Social Work (“Advanced Standing”), and a two-year program for students who have a degree in something else (“Traditional Plan of Study”). For students in the two-year program, the first will be considered their generalist year and the second their clinical year. Students in the one-year program will proceed directly to their clinical year.
Practicum Placement
Students will complete practicum placements during the generalist and clinical years thanks to partnerships with area agencies. Students work locally in mental health, healthcare, social services and family support, hospice and addictions treatment, and community services.
11%
employment growth for social workers in coming years
85%
of Pitt State social work undergraduates plan to pursue an advanced degree
70%
of all mental health services in the U.S. are provided by social workers
13,000
professional social workers employed by the Deptartment of Veterans Affairs, one of the largest employers of MSWs in the US
"We’re proud to be able to eliminate the two greatest hurdles students face — distance and cost — while at the same time finding a way to help directly address a critical workforce shortage."
Chris Childers, director of the School of History, Philosophy, and Social Sciences
Social Work Careers
With a focus on evidence-based practice, our MSW program prepares social workers to critically analyze research and apply innovative interventions to address emerging challenges in the field. Graduates are prepared to hold positions in the following sectors:
- Mental Health and Counseling Centers: A Clinical Social Worker assesses, diagnoses, and provides therapeutic interventions for individuals dealing with mental health challenges.
- Hospitals, Hospice, and Home Health: A Medical Social Worker collaborates with healthcare teams to address patients' psychosocial needs, facilitate communication, and coordinate post-discharge care.
- K-12 Schools: A School Social Worker supports students' academic and social-emotional development, addresses behavioral issues, and collaborates with educators and families.
- Child Welfare: A Case Worker investigates reports of child abuse or neglect, assesses family situations, and develops plans to ensure child safety and well-being.
- Corrections: A Correctional Social Worker assists incarcerated individuals with reintegration into society, addresses behavioral issues, and provides support for rehabilitation.
- Probation and Parole: A Probation Officer monitors and supports individuals on probation, develops rehabilitation plans, and facilitates community resources for successful reintegration.
- Assisted Living Centers: A Geriatric Social Worker assesses and addresses the social and emotional needs of older adults in assisted living settings, coordinating services to enhance their quality of life.
- Addiction Treatment: A Substance Abuse Counselor provides counseling and support for individuals struggling with substance abuse, facilitating recovery and relapse prevention.
- Crisis Centers: A Crisis Intervention Specialist responds to immediate mental health crises, offering support and connecting individuals with appropriate resources.
- Governmental Agencies: A Social Services Program Manager oversees social service programs, ensuring effective delivery of services to the community.
“There is a demand for social work professionals here and a growing demand for services addressing social problems," said Kristen Humphrey, professor of Social Work and director of the Master's program.
Additional information
for the School of History, Philosophy, and Social Sciences
Catalog – see program guides