The goals of the MSW program are to:1. Prepare advanced generalist practitioners who demonstrate ability to use their knowledge, values, and skills to work at the micro, mezzo, and macro levels of practice within local, national and global contexts;2. Educate graduates to utilize social justice and human rights frameworks in their work and to embrace social action practice;3. Inspire graduates who lead efforts to improve health and wellness in the lives of all people and to create a more just and life-affirming society;4. Promote the ability of graduates to engage in critical, self-reflective and ethical practice;5. Develop practitioners who utilize strengths-based, person-in-environment and empowerment approaches in all their work that are informed by a respect for human dignity, diversity, and inclusiveness; and6. Educate practitioners who are able to engage in research-informed practice models and who are able to contribute to the creation of knowledge in the field of Social Work by engaging in practice-informed research processesThe goals for our MSW program are clearly derived from our mission statement, and reflect the values, emphases, and perspectives articulated there. The first goal purposefully aligns with our stated premise to educate for all systems levels of practice in local, national, and global contexts. The second goal emphasizes the importance of social justice and human rights frameworks in our graduates’ ability to embrace social action. The third goal is an expression of our commitment to leadership in improving health and wellness for both individuals and in the society—this affirms our commitment to social and environmental justice as well as a reflection of our location within a health sciences infrastructure. Our fourth goal reflects the importance of social workers practicing ethically and from a value base. Our fifth goal expresses a commitment to compel graduates to use frameworks that are informed by human dignity, diversity and inclusiveness. Our sixth goal commits us to educate practitioners who seek and utilize knowledge in their work at all levels.Advanced Standing ProgramStudents who have graduated from a CSWE accredited baccalaureate program in social work within the past five years may apply for the Advanced Standing Program. Students applying for this option must demonstrate their readiness to function at the level of a second year MSW student. Students generally complete the program in one year, or may take a reduced program and complete the requirements in 1.5 to two years. Students spend three days in a field education setting for one academic year and must complete the required and elective courses. Students in this program cannot use their place of employment for their field placement and must earn all the 36 credits as matriculated students in the School of Social Welfare. Students in the Advanced Standing Program must choose a Specialization, but will generally follow the format listed above (Advanced CurriculumSecond Year Specialization.)