Program Information
Kate Turcotte Ph.D., LICSW
MSW Program Director,
Professor of Social Work
Department of Social Sciences
kate.turcotte@colby-sawyer.edu
603.526.3750
603.526.3700
MSW Curriculum
Colby-Sawyer’s Master of Social Work program prepares students for ethical, responsive and justice-centered social work practice. Grounded in a person-in-environment perspective, the program emphasizes strengths-based practice, cultural humility, human rights, evidence-informed decision-making and professional readiness across micro, mezzo and macro settings.
Our MSW is intentionally designed to feel personal, connected and supportive while offering the flexibility of an online learning environment. Students move through a curriculum integrating course instruction, practicum education and professional identity development.
Curriculum Pathways
Students complete coursework across generalist and specialist practice, including social work practice with individuals, families, groups, communities and organizations; human rights and social justice; policy; research and evaluation; clinical assessment; leadership; trauma and mental health; and the specialist practicum. The program culminates in a Capstone portfolio for students to demonstrate and reflect on their growth across the nine CSWE social work competencies.
Generalist Year Curriculum
The generalist year introduces foundational social work knowledge, values and skills, including practice, policy, research, social justice and practicum preparation. Students complete 21 course credits and nine practicum credits in the generalist curriculum.
Specialist Year/Advanced Standing Curriculum
The specialist year builds advanced practice knowledge and includes coursework in clinical assessment and diagnosis, comparative social welfare policy, advanced research, Capstone, specialist practicum, and concentration-aligned electives. Students complete 21 course credits and 10 practicum credits in the specialist/advanced standing curriculum and may select a clinical or macro/policy concentration.
May Start Course Sequence
Students beginning in May follow a summer-start sequence that begins with Skills Lab II and Social Work Research & Evaluation before moving into fall generalist coursework and practicum preparation.
View May Start Course Sequence
Course Descriptions
Explore descriptions for all MSW courses, including generalist practice, practicum seminars, advanced clinical and policy courses, electives and the MSW Capstone.
Practicum Education
Practicum education is central to the MSW experience. Students complete field-based learning that connects classroom knowledge with social work practice in real organizations and communities. Across the program, practicum courses support students in developing professional competence, ethical practice, reflective learning and readiness for the field.