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Master of Social Work

DEGREE TYPE LEARNING MODE
DEGREE TYPE

Master of Science

LEARNING MODE

On-Campus | Online

Become a leader for urban change and help improve the quality of life for community members. Go beyond the basics and learn how you can advocate for vulnerable populations.

60

Credit Hours

2-3

Years to Complete

2

Program Tracks

Take the next step in your academic and professional career with Morgan. Pursue your future – today.

Program Director

Contact Information : Dr. Jocelyn Taliaferro

E : Jocelyn.Taliaferro@Morgan.edu

Social Work students

Transform Your Future with the Master of Social Work

The Morgan Masters in Social Work program equips beginning generalist and advanced social work practitioners with the skills to effectively serve urban families, groups, organizations, and communities, with a strong commitment to alleviating human suffering, improving quality of life, and addressing systemic issues such as poverty, socioeconomic disadvantage, violence, substance abuse, mental health challenges, social injustice, and discrimination—particularly as they impact African Americans, who are disproportionately affected by these challenges in urban settings.

Why Morgan?

HBCU Distinction

1st

In the state, we rank first for master’s and doctoral degrees awarded to African Americans, ranging from bioinformatics to engineering and social work.

U.S. News Best HBCU

R2 doctoral university

In 2018, Morgan became a Carnegie-classified R2 doctoral university with high research activity. We are dedicated to supporting students and faculty with innovative research projects.

Veteran Friendly School

20%

We take pride in our diversity and international-friendly community. Over 20% of Morgan students identify as nonblack, coming from the United States or places like Africa, China, Saudi Arabia, and more.

Move Forward in Your Professional Career

Morgan State University’s MSW program, offered both in-person and online, is rooted in social justice and core social work principles, preparing graduates to achieve advanced competencies in ethical practice, diversity engagement, human rights advocacy, research integration, policy practice, and intervention across individual, family, group, organizational, and community levels, with a specialized focus on African American social welfare and the complexities of urban communities. Join the people-focused leaders working on the urban problems of today.

Social Work students

Learn In-Demand Skills

Morgan State University's MSW program equips students with essential skills in ethical and professional social work practice, diversity and inclusion, and social justice advocacy, preparing them to address systemic inequalities in urban communities. The curriculum emphasizes policy analysis, research-informed practice, and effective engagement with individuals, families, and organizations, ensuring graduates can implement and evaluate interventions that promote well-being. With a distinct focus on urban social work and the experiences of African Americans in social welfare, the program prepares students to tackle challenges such as poverty, mental health, violence, and discrimination.

Social Work students

Secure Your Ideal Career

Graduates of an MSW program can pursue diverse career paths, including:

  1. Medical Social Worker – Supporting patients in healthcare settings, including hospitals, hospice, and chronic illness care.
  2. School Social Worker – Assisting students with behavioral, emotional, and academic challenges in educational settings.
  3. Policy Analyst or Advocate – Working on social justice initiatives, policy reform, and community development.
  4. Child Welfare or Family Services Social Worker – Supporting children and families in foster care, adoption, and protective services.

Pursue Hands-On Research and Internships

All students are required to complete 12 credits of supervised internship performed in person. Some students can find opportunities to work with faculty members for their research.

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Program Requirements

The Master of Social Work program prepares students for professional social work practice through required coursework, field education, and applied learning experiences. Students are expected to complete all academic and field placement requirements, maintain good academic standing, and demonstrate professional and ethical conduct throughout the program. The curriculum supports the development of knowledge and skills in social work practice, policy, research, advocacy, and community engagement.

Requirements

Course Title Semester
Course

SOWK 501

Title

Generalist Social Work Practice

Semester

3

Course

SOWK 502

Title

Agency and Neighborhood Development in Poor Urban Communities 

Semester

3

Course SOWK 505 Title Life Course Development and Issues (HBSE I) Semester 3
Course SOWK 506 Title Urban Organizations, Neighborhoods & Communities (HBSE II) Semester 3
Course SOWK 507 Title Social Welfare and Urban Economics Semester 3
Course SOWK 509 Title Chemical Dependency Clinical Assessment & Treatment Semester 3
Course SOWK 510 Title Research and Urban Social Problems Semester 3

Achieve Success Like Our Alumni

At Morgan State, student success is our top priority. You’re capable of more than you know, and we’re invested in your transformation from good to even better. As one of the largest producers of STEM graduates and STEM-employed alumni in Maryland, we have a strong history of guiding students toward success. We’re confident you’ll become part of our legacy of excellence. Challenge yourself to accomplish the unimaginable, just like the alumni before you.

Financial Aid Makes Things Possible

Choosing the right program is a big decision—and we are here to help you navigate the options available for funding your education. Whether you are an in-state, out-of-state, or international student, you may be eligible for Graduate Funding. We also offer two types of Graduate Assistantships: Teaching Assistantships (TAs) and Research Assistantships (RAs). Both provide special learning opportunities in exchange for a stipend/salary and Tuition Award. In addition, by simply filing your FAFSA each year, you will be able to participate in Federal Plus Loans and Federal Direct Loan Programs. With proper planning, going back to graduate school is more than possible. We are committed to breaking barriers and opening doors for all future students. Contact us to learn more about affordability at Morgan’s School of Graduate Studies.

  • Graduate Fellowships and federal Title III Graduate Fellowships provide a stipend and Tuition Award
  • Teaching Assistantships offer you the chance to teach and assist with undergraduate courses
  • Research Assistantships give you research experience with faculty-led or external projects
  • Federal Direct Loan Programs include the Direct Subsidized and Direct Unsubsidized Loans
  • Additional Grants and Scholarships from external sources award free money—so apply early