Program Overview
Master of Social Work (MSW)
At the University of the District of Columbia — the nation’s only public urban land-grant university located in the heart of Washington, D.C. — social work is more than a profession. It is a commitment to transforming communities, advancing equity and shaping public policy where it matters most.
The UDC Master of Social Work (MSW) program is purpose-built for the realities of today’s urban environments. Situated in the nation’s capital, the program is uniquely designed to respond to the District’s evolving behavioral health, social service, workforce and community well-being needs. Students are immersed in a hybrid learning environment that connects classroom theory to real-world impact — preparing them to lead, advocate and serve in complex, dynamic settings.
The UDC MSW Program is delivered in a hybrid format that combines online learning with strategically scheduled in-person experiences. This flexible model allows students to balance graduate education with work, family and community responsibilities while benefiting from meaningful face-to-face engagement with faculty, peers and community partners.
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A Curriculum Grounded in Urban Impact
The hybrid program prepares future social workers to navigate and address the interconnected challenges facing urban communities. Students choose from two specialized tracks:
- Civic and community engagement.
- Trauma prevention, intervention and recovery.
These specializations are complemented by four focused concentration areas that reflect pressing societal needs:
- Urban environmental social work.
- Political social work.
- Family and community violence.
- Substance abuse prevention, intervention and recovery.
This multifaceted approach ensures graduates are equipped with both the clinical insight and policy awareness needed to drive lasting change.
Learning by Doing
At UDC, experiential learning is not optional—it is foundational. Students complete 900 hours of supervised practicum experience over two years, gaining hands-on exposure across a range of professional settings. In addition, coursework integrates applied, real-world learning through:
- Community-based and policy-focused projects.
- Case-based and simulation-based learning.
- Interdisciplinary collaboration.
- Advocacy and civic engagement activities.
- Research-informed practice assignments.
Practicum placements reflect the breadth of social work practice and may include behavioral health agencies, schools, hospitals, nonprofits, government agencies, advocacy organizations and trauma-informed service settings.
Personalized Education With Expert Faculty
With an anticipated 1:12 student-to-faculty ratio, as well as face-to-face and online meeting opportunities, students benefit from personalized instruction, mentorship and meaningful engagement with faculty who are recognized leaders in the field.
UDC’s award-winning faculty bring decades of experience in education, policy, research, and community practice, including honors from organizations such as the National Association of Black Social Workers, the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities, and national leadership roles in social work education and advocacy.