Master of Social Work (MSW)

Western Kansas MSW Advanced Standing Program 

The Western Kansas MSW Advanced Standing program is a full-time, clinical program. No credit is given for courses taken before admission. Two sequential semesters of 10 credit hour enrollments are necessary to meet residence requirements. The program requires an enrollment of 38 credit hours, as follows:

• A summer enrollment in two classes. Summer classes are provided in the traditional class format, which requires attendance in class on the Fort Hays State University campus or Garden City Community College Campus. 
  • SW 712, a social work practice class organized around the school’s major curriculum themes (students must earn a minimum grade of B in SW 712 to continue), and
  • An elective course (to be determined) to broaden the base of knowledge. 
• The advanced level of the Western Kansas MSW program on the Fort Hays State University campus or Garden City Community College campus. The advanced level classes are provided in a blended courses format, which combines face-to-face and online learning with the in-class attendance occurring every other Saturday on the Fort Hays State University campus or Garden City Community College campus. 

One-year Curriculum

Summer Semester (6 credit hours)

SW 712   Social Work Practice Seminar (3) 
SW 8xx   2nd Summer Class (TBD) (3)

Clinical Social Work Concentration

This 32 credit hour concentration prepares students for social work practice with individuals, families, and small groups. The focus of the student’s academic preparation is twofold: on developing the assessment skills needed to identify the client’s personal, interpersonal, environmental and/or systems needs; and on selecting, in concert with the clients, appropriate interventions that are evidence based and supported as best practices. Students are exposed to social work theories and methods applicable to the range of practice settings in which clinical social work services are provided; they simultaneously have the opportunity to apply this developing knowledge in the field education component of their graduate programs. Students who anticipate taking the Licensed Specialist Clinical Social Worker (LSCSW) examination should enroll in the clinical social work practice concentration. For students expecting to sit for the LSCSW license in the future, at least one of the clinical electives must meet the BSRB requirement for diagnosis and treatment.   

Fall Semester (16 credit hours)

SW 801   Advanced Practicum (7) 
SW 810   Advanced Practice (3)
SW 83x   Integrative Seminar (TBD) (3)
SW 8xx   Clinical Elective (TBD) (3) 

Spring Semester (16 credit hours)

SW 801   Advanced Practicum (7) 
SW 811   Advanced Practice II (3)
SW 8xx   Diversity Course (TBD) (3)
SW 8xx   Elective (TBD) (3) 

Educational Objectives

By the end of the student’s course of study in the Clinical concentration, graduates will:

1. Complete comprehensive bio-psycho-social assessments, articulate diagnostic impressions with a range of client systems and problems, and demonstrate culturally appropriate practice and consideration of client strengths in their formulations.
2. Develop and implement appropriate intervention plans based on their assessment consistent with advanced understanding and integration of clinical practice theories, models, and empirical support.
3. Demonstrate knowledge and skill in indirect practice to enhance service delivery and client well-being, with specific emphasis on social and economic justice and populations at risk.
4. Demonstrate an integration of policy, research and practice knowledge in a particular field of practice.
5. Critically analyze theoretical models of clinical practice in relation to challenging the dominant norms and world views that have served to marginalize and oppress persons on the basis of age, race, gender, sexual orientation, ability, culture and other distinguishing characteristics.
6. Engage in clinical social work practice in a manner consistent with social work values and ethics and the themes of the School using appropriate supervision and consultation.
7. Evaluate the effectiveness of their clinical practice interventions by applying evaluation strategies to client outcomes, and subsequently using the feedback from those strategies to modify case plans on an ongoing basis. 

Admissions

Please refer to the advanced standing section of the Admissions Page.

Tuition and Fees

Students enrolled in the Western Kansas MSW program will pay University of Kansas School of Social Welfare Lawrence campus rates. For more information, please refer to the Comprehensive Fee Schedule. 

This program is made possible through a partnership between Fort Hays State University and the University of Kansas and in cooperation with Garden City Community College.