Area of Emphasis
Students in the Master of Social Work (MSW) program must choose a specialization before they begin the advanced program, the second half of the MSW curriculum. Students must choose either Clinical Social Work or Management and Policy.
In addition to the requirements for their specialization, students may also wish to develop an Area of Emphasis. MSW students may opt to complete an Area of Emphasis as they complete their course requirements. An Area of Emphasis focuses on a student-identified and student-driven topic, population, or interest. An Area of Emphasis involves three relevant courses and a practicum. The courses may include a combination of electives, advanced distribution requirements, and an advanced social policy course. These courses also count toward general academic requirements.
Students may also opt to enroll in relevant graduate-level courses from another Rutgers University graduate/professional school. Students must seek prior approval from the School of Social Work's Office of Student Affairs for courses taken from other departments to ensure that courses will be applied toward their MSW degree. An Area of Emphasis is optional. Areas of Emphasis are not predetermined by the School of Social Work. Students are able to develop their own individual, unique Area of Emphasis. Specific information about the policy and procedures for the Area of Emphasis will be provided at new student orientation and via email throughout a student’s matriculation. Following graduation, Areas of Emphasis are noted on official transcripts.
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Students may earn an Area of Emphasis in Social Policy. An Area of Emphasis in Social Policy requires three relevant courses and an appropriate practicum. Please note, students must be in the Management and Policy (MAP) Specialization to complete this Area of Emphasis.
Choose from one of five Advanced Contemporary Policy courses and two electives.
Recommended Social Work Courses
19:910:542 Advanced Contemporary Policy: Health
19:910:544 Poverty, Inequality, Discrimination and Public Policy
19:910:584 Advanced Contemporary Policy: Interpersonal Violence
19:910:585 Advanced Contemporary Policy: Economic Justice for Families and Communities
19:910:587 Advanced Contemporary Policy: Mental Health
19:910:591Advanced Contemporary Policy: Children & YouthStudents may also opt to enroll in relevant graduate-level courses from another Rutgers University graduate/professional school including the Bloustein School, Political Science, and Sociology.
Note other classes may apply.
Questions about the Social Policy Area of Emphasis can be directed to Professor Lenna Nepomnyaschy at lennan@ssw.rutgers.edu.
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Students may earn an Area of Emphasis in Global Social Work. An Area of Emphasis in Global Social Work requires three relevant courses and an appropriate practicum. Students in either the Clinical Social Work (CSW) specialization or the Management and Policy (MAP) specialization can complete this Area of Emphasis.
Social Work Courses
19:910:543: Social Work with Immigrants and Refugees
19:910:545 Global Social Work and Social DevelopmentStudy Abroad
View our current global education opportunities.
Practicum Learning Opportunities
In addition, the Office of Practicum Learning works with students with relevant experience and course work to find practicum opportunities in U.S. based organizations that provide global social work opportunities such as services to immigrants and refugees.
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The well-being of children, youth, and families is central to the mission of social work. This Area of Emphasis prepares students to work with children, youth and families in a variety of service settings. An Area of Emphasis in Children, Youth and Families requires three relevant courses and an appropriate practicum. Students in either the Clinical Social Work (CSW) specialization or the Management and Policy (MAP) specialization can complete this Area of Emphasis.
Recommended Social Work Courses:
19:910:513 Clinical Social Work: Adolescents
19:910:518 Clinical Social Work: Children
19:910:519 Clinical Social Work: Families
19:910: 520 Clinical Social Work: Schools
19:910:529 Adolescents: Understanding Risk and Resilience
19:910:567 Understanding Violence and Abuse in Childhood
19:910:574 Developmental Perspective on Infants and Child Well Being
19:910:579 Trauma Specific Practice with Children and Families
19:910:591 Advanced Contemporary Policy: Children and YouthNote other classes may apply.
Practicum Learning Opportunities
The Office of Practicum Learning works with students with relevant experience and course work to find practicum opportunities that provide services to children, youth and families, including but not limited to schools, child welfare agencies, after-school programs, heath care settings, advocacy organizations, and mental health clinics.
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The promotion of mental and behavioral health is central to the mission of social work. This Area of Emphasis prepares students to employ evidence-based interventions with a variety of client populations to promote, restore, and maintain behavioral health. An Area of Emphasis in Mental and Behavioral Health requires three relevant courses and an appropriate practicum. Students in either the Clinical Social Work (CSW) specialization or the Management and Policy (MAP) specialization can complete this Area of Emphasis.
Recommended Social Work Courses:
19:910:514 Understanding Addictive Behaviors
19:910:517 Clinical Social Work: Mental Health
19:910:523 Clinical Social Work: Survivors of Abuse and Trauma
19:910:529 Adolescents: Understanding Risk and Resilience
19:910:530 Solution-Focused Therapy
19:910:547 Social Work with Loss Across the Lifespan
19:910:568 Clinical Social Work: Behavioral Health with Latinos
19:910:579 Trauma Specific Practice with Children and Families
10:910:587 Advanced Contemporary Policy: Mental HealthNote other classes may apply.
Practicum Learning Opportunities
In addition, the Office of Practicum Learning works with students with relevant experience and course work to find practicum opportunities that prepare students for practice in mental and behavioral health. Practicum Learning opportunities include, but are not limited to, inpatient psychiatric settings, community-based rehabilitation facilities, mental health clinics, substance abuse treatment facilities, family agencies, and other healthcare facilities.
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Social workers have a long tradition of practicing in health care settings and advocating for the expansion of health care access for vulnerable populations. With the passage of the Affordable Care Act (2010) the demand for social work expertise in health has increased. This Area of Emphasis prepares students to work to promote health and rehabilitation in a variety of settings. An Area of Emphasis in Health requires three relevant courses and an appropriate practicum. Students in either the Clinical Social Work (CSW) specialization or the Management and Policy (MAP) specialization can complete this Area of Emphasis.
Recommended Social Work Courses
19:910:516 Clinical Social Work: Health
19:910:525 Clinical Social Work: Aging
19:910:542 Advanced Contemporary Policy: Health
19:910:547 Social Work with Loss Across the Lifespan
19:910:562 Chronic Illness and Disability
19:910:572 Aging Services: A Critical PerspectiveNote other classes may apply.
Practicum Learning Opportunities
In addition, the Office of Practicum Learning works with students with relevant experience and course work to find practicum opportunities that prepare students for practice in a variety of health-related settings. Practicum Learning opportunities include, but are not limited to, hospitals, health clinics, community-based rehabilitation facilities, mental health clinics, and family agencies.