Master of Social Work
The Master of Social Work program is designed for professionals engaged in social welfare and social development work who wish to pursue master’s degree that would equip them with a higher level of competence for direct practice and leadership in their field of practice. This program is open to those with a bachelor’s degree in social work and to those without a BSSW pursuing a diploma in social work with a GWA of 2.0 or better.
Objectives
The program aims to:
• Provide a higher level of competence in direct practice and supervisory tasks to social welfare and social development practitioners; and
• Prepare graduates to assume leadership roles in the field of social administration, clinical practice, or community organizing.
Mode of Instruction
All courses, except for the field instruction courses, will be delivered mainly by distance education mode. Field instruction courses, an integral part in social work education, requires face-to-face supervision and this will be accomplished with the support of local preceptors working under the overall direction of the faculty-in-charge of the course.
Prospective applicants are advised that the program requires at least two field instruction courses requiring work in an assigned agency 10 hours as week, for 17 consecutive weeks, usually on regular work hours. Those without a BSSW will need at least three field instruction courses, with the first one, SW 280.1, requiring 20 hours a week for 17 consecutive weeks. Those without a BSSW who wish to complete the 1,000 hours required for professional social work training must enroll in a total of five field instruction courses. Those whose employment will not allow for an adjustment of their work schedule may find it extremely difficult, if not impossible, to complete this program.
Admission Requirements
- A bachelor’s degree in social work from a recognized academic institution or a GWA of 2.0 better in their current Diploma in Social Work;
- A high level of intellectual capacity and integrity;
- A high English proficiency level (as evidenced by a TOEFL certification) for foreign applicants
These will be determined through (1) an examination of an applicant’s academic credentials, (2) a review of references from former professors and professional supervisors, and (3) an interview.
Curriculum
The program consists of 39 units, with varying tracks for those who do not need 1,000 hours of field instruction (both BSSW and non-BSSW holders) and those who do (non-BSSW holders). After successfully completing all courses, candidates must take and pass a comprehensive examination to earn the degree.
For Those Directly Entering the Master of Social Work (39 units)
Core Courses (18 units)
| SW 201 | Social, Economic & Political Structures and Processes (3 units) |
| SW 202 | Human Behavior and Social Change (3 units) |
| SW 210 | Social Administration and Development (3 units) |
| SW 220 | Social Work Theory and Practice in the Philippines (3 units) |
| SW 299.1 | Social Work Research I (3 units) |
| SW 299.2 | Social Work Research II (3 units) |
| Major Courses (6 units) | |
| SW 211 | Social Policy Development (3 units) AND |
| SW 212 | Social Planning and Program Development (3 units) OR |
| SW 221 | Clinical Social Work Practice I (3 units) AND |
| SW 222 | Clinical Social Work Practice II (3 units) OR |
| SW 230 | Theory and Practice of Community Organization (3 units) AND |
| SW 231 | Strategies in Community Mobilization (3 units) |
| Field Instruction 6 units | |
| SW 280 | Field Instruction I (3 units) |
| SW 281 | Field Instruction II (3 units) |
| Elective 6 units | |
| SW 253 | Supervision in the Social Services or any major course apart from area of specialization (3 units) |
| Any of the major courses apart from those in the area of specialization (3 units) | |
| Cognate 3 units | |
| A graduate course from any related discipline (3 units) | |
| Comprehensive Exam | |
| For Those With a Diploma in Social Work | |
| Not Needing 1,000 Hours of Field Instruction (12 units) | |
| SW 299.2 | Social Work Research II (3 units) |
| SW 281 | Field Instruction II (3 units) |
| Elective (3 units) | |
| Any graduate level social work course (3 units) | |
| Cognate 3 units | |
| Any graduate level course in other area (3 units) | |
| For Those With a Diploma in Social Work | |
| Needing 1,000 Hours of Field Instruction (12 units) | |
| SW 299.2 | Social Work Research II (3 units) |
| SW 281 | Field Instruction II (3 units) |
| SW 280.2 | Field Instruction: Special Client Group I (3 units) |
| SW 280.3 | Field Instruction: Special Client Group II (3 units) |
| Comprehensive Exam | |
revised: June 5, 2009
