Why University of Denver?
The University of Denver, a large private research university in Denver, Colorado, recruits applicants for its online Master of Social Work program. The program accepts applicants with an undergraduate degree in any subject.
Standardized test scores are not required, and a minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.50 is expected.
Program Snapshot
| University Name | University of Denver |
| Location | Denver |
| State | Colorado |
| Niche.com Grade | A- |
| Name of Degree | Master of Social Work |
| School or Department Administering Program | Graduate School of Social Work |
| Credits | 81 |
| Cost per credit | $1,108.00 |
| Tuition for Entire Program | $89,748 |
| Test Requirements | No |
| Minimum GPA | 2.50 |
| Prerequisite Courses and Skills | none |
| Campus Visit Required? | No Visit Required |
| Typical Time to Complete | 21-27 months |
| When Can Students Start the Program? | January, March, June or September |
| Program Concentrations | Mental Health and Trauma; Health, Equity and Wellness |
| Synchronous Classes | Yes |
| Required Courses |
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| Does the Program Include a Capstone? | No |
| Does the Program Include a Practicum or Internship? | Yes |
| Other Features that Make the Program Unique | With support from 10 public and private partners statewide, the Climb@DU initiative is training social workers to meet behavioral health needs in underserved Colorado communities; faculty expertise in bio-affiliation and nature connection; tribal child welfare; veterans and violence, and others |
| Program Objectives (quoted directly from the program) | Demonstrate ethical and professional behavior; Engage diversity and difference in practice; Advance human rights and social, economic and environmental justice; Engage in practice-informed research and research-informed practice; engage in policy practice; Engage, assess, intervene and evaluate practice with individuals, families, groups, organizations and communities |
| Program Description | This 81-credit program offers applicants an opportunity to attend this large private university to prepare for a career in social work. A capstone is not required but all students must complete a practicum. The university touts public and private partnerships and expertise in veterans’ issues, tribal child welfare, and the relationships between animals and humans. |
What will I Learn?
As with other programs accredited by the Council on Social Work Education, the curriculum at the University of Denver is aimed at educating ethical professionals committed to core values of social, economic and environmental justice and the importance of human rights. Students learn to engage with research and assessment in order to guide their professional practice and enable them to contribute to practice and policy development.
Required courses include Integrated Social Work Practice for Social Justice, Clinical Social Work Skills and Power, Privilege and Oppression. Students gain key skills prior to their practicum in Introduction to Graduate Internship, and the practicum is accompanied by required Field Internship and Concentration Field Internship courses. Students learn to understand their clients in Human Behavior in the Social Environment and Disproportionality and Disparity Across Systems. Students learn key professional skills in Clinical Social Work Theory and Practice and Community/Macro Social Work Theory and Practice. Leadership skills are taught in Evidence for Practice and Social Policy Analysis, Advocacy and Practice. All other courses are electives.
Students can choose to specialize in one of the following concentrations: Mental Health and Trauma; Health, Equity and Wellness.
How much will the program cost?
Students finish their degree within 21-27 months and pay $1,108.00 per credit for a total of 81 credits, or $89,748 in total.
How does the program fit into my life?
Courses are synchronous, meaning that students attend “live” class sessions online each week at a scheduled time. No campus visit is required. Most students complete the program within 21-27 months. Students can enter the program in January, March, June or September.
Summary
With a lower-than-average GPA required for admission, the Master of Social Work program may be more accessible to some applicants than similar programs. However, applicants should also be aware of its high cost. Additional funding may be available through the Climb@DU initiative. Some applicants will be attracted by faculty expertise in bio-affiliation and nature connection, tribal child welfare, and issues surrounding veterans and violence.
