MA in Social Welfare

Master of Arts in Social Welfare

The educational emphasis of our master’s program is both on research and professional practice. Students are not only trained in diverse social science theories and methods, but are also expected to participate in advanced fieldwork at social welfare institutions in local communities. Academic advisors are assigned to each student by beginning of the second term to support students to prepare for qualifying exams and develop dissertation proposals from the first year.

Degree Requirements

Master’s students are required to enroll four semesters and obtain at least 24 credits including required courses. The overall GPA should be 3.0 or above. They also have to pass qualifying exams upon the completion of coursework, which usually takes place at the beginning of the second year. Students who have completed 18 credits of coursework are eligible to take qualifying exams. The exams are distinct for students in the Welfare State & Social Security concentration and in the Clinical Social Work & Social Service concentration. Finally, students should submit a master’s dissertation and complete an oral defense to obtain the degree.

Required Courses

• 209.547A Advanced Field Work in Social Welfare 1
• 209.538 Social Welfare Statistics 1
• 209.803 Reading and Research

• Courses from other departments can be taken up to 12 credits.
• Graduate students are allowed to take undergraduate-level courses, but they are not counted as earned credits.