Master of Social Work in Fairfax United States | George Mason University

George Mason University's Master of Social Work (MSW) program, accredited and launched in autumn 2002, equips students for advanced practice in social work. The MSW curriculum features a foundational Generalist year followed by specialized training. On-campus students can select from two-year, three-year, or four-year completion plans. BSW graduates from CSWE-accredited programs may be eligible for the Advanced Standing option.

The Generalist Curriculum covers essential topics including social work fundamentals, human behavior and social systems, poverty and inequality, direct practice methods across various client systems, community practice throughout the lifespan, research methods, advocacy strategies, and psychopathology studies.

After completing the generalist coursework, students specialize in either Children, Youth & Families (CYF) or Adults & Healthy Aging (AHA). Both specializations focus on population-specific approaches to prevention, assessment, treatment, and evidence-based interventions while developing research, program evaluation, and policy implementation skills. The curriculum emphasizes understanding cultural, social, and economic influences on client needs and enhancing practitioners' equity competencies.