Safety Alert
Academic Programs Home | Academics | Academic Programs | Social Work (MSW)

Social Work (MSW)

Program Info

Degree Type:
Graduate
Questions?
(800) 414-5756
Application Deadline
May 15 | Oct. 15 for 1-Year Direct Practice only
Degree Map
Catalog link
About Highlights Curriculum Locations Spotlight Careers Faculty
Back to Top

Open Doors and Make a Difference with TROY's Master of Social Work Degree

Gain the skills to impact others while opening the door to better-paying jobs in social work and beyond with the Troy University Master of Social Work (MSW) program. TROY's MSW degree offers a specialization in Direct Practice with a focus on military families, equipping you to meet critical needs in diverse communities. If you're looking for online MSW programs, you'll also have that option at TROY.

Master of Social Work graduate Chelsie Trucks on the academic quad on the Troy, Alabama campus
“My master's degree has helped me become a better leader. I have been able to implement critical thinking skills, policies and ethics in my job that my degree has trained and taught me to do. I am thankful for the additional training and hands-on experience that my degree provided me with, so I can help others daily.”
Chelsie Trucks | Care Coordinator, East Alabama Health | 2021 graduate, Master of Social Work, Direct Practice

A Career-Focused MSW Specialization

With TROY's MSW degree, you'll specialize in Direct Practice, preparing you to work directly with individuals, families and groups in the field of social work. This one-of-a-kind program also helps you fill an unmet need for social work services for active-duty military, reserve personnel and their families. Through this specialization, you'll gain the skills needed to make a meaningful impact in diverse areas such as mental health, disaster relief and private practice.

MSW Paths for BSW & Non-BSW Students

If you have a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree from a school accredited by the Council of Social Work Education (CSWE), you can complete your TROY MSW degree in one year. If you do not have a BSW degree, you will pursue TROY's two-year MSW program. No entrance exams are required to apply. The one-year MSW with Direct Practice specialization is offered online and in person on the Troy and Montgomery campuses. The two-year MSW degree with Direct Practice specialization is offered online.
Apply Now

MSW Curriculum

While specific courses may vary from year to year, your coursework may include:
Academic Catalog Degree Map

MSW Degree Locations

The Master of Social Work is available online. For more information about program availability and delivery options, call 1-800-414-5756.

TROY Online

Preparation for Professional Social Work Licensure

TROY's MSW program meets almost any state's professional social work licensure requirements. That distinction gives you the confidence to know you'll be prepared for social work careers that fit your interests and goals, including helping the most vulnerable populations.

TROY's MSW program is accredited by the Council of Social Work Education (CSWE), which is required for licensure in Alabama and across the nation. To become a licensed social worker, you must also pass the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) exam and complete the required supervised work hours after graduation.

Read more about Public Disclosure of Social Work Licensure.
Academic quad on the Troy, Alabama campus

Jobs with an MSW Degree

With your Master of Social Work from TROY, you'll be prepared to work within a multitude of social work fields and settings.

An In-demand MSW Specialization

You'll specialize in Direct Practice in TROY's MSW degree program. This focus equips you for careers in counseling, research, advocacy, mental health, disaster relief, criminal justice systems, Veterans Administration and areas of private practice.
Direct Practice Specialization
The Direct Practice specialization offers you a one-of-a-kind opportunity. You will receive specialized training in providing advanced-level social work services to individuals, families and groups.

In addition, TROY's long partnership with the United States military and TROY's faculty with military backgrounds provides you the unique opportunity to gain focused training in assisting military families. In addition to serving the specific unmet need for social work services for our active-duty military and reserve personnel, you'll have the opportunity to fill a need in public and private social work areas as a graduate in this specialization.

The one-year Direct Practice is a Master of Social Work online program and is also offered in class on the Troy and Montgomery campuses. The two-year Direct Practice is an online MSW program.

*Available for International Students (accreditation standards apply)

Faculty Profiles

Dr. Javier Boyas

Dr. Javier Boyas

Javier Boyas, Ph.D., MSW, is the director of the TROY School of Social Work and Human Services. He holds a Ph.D. in Social Work from Boston College. Dr. Boyas' research focuses on effective intervention and prevention approaches to reduce and ultimately eliminate health and mental health disparities among communities of color, particularly among the Latina/o/x community. His teaching interests are in social research methods, human diversity, social welfare policy, and racial and ethnic relations within a U.S. context.
Learn more about our faculty 334-670-3927 jboyas@troy.edu

MSW FAQ

Learn more about the fields of social work and TROY's MSW program.
What is an MSW?
What does MSW stand for? MSW stands for Master of Social Work, a graduate degree in human services. You can pursue an MSW after earning a bachelor's degree in any subject. If you want to help people in crisis, promote social justice, and improve the well-being of people and communities, the MSW degree could be an ideal graduate degree for you.
What can I do with an MSW?
With a Master of Social Work, you can prepare for advanced roles in the fields of social work. An MSW degree can help you become a licensed clinical social worker or pursue other careers.
What can I do with an MSW besides social work?
Earning a Master of Social Work can also lead to careers outside of social work. For example, other career options include human resources professional, health educator, community services manager, nonprofit leader, policy analyst, child welfare worker and social science research assistant, among others.

Helpful Links

Scholarships Student Success Center Admissions Libraries Academic Programs

News

MSW graduate Chelsie Trucks

One Year Master's Programs: Fast Track Your Goal

When you are in need of a little extra energy but don't have the time to sit down and grab a leisurely coffee, a shot of espresso can give you the boost you need to get on with the day. In many ways, a fast track one-year master's program from Troy University is the academic equivalent of a quick, potent slug of caffeine. The quality of the shorter educational “brew” is just as good as a longer more traditional program, and the resulting career boost can be just as powerful.

Read More

INTERESTED IN
APPLYING TO TROY?