Master of Social Work

Program Overview

Learn how to work with diverse populations through coursework in social policy, research, and practice. Classes focus on interventions, diagnostics, and comprehensive fieldwork in a variety of settings. The HPU MSW also focuses on developing cultural competency skills in all contexts given the cultural diversity of the islands.

Our MSW-Advanced Generalist Practice is 57 credits. Our MSW-Advanced Standing is 30 credits. In-person courses are held at our downtown Honolulu campus in 16-week semesters. Tuition for 2023-24 is $1,235 per credit. The sample degree plans below are a guide and may be subject to change.

To view estimated costs visit hpu.edu/costs.

Take Action! Applying is Easy!

The MSW program is offered at our Downtown Honolulu campus:

Fall entry - 2 or 3-year Advanced Generalist Practice
Summer entry - 1-year Advanced Standing

Admissions Requirements:

Online Application hpu.edu/apply ($55 fee)
Official transcript/s
Statement of Purpose/Essay
Resume
Two (2) letters of recommendation
International Students: Evidence of English Proficiency

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Why Choose HPU for your MSW?

Designed to give you the richest field experience possible, our MSW program enables you to begin your field education shortly after classes begin

Our faculty are professionals in their field, delivering a client-focused, skills-based curriculum preparing you to deliver responsive, 21st-century practice

70% of HPU graduates pass their licensing exam on the first try.

Key Benefits

CSWE Accredited

1 year advanced standing for qualified students with a BSW

Practicum Placement included

Military and Veterans Affairs area of emphasis option

MSW Coursework

Full-Time 2 Year Pathway (57-Credits)

Year One

Fall

SWRK 6100 Generalist Social Work Practice I
SWRK 6200 Human Behavior in the Social Environment I
SWRK 6300 Social Work Research
SWRK 6900 Graduate Practicum I

Spring

SWRK 6102 Generalist Social Work Practice II
SWRK 6103 Generalist Social Work Practice III
SWRK 6201 Human Behavior in the Social Environment II
SWRK 6500 Social Welfare Policy I
SWRK 6901 Graduate Practicum II

Year Two

Fall

SWRK Elec Elective (6001, 6002, 6003 or 6801)
SWRK 7100 Culture and Diversity in Advanced Practice
SWRK 7101 Advanced Practice with Diverse Individuals
SWRK 7300 Research Methods in Advanced Practice
SWRK 7900 Graduate Practicum III

Spring

SWRK 7102 Advanced Practice with Diverse Families and Groups

SWRK 7350 Integrative Seminar in Advanced Generalist Practice

SWRK 7500 Social Welfare Policy II

SWRK 7901 Graduate Practicum IV

SWRK 7103 Advanced Practice with Diverse Organizations and Communities
Full-Time 3-Year Pathway (57-credits)

Year One

Fall

SWRK 6100 Generalist Social Work Practice I

SWRK 6200 Human Behavior in the Social Environment I

SWRK 6300 Social Work Research

Spring

SWRK 6103 Generalist Social Work Practice III

SWRK 6201 Human Behavior in the Social Environment II

SWRK 6500 Social Welfare Policy I

SWRK 6103 Generalist Social Work Practice III

SWRK 6201 Human Behavior in the Social Environment II

SWRK 6500 Social Welfare Policy I

Year Two

Fall

SWRK Elec Elective (6001, 6002, 6003 or 6801)

SWRK 7100 Culture and Diversity in Advanced Practice

SWRK 6900 Graduate Practicum I

Spring

SWRK 6102 Generalist Social Work Practice II

SWRK 7500 Social Welfare Policy II

SWRK 6901 Graduate Practicum II

Year Three

Fall

SWRK 7101 Advanced Practice with Diverse Individuals

SWRK 7300 Research Methods in Advanced Practice

SWRK 7900 Graduate Practicum III

Spring

SWRK 7102 Advanced Practice with Diverse Families and Groups

SWRK 7350 Integrative Seminar in Advanced Generalist Practice

SWRK 7901 Graduate Practicum IV

SWRK 7103 Advanced Practice with Diverse Organizations and Communities

SWRK 7102 Advanced Practice with Diverse Families and Groups

SWRK 7350 Integrative Seminar in Advanced Generalist Practice

SWRK 7901 Graduate Practicum IV

SWRK 7103 Advanced Practice with Diverse Organizations and Communities

Full-Time Student Schedule - Advanced Standing Pathway (30-credits)

Summer

SWRK 6050 Graduate Study of SW for Advanced Standing students

*Requires BSW degree from a CSWE accredited school

Fall

SWRK Elec Choose one elective (6001, 6002, 6003, 6801)

SWRK 7100 Culture and Diversity in Advanced Practice

SWRK 7101 Advanced Practice with Diverse Individuals

SWRK 7300 Research Methods in Advanced Practice

SWRK 7900 Graduate Practicum III

Spring