MSW Programme Rationale
Establishing a Master of Social Work (MSW) program in Jamaica and the Caribbean is crucial to addressing the region’s unique social challenges, such as poverty, crime, mental health issues, and substance abuse. The MSW program will provide social workers with the advanced skills and knowledge to develop effective interventions, advocate for equitable policies, and contribute to community development. By training social workers in leadership, research, and advanced practices, the program will foster social justice and improve the wellbeing of Caribbean communities.
The region faces complex social issues, including unemployment, domestic violence, and the impacts of climate change. The BSW and MSW programs aim to equip graduates with the tools needed to address these challenges through direct practice and advocacy.
There is a growing demand for qualified social workers across sectors such as healthcare, education, criminal justice, and disaster response. These programs will help fill that gap, ensuring graduates are prepared to contribute meaningfully to society.
The BSW and MSW programs adhere to international standards set by the University Council of Jamaica (UCJ), Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), and the International Association of Schools of Social Work (IASSW). The curriculum focuses on social justice, cultural competence, and evidence-based practice, while remaining relevant to Caribbean social issues and local contexts.
Rooted in a Christian worldview, the programs emphasize compassion, service, and social justice, encouraging students to consider ethical dimensions in their practice, especially in advocacy and community service. Through this holistic approach, the BSW and MSW programs contribute to the development of strong, resilient social infrastructures in the Caribbean.
COURSE DESCRIPTION
- The Christian Worldview and Social Work Practice (3 credits)
- Foundations of Social Work Practice and Processes (3 credits)
- Human Behavior & the Social Environment (3 credits)
- Social Work Research Methods (3 credits)
- Data Analysis for Social Work Practice (3 credits)
- Psychopathology and Social Work Practice (3 credits)
- Psychopharmacology for Social Work Practice (3 credits)
- Evaluating Programs and Social Work Practice with Individuals, Families, and Groups (3 credits)
- Research & Programme Grant Writing (3 credits)
- Social Work Practice with Individuals, Families and Groups (3 credits)
- Field Education Practicum I/Seminar – 6 credits (First Summer)
- Field Education Practicum II/Seminar – 6 credits (Second Summer)
- Social Welfare Policy and Social Justice (3 credits)
- Clinical Social Work Practice (3 credits)
- Social Gerontology (3 credits)
- Contemporary Issues in Domestic Violence (3 credits)
- Social Work in Mental Health Settings (3 credits)
- Social Work in Health Care Settings (3 credits)
- Intervention Planning and Strategies for Clinical Social Work Practice (3 credits)
- International Social Development (3 credits)
- Women, Power and Change in Social Work Practice (3 credits)
- Social Work Approach to Substance Use and Abuse (3 credits)
- Environmental Justice and Community Health (3 credits)
- Community Organization and Social Work Practice (3 credits)
- Human Services Administration (3 credits)
Master of Social Work (MSW) Student Learning Outcomes
- Advanced Professional Identity: By the end of the first year, students will identify themselves as advanced professional social workers by leading peer discussions and mentoring BSW students in 80% of assigned activities, as assessed by faculty and field supervisors.
- Advanced Ethical Practice: Within the first semester, MSW students will apply advanced social work ethical principles in complex practice scenarios, achieving 95% compliance with the NASW Code of Ethics in ethical dilemma resolution as evaluated by instructors.
- Advanced Critical Thinking: By the conclusion of the program, students will apply advanced critical thinking skills to inform and communicate their professional judgment in at least 90% of clinical assessments and policy analyses, as evaluated by faculty and field supervisors.
- Advanced Diversity Engagement: By the end of the program, students will demonstrate advanced competence in engaging with diverse populations, leading cultural competence workshops and successfully navigating at least three diverse practice environments with 90% positive feedback.
- Human Rights and Justice Leadership: By the end of the second year, students will lead and advocate for human rights and social and economic justice in at least two major community based projects or policy initiatives, with 95% achievement of advocacy goals.
- Research Leadership: By the final semester, students will lead a research project that contributes to evidence-based practice, culminating in a publishable paper or conference presentation, with 90% approval from a faculty committee.
- Advanced Application of Human Behavior Knowledge: By the end of the first year, students will apply advanced knowledge of human behavior and the social environment in clinical practice, achieving 95% accuracy in case conceptualizations and interventions as evaluated by faculty.
- Policy Leadership in Practice: By the completion of the program, students will lead social work practice initiatives that are informed by local and international policies, successfully implementing at least one policy-driven project with 90% positive outcomes as evaluated by community stakeholders.
- Advanced Assessment Skills: By the end of the practicum, students will conduct advanced assessments of individuals, families, groups, and communities, determining eligibility and developing intervention plans with 95% accuracy as evaluated by field
- Expert Intervention: By the end of the program, students will design and implement advanced interventions for vulnerable populations, achieving 90% success in at least five complex intervention plans as assessed by field supervisors and faculty.