M.S.S.A. OVERVIEW

Master of Science in Social Administration (M.S.S.A.)

Program Overview

The Master of Science in Social Administration (M.S.S.A.) program prepares students for advanced social work practice in an area of concentration. Students acquire the abilities they need to work effectively in a variety of settings. Through classroom and field work, they develop the knowledge, values, and skills needed to function as social work professionals, and working ethically with others to effect change in individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities.

The curriculum is divided into two levels: foundation and advanced.

Foundation Curriculum

The foundation curriculum (24 credit hours) includes the knowledge, values, and skills essential for the general practice of social work and is primarily completed during the first year of full-time enrollment and the first year of intensive weekend enrollment.

Advanced Curriculum

The advanced curriculum (36 credit hours) builds on the foundation courses and provides advanced knowledge and practice skills in the concentration and/ or
specialization selected by the student.  Concentration include either Community and Social Development or Direct Practice(students can choose within this concentration from the following specializations aging; alcohol and other drug abuse; children, youth, and families; health; mental health).

Advanced courses are taken in research, policy, socio-behavioral theory, and practice methods. When integrated with an advanced field education experience, students begin to gain an in-depth understanding of the theories, policies, practices, values, and skills associated with the area of concentration.