Amanda Greubel, DSW
Associate Professor of Social Work
My greatest hope as a social work educator is to light a fire for social justice in my students.
Master of Social Work
Master of Social Work
What can an MSW Degree do for you?
Earning a master’s of social work at Clarke University is the key to improving client outcomes and bettering your own life. Our MSW degree blends the one-on-one faculty support that Clarke is known for with field experiences throughout our region. Our faculty also offer a wide array of expertise across diverse specialties within the field. Their professional insights combined with hands-on learning activities prepares students for their clinicals and success in the workforce.
Compared to other MSW programs, you will graduate with a strong professional portfolio and network of support that will empower you to be a force for good in the communities where you work and live. Graduates of the master’s in social work degree at Clarke have found professional success in clinical social work and other organizations. Some common roles include mental health therapists or counselors, substance abuse prevention and treatment providers, homelessness outreach case managers, adoption advocates, youth and senior services providers, domestic violence advocates, researchers, and more. The possibilities are endless for this in-demand field.
Advance Social Work Theories, Practical Application
Our MSW program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) and is focused on integrated health social work practice with particular attention to underserved areas. With a robust curriculum that focuses on real-world scenarios, you’ll develop an ethical and culturally-sensitive approach to your work and help individuals and communities grow.
This is paired with over 400 hours of carefully selected generalist field placements in your first year, and 500 hours of specialized field practice as you advance in the program. Specialized field practice may include mental health, substance abuse, youth and senior services, and other focus areas.
Connected to Your Community
The heart of social work is developing connections to your community and the resources around you. At Clarke University, you’ll benefit from our deep and trusted partnerships with community agencies like Crescent Community Health Center and Hillcrest Family Services. Additionally, you’ll have access to regional networks for field experience and training.
With placement opportunities in professional settings in Dubuque, Iowa and beyond, an MSW degree from Clarke prepares you to responsibly engage in advocacy and compassionately work for justice.
Designed to Fit Your Life
The MSW degree was also designed for flexibility, allowing you to pursue your education while balancing commitments and pursuing your unique goals. This includes pathways such as:
- Advanced Standing Pathway (1 year full-time, 2 years part-time)
- Traditional Weekday Pathway (2 years full-time, 3 years part-time)
Program Details
- Fully accredited program
- 57 credit hours; 30 credits if entering as Advanced Standing
- Over 900 hours of field practice
- Affordable program with financial aid available
- For course descriptions and more information, please see the Academic Catalog
Admission to Clarke University
Applicants are considered on an individual basis. Please submit the graduate application form and other required documents. Once your application is complete, you will be contacted for an interview.
MSW Program Outcomes
- The most recent pass rate reported from ASWB for the Masters SW exam for students from 2018-2021 was 95.5%
Tara Velez, MSW
Instructor of Social Work
I strive to create a classroom environment built upon respect and dignity.
Colleen Mahoney, Ph.D.
Associate Professor and Chair of Social Work
My enthusiasm for my students’ ideals and potential, I hope, provides encouragement and inspiration for them to believe in themselves and begin to impact the world around them.
Samantha Hicks
Assistant Professor of Social Work, Director of Field Education
My love for social work expands with every student and community organization relationship I help to facilitate. Watching students grow and learn from their field education experiences excites me for the future of the social work field.
But don’t take our word for it…
Our Students & Alumni
Rachel Cook
Master of Social Work '23
Earning my MSW through Clarke University helped me gain a greater understanding of my role as a social worker. I was placed at an internship in my first semester and was able to work my way up through the ranks from an intern to supervisor throughout the course of a few years. I now landed my dream job all thanks to my MSW degree and the knowledge I obtained along the way.
Sherry Hunstad
Master of Social Work '23
Clarke’s master program gave me the opportunity to advance in the social work profession, while continuing to work full time. In the program, I connected with many other social work professionals, allowing for future networking. Clarke has a great learning environment!
Liz Willems
Master of Social Work '23
Clarke prepared me for whatever role in the social work field that I chose to explore. Clarke went beyond teaching research and definitions. I was taught about the impact I can have and how to apply the knowledge I gained.
9:1
Average Faculty to student ratio
Intimate classroom settings and one-on-one attention from professors foster learning.
13
%
Career growth
Employment for social workers is projected to increase overall by 13% by 2029, and the need for health care, mental health, and substance abuse social workers is projected to grow at an even higher rate, according to The Bureau of Labor Statistics.
$51,760
Median Salary
Median salary for a social worker in 2020.
Accreditation
Clarke University’s Master of Social Work program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of the Council on Social Work Education, 1701 Duke St., Suite 200, Alexandria, VA, 22314.
Assessment of Student Learning Outcomes
______________________________
The Clarke University Master of Social Work Program does not give course credit for life experience or previous work experience. Each student’s experience is unique and may be helpful in some areas of the MSW Program. These experiences, however, do not count for credit. Each student must complete all of the MSW courses to ensure that all skills, theories, and learning opportunities are covered.
Experience Clarke's Master of Social Work for Yourself