MSW Concentrations

We know students value a curriculum that prepares them for social work practice and allows them to customize their learning experience. In addition to the two practice specializations, we offer students the opportunity to tailor their learning through concentration options. The GSSW offers three unique concentrations that reflect the best practices in the social work profession. Concentrations in Organizational Leadership, Trauma-Informed Practice, and Diversity, Equity & Inclusion provide students with optional and deeper learning experiences.  Students who choose a concentration are given a learning plan and mentorship opportunities to complete during their advanced coursework. Students who complete their learning plan receive a concentration designation on their final transcript in addition to their chosen specialization.

Organizational Leadership Concentration

Students who wish to pursue a concentration in organizational leadership are interested in leading and developing organizations, particularly those focused on the not-for-profit and social service sectors. They are committed to creating healthy and thriving organizations emphasizing DEIB and anti-oppressive leadership practices. Students can further focus and develop their learning and practice in leadership and management.

Trauma Informed Practice Concentration

The Trauma Informed Practice Concentration develops a student's knowledge base more comprehensively in trauma-informed social work practice. The concentration will focus on crisis response, trauma, and recovery in social work practice with implementation considerations at micro, mezzo, and macro levels.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Concentration

The Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) Concentration allows students to focus on content and activities that increase intersectional social awareness and promote anti-oppressive practices. Students should complete the selected assignments below with an emphasis on diversity-informed and anti-oppressive social work practices.

For a complete list of requirements for each of the concentration options. please download and review the full Concentration Options handout.