Amanda Greubel, DSW
Assistant 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
Earning a master’s in social work at Clarke University blends the one-on-one faculty support that Clarke is known for with impactful field experiences with clinicians and organizations throughout our region. By pursuing your MSW degree with us, you will create a 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 as 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.
Academic Excellence, Practical Application
Our 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.
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, the Clarke MSW program 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
- 60 credit hours; 30 credits if entering as Advanced Standing
- Over 900 hours of field practice
- Multiple pathway options
- 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.
Mary Gitau, Ph.D.
Professor of Social Work
I am always prepared to share knowledge, to facilitate discussion and activities, to provide learning opportunities, and to evaluate the course and students’ effort.
Colleen Mahoney, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Social Work, Associate 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.
Lydia Wong
Instructor of Social Work
I have found social work to be an immensely rewarding and yet significantly challenging career. My hope for students is to develop the skills and base of knowledge to find both fulfillment participating in the helping profession and the ability to overcome the challenges presented in it.
But don’t take our word for it…
Our Students & Alumni
Amy Duehr
Master of Social Work '16
Earning my master’s degree in social work has made a huge difference in my life. I was able to get a new career, and I set a positive example for my kids.
Jamie Klein
Master of Social Work '17
I am going beyond the classroom and the textbook, and am making decisions that have an impact on lives. Nothing makes an experience more real than knowing that the right decision can have a lasting positive effect.
Chelsea Davis
Master of Social Work '19
Clarke has helped me learn the skills I need to be able to grow and explore my passions in the social work field. Clarke’s program has established my strong sense of advocacy, social justice, ethical responsibility, and devotion to the mental health field. I have and continue to use these skills to fight for my patients and make mental health a priority in my community.
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
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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