Program Options

The Master of Social Work program at the University of Northern Iowa has multiple programs to fit your needs.

• Foundation Program:  For individuals whose undergraduate degree is not in social work.
• Advanced Standing:  For individuals who have a social work degree from a CSWE accredited undergraduate program. (Due to accreditation requirements, we are unable to make exceptions to this admissions requirement.)
• In-person:  
  • We offer our Advanced Standing program as a full-time (one calendar year from June-May) program.  
  • Students may also complete the in-person program part-time by working with the MSW Program Director to develop a schedule that meets your needs.
• Online:  
  • We offer both Advanced Standing and Foundation part-time program options completely online through synchronous class meetings two nights per week.  
  • Our online programs are not currently able to be completed full-time. 
  • Students may complete our online programs on an extended part-time basis by working with the MSW Program Director to develop a schedule that meets your needs.

The trauma-informed specialization prepares students to effectively address the multi-faceted effects of trauma on individuals, families, organizations, and communities. Students take a full spectrum of coursework with an emphasis on trauma-informed practice to enhance strength and resiliency while identifying and challenging racial, social, and economic injustice in all its forms. 

Due to a shortage of faculty, we have temporarily discontinued our on-campus Foundation program option for students who do not hold a bachelor's degree in social work.  We plan to resume this program in the future.