MSW Program
Dual Degree and Specializations
Group Work Specialization
Students may elect a group work specialization within the clinical practice major. The Boston University School of Social Work is one of the few graduate schools in the country that offer a group work specialization. Group work skills have become increasingly necessary for working in agencies, programs, and organizations. Although situated in the clinical sequence, group work is considered a bridge between the individual and the larger society. The Group Work specialization allows students to concentrate on small group theories and methods and to develop skills and competence in real life groups.
Group work courses are open to all students, not just those in the Group Work Specialization. Students specializing in Group Work will take the foundation-level Introduction to Clinical Practice course, Differential Social Work with Groups, and advanced electives in group work.
Students taking the Advanced Group Work course (CP 762) must lead or co-lead a group in their placement and must have group work supervision. The experiential course, Group Dynamics (CP764), is strongly recommended as an elective in the advanced year Spring Semester.
Students who wish to be certified as specializing in social work with groups must have group work experiences in the advanced placement. The individualized plan for each student is done in conjunction with group work faculty. Group work experience prior to social work school, as well as during the foundation-year placement is taken in to account.
During the fall of the advanced year, students make application to the Group Work Specialization program. Upon approval and upon completion of the academic and field requirements, students receive a Group Work Specialization Certificate at Commencement. An information meeting is held each year late in the fall semester for students who are interested in the program.
Contact Information
For further information, please contact:
Donna McLaughlin, MSW
617-353-9593
