- Advance your expertise in mental health counseling and clinical practice
- Secure justice through influencing policy
- Become an advocate for human rights
Become The Voice Of Change
Academic Programs
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Bachelor of Social Work (BSW)
The Bachelor in Social Work Program is designed to provide students with the opportunity to utilize what they learn in the classroom setting and apply it to generalist social work practice in diverse settings, such as community mental health centers, hospitals, schools, or child welfare agencies.
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Master of Social Work (MSW) Traditional - In-Person
The MSW Traditional program is 63 credits and designed for motivated newcomers to the field of social work to learn the clinical skills needed to be effective in the field.
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Master of Social Work (MSW) Traditional - Online
Designed for working professionals and those who require scheduling flexibility, our fully online, part-time Master of Social Work program prepares students for advance licensure for clinical social work practice and offers a strong foundation in policy, leadership, and applied social research.
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Master of Social Work (MSW) Advanced Standing - In-Person
The MSW Advanced Standing program is 32 credits and designed for those with a CSWE-accredited bachelors in social work looking to build on their clinical knowledge and skills.
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Master of Social Work (MSW) Advanced Standing - Online
Designed for working professionals and those who require scheduling flexibility, our fully online, part-time Master of Social Work program prepares students for advance licensure for clinical social work practice and offers a strong foundation in policy, leadership, and applied social research.
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Doctor of Social Work (DSW)
The Doctorate of Social Work (DSW) degree is designed for MSW practitioners seeking a doctoral-level practice-focused degree in clinical practice.
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PhD in Social Work
The PhD in Social Work is designed for those seeking careers primarily in applied social work research and teaching (in institutions of higher learning).
General Information About the School
The School of Social Work at Barry University is committed to advancing and protecting the human rights of all individuals, with an emphasis on those most marginalized, through teaching, research, advocacy, and practice rooted in social justice.
The mission of the Barry University School of Social Work is framed by the core values, ethics, and commitments of the social work profession and the Barry University mission. Within a culturally diverse framework, the School is committed to educating social workers for professional social work practice that is informed by context and characterized by competence, skills of leadership, quality, the quest for social and economic justice in local and global communities, and dedication to continuous professional growth and development.
In response to a demand for professionally trained social workers in 1966, Barry University established the first graduate program in South Florida. The Master of Social Work degree program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education, and the curriculum of the School is planned in accordance with the standards set by the council. A PhD in Social Work was introduced in 1983 to prepare advanced practitioner/scholars for leadership roles within the profession. In 2001, the School initiated a Bachelor of Social Work degree program and was accredited by the Council on Social Work Education in 2003. In 1984, the School was named the Ellen Whiteside McDonnell to honor a woman who made significant contribution to the reform and development of social welfare programs in the State of Florida.
Social work is a profession that dares us to walk the road less traveled and to soar where others are afraid to go. As you move toward becoming a professional social worker, we strive to ensure that you have a transformative experience. We are dedicated to helping you achieve advanced levels of scholarship, leadership, and self-discovery to maximize your success.
Scholarship Resources
Internship
The program ensures that students receive the clinical experience necessary to become a professional autonomous social worker. Students will be assigned to agency placements which will provide students with the opportunity to build confidence, spend time in a professional environment and the ability to grow and learn as a professional. The intent of the clinical practice in the School of Social Work is to assist students in connecting the curriculum with the practical world of the practice setting.
The program ensures that students receive the clinical experience necessary to become a professional autonomous social worker. Students will be assigned to agency placements which will provide students with the opportunity to build confidence, spend time in a professional environment and the ability to grow and learn as a professional. The intent of the clinical practice in the School of Social Work is to assist students in connecting the curriculum with the practical world of the practice setting.
School of Social Work Faculty and Staff
The odds are definitely in your favor at Barry University. Our student-faculty ratio is only 15:1. That means you get personal attention and guidance, and nobody gets lost in the shuffle. Even more impressive, over 80 percent of our faculty hold a PhD or the highest degree available in their field of expertise.
We seek out professors who are not only great teachers, but who love what they do.
Their passion, enthusiasm, and inspiration are contagious, and there's no better way to keep young minds excited about learning and discovering. Beyond each teacher's area of expertise, our faculty is committed to promoting equality, social justice, altruism, diversity, and humility. Through education, everyone can have a voice.
Social Work Programs Accreditation
Barry University is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).
CSWE's Commission on Accreditation (COA) is responsible for developing accreditation standards that define competent preparation and ensuring that social work programs meet these standards.
In accordance with the requirements of CSWE's recognition body, the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA), the CSWE Office of Social Work Accreditation administers a multistep accreditation process that involves program self-studies, site visits, and COA reviews.
The Bachelor of Social Work Program (BSW) and the Master of Social Work Program (MSW) are accredited from 2017 – 2024.
News
Top Stories
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Dr. Mitch Rosenwald sworn in as Mayor of Oakland Park on November 8, 2023. November 14, 2023
Dr. Rosenwald’s achievements celebrates the mission of social workers as agents of change and service for their local, national, and global communities.
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Congratulations are in order to Dr. Sarah Lewis and Dr. Todd Tedrow November 13, 2023
We continue to celebrate our national and internationally recognized faculty for their research in contributing to social work, mental health and wellness.
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November Alumni Spotlight 2023 | Heidi Heft Laporte November 13, 2023
Meet Dr. Heidi Heft LaPorte a 2020 graduate of our Certificate Training Program. We are excited to feature her as our monthly Alumni Spotlight! We think you will be inspired by the blend of skills, research and practices Heidi brings as an Associate Professor, expressive arts facilitator & IEATA membership co-chair.
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Congratulations are in order to Dr. Ashley Austin and Dr. Mitch Rosenwald November 13, 2023
We continue to celebrate our national and internationally recognized faculty for their research in contributing to social work, mental health and wellness.
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Barry Social Workers Recognized by the NASW April 24, 2023
From Broward and Miami-Dade all the way to North Central Texas and Georgia, local chapters of the NASW honor Barry University Social Workers. The recognition is particularly significant as it coincides with a time of heightened demand on the social work profession.
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Barry Grad to Serve as State Representative February 15, 2022
Barry University School of Social Work graduate Daryl Campbell (MSW ’17) will be spending a lot more time in Tallahassee!
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How Dr. Mitch Rosenwald Is Using His Social Work Skills To Impact Local Policy June 22, 2021
As a clinical social worker and veteran professor in Barry’s School of Social Work, Dr. Mitch Rosenwald has long championed the benefits of bringing social work perspectives to government policy.
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With New Research Social Work Students And Professor Advocate For Gender-Affirming Care March 15, 2021
A new paper published in the peer-reviewed journal Psychology of Sexual Orientation and Gender Diversity is giving voice to members of the trans community who suffer from gender dysphoria.
Continuing Education Certificate Programs
Barry University's School of Social Work remains committed to your personal and professional growth. As we all know, transformation and growth do not end at graduation.
Learning is a lifelong endeavor, and Barry University School of Social Work is striving to keep pace with your future.
Continuing Education Licensure – Obtaining your LCSW
Congratulations on taking the next step towards obtaining your LCSW! Please review the full list of requirements set by the State of Florida here.
Following the submission of your application to the State, you will receive a five-digit file number and the remaining supporting documents necessary to complete your licensing application.
You will be required to provide the 5-digit file number in order to complete the practicum and advanced standing letter request.
You must complete the Practicum and Advanced Standing letter request form in its entirety. Please allot 5 to 10 business days to process your request.
Ellen Whiteside Mcdonnel School of Social Work Organization Chapters & Clubs
The Ellen Whiteside McDonnell School of Social Work offers a variety of chapters and organizations within the School of Social Work.
Student Organizations can be a powerful way for students to enhance, enrich, network and develop their leadership skills while making valuable community contributions.
Professional Organizations
With a diverse range of specializations and interests, we invite students to learn more about the professional organizations available to social workers and social work students.
Professional organizations offer students and professionals a variety of benefits such as networking opportunities, exclusive scholarship opportunities, events for early-career professionals, and job boards.
Funded by the Ware Foundation Center for Human Rights and Social Justice
Welcome to the Center for Human Rights and Social Justice! The CHRSJ has a primary mission of advancing crucial human rights and social justice initiatives in our local and global communities through targeted education, research, service, and leadership. The CHRSJ values collaboration and partnerships with community members, organizations, and university faculty, staff and students. We approach our human rights and social justice work through an anti-oppressive lens which acknowledges the influence of privilege and oppression on the existence and maintenance of human rights violations. The CHRSJ values equally the voices of all community members and commits to work in authentic partnership with the communities being served.
Our Initiatives born out of the School of Social Work’s strong collaborations represent some of the most pressing needs of our community, and are inclusive of some of the most underserved and marginalized populations locally and globally. Specifically, our Center is committed to the following five initiatives (1) Combating Human Trafficking (2) Preventing Sexual Victimization (3) Creating Inclusive Communities sexual and gender diverse Individuals (4) Advancing Trauma Informed Research, Education and Practice, and (5) Promoting Wellness in Marginalized Communities.
The Center is proud to host affiliated faculty and community partners with decades of experience who are fiercely committed to advancing human rights and social justice across countless critical issues impacting our communities. The Center’s affiliates possess unparalleled practice and advocacy skills necessary to mobilize positive change. Moreover, our faculty are engaged in research and scholarship which impact practice and policy across multiple pressing human rights issues in contemporary society.
Through the power of collective action and collaborative social justice work, the Center for Human Rights and Social Justice in the Barry University School of Social Work aims to a create safe, stable, and inclusive society for all individuals. Welcome to our Center and please spend time exploring our website further to learn more about our faculty, community partners, resources, upcoming events, and the ways to get involved in our work. We hope you will contact us with ideas for collaboration that can advance the human rights and social justice initiatives of the Center.
Project Transcend Webinars
These virtual learning opportunities were funded by Our Fund and the Community Foundation of Broward in an effort to improve access to safe, inclusive, and socially just health care for transgender and nonbinary children, teens, and adults living in Broward County and the surrounding areas.
Contact Us
We’re always happy to chat with you about your career goals and the academic programs to get you there. Our team of academic and admissions experts offer many communication options from chat or text to online meetings and email options.