The Direct Practice Specialization, which is open to students in all program options (i.e., Pitt-Main, UPJ, and UPB), prepares MSW students for advanced social work practice with individuals, families, and small groups. Students are equipped with the specialized knowledge and skills needed to deliver effective evidence-informed direct practice interventions that embody the values of the social work profession. They become adept at engaging, assessing, intervening, and evaluating practice with individuals, families, and small groups, understanding the importance of identifying a clients’ strengths as well as needs. Concomitantly, they develop their ability to think critically. Through their course and fieldwork, Direct Practice students become self-reflective practitioners, who display cultural humility in their interactions with diverse client populations and are prepared to advocate for clients’ human rights and social, economic, and environmental justice. The Direct Practice Specialization prepares MSW graduates for careers in hospitals, mental health and counseling agencies, child- and family-serving organizations, child welfare, case management programs, senior services, school social work programs, and integrated healthcare settings, among others.
Certificate programs are available to direct practice students:
- DP Children Youth and Families
- DP Gerontology
- DP Home and School Visitor/School Social Worker
- DP Integrated Healthcare
- DP Mental Health
Interested in learning how to apply for admission to the MSW Program?