At Case Western Reserve University, we’re committed to creating educational opportunities that are accessible to all—because nothing should stop you from pursuing your passion for helping others. That’s why we offer our hallmark Master of Social Work (MSW) degree program in a weekend format that's designed to fit the lifestyles of working professionals.
You can continue your full-time work responsibilities and pursue your MSW in classes held exclusively over weekends at the Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences. Our MSW curriculum teaches practical skills across a range of social work topics, so you can learn over the weekend and bring your new knowledge to your professional role the next week.
Weekend MSW Program Overview
Complete in 2-3 years | 39-60 Credit Hours
Our weekend courses typically meet in person one weekend a month, giving you the flexibility you need and the personal connection you deserve.
After the first semester, some classes will also have two-hour Saturday Zoom sessions in between on-campus weekends to support your learning and to maximize your time during your weekends on campus.
You’ll engage face-to-face with expert faculty and peers during the weekends you have class—allowing you to build a strong network and supportive learning environment from day one.
Advanced Standing
Applicants to the weekend master’s program who hold a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) are automatically considered for advanced standing status. The advanced standing track allows students to earn their master’s in social work in as little as two years in the weekend format.
Weekend MSW Paths of Study
You'll choose advanced elective coursework that offers you the opportunity to tailor your master’s in social work curriculum to fit your personal learning objectives and career goals. We offer three paths of study in our weekend program.
- Children, Youth and Families: Provide a range of services to individuals and families, such as marital therapy, family counseling, parent education and child welfare.
- Mental Health with Adults: Lead change as a clinician in community-based mental health practice settings, such as hospitals, substance abuse treatment programs and mental health centers.
- Substance Use Disorders and Recovery: Work to diagnose and treat substance use and dependence, explore the interaction of mental health issues and substance abuse, and discover the impact of substance use on different populations.
A Dedicated, Passionate Cohort
Your cohort provides a uniquely supportive environment while working toward your master’s in social work. You’ll build a network of like-minded individuals who share your drive to go above and beyond, seeking higher education opportunities in weekend programs.
Your peers’ diverse experiences will inform your learning in the classroom. Past participants in the weekend program have worked in roles such as:
- Addiction specialist
- Child welfare officer
- Higher education administrator
- Private practitioner
- Program manager
- Trauma specialist
Need a Different Program Format?
We offer the same high-quality MSW degree in both on-campus and online formats, providing flexible options to fit your career, family and lifestyle needs.