Master's Degree Program

Master of Arts in Social Work

An interdisciplinary graduate program designed to prepare professionals to promote individual, family, and community well-being through evidence-based practice, social justice, advocacy, and ethical leadership.

Degree Awarded

Master of Arts in Social Work

Total Program Cost

US$ 5,940

Total Credits

36 Credit Hours

Traditional Learning

18 Months

Fast-Track Learning

9–12 Months

Course Credit

3 Credit Hours

Total Program Cost

US$ 5,940

Program Overview

Promote Well-Being & Advance Social Justice

Develop advanced knowledge of human behavior, social welfare systems, community development, public policy, and program management while emphasizing culturally responsive and strengths-based approaches to addressing complex social challenges.

The Master of Arts in Social Work is an interdisciplinary graduate program designed to prepare professionals to promote individual, family, and community well-being through evidence-based practice, social justice, advocacy, and ethical leadership. The program provides advanced knowledge of human behavior, social welfare systems, community development, public policy, and program management while emphasizing culturally responsive and strengths-based approaches to addressing complex social challenges.

Students examine the social, economic, political, and environmental factors that influence human well-being across diverse populations. The curriculum integrates social work theory, research, policy analysis, leadership, and community engagement to prepare graduates to develop innovative solutions that improve social services, strengthen communities, and advance equity and inclusion. Emphasis is placed on ethical decision-making, interdisciplinary collaboration, program evaluation, and leadership in human services.

Degree Awarded

Master of Arts in Social Work

Program Length

18 Months — Traditional Learning Track
9–12 Months — Fast-Track Learning Program

Course Credit

3 Credit Hours per Course

Program Cost

US$ 5,940
Exclusive of applicable University administrative fees

Curriculum

Required Courses

The Master of Arts in Social Work requires 36 total credits.

Course No. Course Title Credits
SWK 6000 Foundations of Social Work and Social Welfare 3
SWK 6010 Human Behavior and the Social Environment 3
SWK 6020 Social Policy, Advocacy, and Social Justice 3
SWK 6030 Community Practice and Sustainable Development 3
SWK 6040 Leadership and Administration in Human Services 3
SWK 6050 Diversity, Equity, and Cultural Competence 3
SWK 6060 Program Planning, Evaluation, and Grant Development 3
SWK 6070 Research Methods for Social Work 3
SWK 6080 Ethics, Professional Practice, and Global Social Issues 3
SWK 6090 Advanced Social Work Practice and Organizational Leadership 3
SWK 6100 Master's Thesis 6
Total Credits 36
Curriculum Details

Course Descriptions

Select a course to view its description.

SWK 6000 – Foundations of Social Work and Social Welfare

Introduces the history, philosophy, values, and principles of social work and social welfare. Students examine the evolution of social services, professional ethics, human rights, social justice, and the roles of social workers in diverse practice settings.

SWK 6010 – Human Behavior and the Social Environment

Explores biological, psychological, social, cultural, and environmental influences on human development across the lifespan. Students examine theories of human behavior and their application to individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities.

SWK 6020 – Social Policy, Advocacy, and Social Justice

Examines the development, implementation, and evaluation of social policies affecting vulnerable populations. Students develop advocacy strategies that promote equity, inclusion, human rights, and systemic social change.

SWK 6030 – Community Practice and Sustainable Development

Focuses on community assessment, capacity building, collaborative leadership, asset-based community development, and sustainable strategies that improve the well-being and resilience of communities.

SWK 6040 – Leadership and Administration in Human Services

Develops competencies in organizational leadership, nonprofit management, strategic planning, financial oversight, program administration, and human resource management within human services organizations.

SWK 6050 – Diversity, Equity, and Cultural Competence

Examines cultural diversity, inclusion, equity, anti-discriminatory practice, and culturally responsive service delivery. Students develop the knowledge and skills necessary to work effectively with diverse populations and communities.

SWK 6060 – Program Planning, Evaluation, and Grant Development

Provides practical knowledge of program design, logic models, needs assessment, outcome measurement, grant writing, funding strategies, and program evaluation using evidence-based approaches.

SWK 6070 – Research Methods for Social Work

Introduces qualitative and quantitative research methodologies, statistical analysis, ethics, data collection, program evaluation, and scholarly writing applicable to social work research and policy development.

SWK 6080 – Ethics, Professional Practice, and Global Social Issues

Examines professional ethics, legal responsibilities, international social issues, human rights, globalization, disaster response, migration, and ethical leadership in social work practice and administration.

SWK 6090 – Advanced Social Work Practice and Organizational Leadership

Integrates advanced concepts in leadership, interdisciplinary collaboration, organizational effectiveness, policy implementation, strategic decision-making, and innovative approaches to improving human services systems.

SWK 6100 – Master's Thesis

Students complete an original research thesis addressing a significant issue in social work or social welfare. Under faculty supervision, students conduct independent research, analyze findings, and present evidence-based recommendations that contribute to scholarship and professional practice.

Career Pathways

Career Opportunities

Graduates are prepared for leadership, administration, research, policy, and program management positions across public, private, nonprofit, and international sectors.

Social Services Administrator
Human Services Director
Community Development Manager
Nonprofit Executive Director
Social Policy Analyst
Program Evaluation Specialist
Human Services Program Manager
Community Outreach Director
Public Welfare Administrator
Family Services Program Coordinator
Healthcare Services Administrator
International Development Officer
Humanitarian Program Manager
Grant Development Specialist
Advocacy and Public Affairs Manager
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Manager
Social Research Analyst
College or University Instructor (subject to institutional requirements)
Where Graduates Work

Employment Sectors

Graduates may pursue opportunities across government, nonprofit, healthcare, education, and international sectors.

Government Social Service Agencies
Human Services Organizations
Nonprofit Organizations
Community Development Organizations
Healthcare Systems and Hospitals
Public Health Agencies
Educational Institutions
Colleges and Universities
International Development Agencies
International Non-Governmental Organizations (INGOs)
Humanitarian Relief Organizations
Public Policy Institutes
Philanthropic Foundations
Faith-Based Organizations
Research and Evaluation Organizations
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Departments
Community Health and Family Service Organizations
International Organizations

Ready to Make a Difference in People's Lives?

Explore the Master of Arts in Social Work and take the next step toward advancing your career in social services, community development, advocacy, and human services leadership.

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Cavalla International University of America is an academic institution registered in the State of Louisiana to conduct legal business and it is approved by the Board of Trustees and the Executive Leadership of the university to grant professional and academic degrees. The University adheres to the educational standards and requirements of the U.S. Department of Education and complies with the rules and regulations of the Louisiana State board of regents (department of education) regarding educational integrity and recruiting requirements for hiring qualified professors with the right academic qualification to teach.