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With our Catholic liberal arts heritage and over 100 degree programs, including nursing and marine biology, from bachelors through PhDs, we've got your options covered. Focus on arts and sciences, business, education, social work, communication, nursing, medical sciences, theology, or law. Take things further with personalized research and experiential learning opportunities, on and off-campus. Enhance your prospects with hands-on internships at some of the country's top organizations.

Colleges and Schools

Academic Support

Barry University Students

The Career and Experiential Learning Team educates students and alumni on the essential job searching and life skills to propel them to succeed in the increasingly competitive global marketplace.

Service-learning integrates relevant community service with course work and critical reflection to enrich the learning experience, foster social responsibility and civic engagement, and strengthen communities.

Service-Learning

The Honors Program at Barry is designed to challenge, enrich, and prepare especially motivated students to pursue their fullest potential. By participating in a rigorous curriculum rounded out by an array of edifying and interactive events, students explore crucial issues that we face in our daily lives. Students are given the space for discussion and debate and the opportunity to learn from experts in their fields. The Office of Financial Aid can assist with determining eligibility for the Honors Program.

The Monsignor William Barry Memorial Library is located in the center of the beautiful Miami Shores campus of Barry University. The Library is named in loving memory of Monsignor William Barry, one of the founders of Barry University and an inspirational figure in the Catholic Church within the Archdiocese of Miami. The extensive Library research collections include more than 950,000 physical items, over 40,000 print and on-line journal subscriptions, and several thousand on-line books and streaming video resources.

At Barry University, you will experience a small community atmosphere where you can always rely on our administrators and faculty for advice, encouragement and personal attention. We take great pride in giving individual attention from the very beginning. You can start building a personal relationship with one of our admissions counselors who will help answer any questions, and guide you through the entire admissions and enrollment process.

Continuing Education (CE) offers a variety of courses and non-credit programs designed to respond to the diverse educational interests and lifelong learning needs of individuals of all ages. We offer certificate, credential exam preparation, and licensure programs for professional and personal enrichment.

High school students: Get a jump-start on your college education with dual enrollment courses from Barry University! You can earn high school and college credit at the same time, right at your own school.

Dual Enrollment

Barry University is committed to provide you with a dynamic and flexible approach to your degree pathway through our online courses and degree programs. We understand that balancing academics, work, and personal commitments can be challenging. That's why our online offerings are designed to fit seamlessly into your busy schedule, allowing you to pursue your educational goals without compromising on other important aspects of your life.

Distance Education

We are committed to providing programs and services that are guided by Barry University's rich educational mission and intended to enhance your Barry experience. Through partnerships with others in the university community, we aim to create experiences that will help transform you into leaders for a just and humane world.

We are an NCAA Division II school and a member of the Sunshine State Conference with 12 varsity teams, including men's baseball, basketball, golf, soccer and tennis; and women's basketball, golf, rowing, soccer, softball, tennis and volleyball. So far, we've won 24 NCAA championships, had 338 All-Americans, 413 Scholar All-Americans, and nine NCAA "Women of the Year" finalists, the most of any Division II school. Not bad at all, but we're going for more.

Campus Life

For students currently enrolled in classes at Barry, we have a wealth of resources you can tap into to bring ease and efficiency to your university experience. Get the help you need with administrative or financial questions, or check out course catalogs to help plan your schedule by semester. All the information you need to excel is at your fingertips.

Earn Your MSW with our Flexible Online or In-Person Options

Master of Social Work (MSW)

Graduate and Adult Learner Virtual Open House Week

Graduate and Adult Learner Virtual Open House Week

Graduate and Adult Learner Virtual Open House Week

Become a Social Work Leader with an MSW

Barry University’s Master of Social Work internationally recognized traditional part-time program and Advanced Standing part-time program curriculum is offered in a fully-online modality. Both innovative and responsive to contemporary shifts in trauma-informed resiliency frameworks, our online program prepares students for advanced licensure for clinical social work practice and offers a strong foundation in policy, leadership, and applied social research.

Our clinically-focused curriculum ensures that students engage regularly with dedicated instructors who are recognized internationally for their research and practice in clinical social work. Live virtual sessions compliment a flexible learning format that allows students to complete coursework and fieldwork on their own schedule. Additionally, all online MSW students are paired with a faculty advisor and enjoy access to the full spectrum of Barry resources, including a variety of professional development programs and direct contact with the Program Director.

Curriculum

Part-time Traditional MSW (63 Credits)

  • SEMESTER 1

    • Social Work: An Introduction to the Profession (3 cr)
    • Ways of Knowing for Social Work Practice (3 cr)

    Total # of credits: 6

    • Direct Practice Skills in Social Work I (3 cr)
    • Social Work Macro and Policy Practice (3 cr)
    • Professional and Clinical Practice I (3 cr)

    Total # of credits: 9

    • Direct Practice Skills in Social Work II (3 cr)
    • Human Development (3 cr)
    • Professional and Clinical Practice II (A) (2 cr)

    Total # of credits: 8

    • Models of Intervention (3 cr)
    • Introduction to Trauma and Resilience (3 cr)
    • Professional and Clinical Practice II (B) (2 cr)

    Total # of credits: 8

    • Psychopathology (3 cr)
    • Advanced Clinical Social Work Practice with Individuals (3 cr)
    • Professional and Clinical Practice III (A) (2 cr)
    Total # of credits: 8
    • Mind Body Connection: The Neurobiology of Clinical Practice (3 cr)
    • Advanced Clinical Social Work Practice with Families (3 cr)
    • Professional and Clinical Practice III (B) (2 cr)
    Total # of credits: 8
    • Advanced Clinical Social Work Practice with Groups (3 cr)
    • Focused Practice Course (3 cr)
    • Professional and Clinical Practice IV (A) (2 cr)
    Total # of credits: 8
    • Evaluation of Clinical(3 cr)
    • Leadership, Advocacy, and Policy Practice (3 cr)
    • Professional and Clinical Practice IV (B) (2 cr)

    Total # of credits: 8

Part-time Advanced Standing MSW (32 Credits)

    • Psychopathology (3 cr)
    • Introduction to Trauma and Resilience (3 cr)
    • Professional and Clinical Practice III (A) (2 cr)

    Total # of credits: 8

    • Advanced Clinical Social Work Practice with Individuals (3 cr)
    • Advanced Clinical Social Work Practice with Families (3 cr)
    • Professional and Clinical Practice III (B) (2 cr)

    Total # of credits: 8

    • Advanced Clinical Social Work Practice with Groups (3 cr)
    • Mind Body Connection: The Neurobiology of Clinical Practice (3 cr)
    • Professional and Clinical Practice IV (A) (2 cr)

    Total # of credits: 8

    • Evaluation of Clinical SW Practice (3 cr)
    • Leadership, Advocacy, and Policy Practice (3 cr)
    • Professional and Clinical Practice IV (B) (2 cr)

    Total # of credits: 8

Frequently Asked Questions

    • Priority Deadline Date For Summer Semester: April 1
    • Priority Deadline Date For Fall Semester: July 1
    • Priority Deadline Date For Spring Semester: December 1

  • Part-Time 63 credit:

    Students will enroll in trauma-informed courses starting with generalist practice foundation-level courses followed by an advanced clinical practice concentration. Students are required to take two courses per 12-week semester and complete 1000 hours of Professional and Clinical Practice training over the course of the program, meaning most students complete the degree in approximately 28 months.

    Part-time 32 credit:

    Students will enroll in trauma informed advanced clinical practice concentration courses. Students are required to take 2 courses per semester. In addition to those courses, students are required to complete 580 professional and clinical training hours over the course of their matriculation. Most students enrolled in the part-time program complete the degree in approximately 16 months.

  • The Online MSW degree program costs $ 675 per credit. We encourage you to speak to one of our dedicated financial aid officers, as financial assistance may be available. To book a one-on-one appointment with our in-house Financial Aid specialist, please visit: www.barry.edu/sswbooking.

  • We created our Online MSW program to maintain specific focus on advancing each student’s clinical practice. As such, direct feedback and dedicated instruction is paramount to the program mission. Our faculty are a key factor in delivering a top-notch program in an engaged, online format. While coursework and fieldwork may be completed within your existing schedule, you will participate weekly in live virtual sessions with peers and professors. These sessions mirror the face-to-face experiences gained through traditional on-campus programs. Additionally, your professors are experts in their fields and will guide you both in your studies and your search for meaningful professional and clinical internships that align with your individual strengths, interests, and goals.

  • Our online programs provide you with the same access to our award-winning faculty through "real-time" synchronous sessions. These programs are designed to ensure that Barry University Department of Social Work students receive more than just a degree, but the opportunity to become part of the Barry community of students, educators, and alumni. Our online programs will have several synchronous meetings. Rather than 3.5 hours in person, you will be a part of a 90-minute "real-time" academic experience.

  • A $30 nonrefundable fee must be paid at the time of application.

Barry University SSW Sarah Ingram Herring M

Sarah Ingram-Herring, Ph.D., LCSW Director, MSW Program

Director’s Welcome

“Welcome to Barry University Department of Social Work where students gain the requisite clinical practice knowledge, hands-on clinical practice experience, and leadership skills to prepare them for independent, ethical, and competent social work practice.”
Message from the Program Director

Department of Social Work Events

Attend one of our upcoming events

  • Graduate and Adult Learner Virtual Open House Week

    Learn more

  • Graduate and Adult Learner Virtual Open House Week

    Learn more

  • Graduate and Adult Learner Virtual Open House Week

    Learn more

  • Graduate and Adult Learner Virtual Open House Week

    Learn more

  • Graduate and Adult Learner Virtual Open House Week

    Learn more

  • Graduate and Adult Learner Virtual Open House Week

    Learn more

  • Graduate and Adult Learner Virtual Open House Week

    Learn more

  • Graduate and Adult Learner Virtual Open House Week

    Learn more
Attend an Information Session

Internship Professional and Clinical Practice

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 Department of Social Work is to assist students in connecting the curriculum with the practical world of the practice setting.

The Office of Professional and Clinical Practice has several diverse agency placements such as Catholic Charities, Broward County Public Schools, Families First of Palm Beach County, Henderson Behavioral Health, Jackson Health Systems and many more. Clinical practice is a course designed to help students bridge theory and practice and to offer extended learning opportunities for students to grow and develop professionally.

Professional and Clinical Practice Placement Core Performance Standards

Clinical Sites Include:

Books School

Schools

health heart

Hospitals & Health Centers

scale

Criminal Justice Agencies

people heart

Community-based Agencies

  • Books School

    Schools

  • health heart

    Hospitals & Health Centers

  • scale

    Criminal Justice Agencies

  • people heart

    Community-based Agencies

Denise Deen

Denise Deen, EdD Director of Graduate Admissions

Welcome to Barry University Department of Social Work - MSW Traditional Program!

“Thank you for considering our program and for dedicating your education to becoming a change maker. We have no doubt our program will equip you with the necessary foundation to instill that change. I will be your main contact and support for all admissions and program-related questions, so please do not hesitate to 1:1 virtual appointment with me, call or email. I am here to guide you through this journey into graduate school!”
Schedule a 1:1 meeting

Admissions Overview Admission Requirements

  • CSWE-accredited Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited or internationally recognized college or university.
  • Undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher with a 3.0 or higher in all Social Work courses.
  • Two Letters of Recommendation from past professors, professionals, supervisors, or community leaders who can attest to your readiness for social work graduate studies.
  • A final field evaluation from your undergraduate field placement (can be used in place of one reference
  • Write your personal statement. Please write your response in paragraph format:

The Director of Graduate Admissions for Social Work considers your personal statement to be an essential part of your application. It provides you with an opportunity to tell us about yourself, your professional interests that have influenced you to pursue an MSW degree. Your personal statement also gives the Director a glimpse into your ability to write and think critically. Your statement should be typed, doubled spaced, in APA format, and consist of at least 500 words.

Please choose one of the following prompts and provide a minimum 500-word response in the form of an essay.

  • Think back to a situation in your life where you had to decide between taking a risk and playing it safe. - Which choice did you make? What was the outcome of your choice?
  • Would you have made the same decision looking back on the experience or would you have made a different decision?
  • What movie, poem, musical composition, or novel has most influenced your life and the way that you view the world? Why?
  • Describe an experience that forever changed your life and how it changed your outlook on life.
  • If you were given the ability to change one moment in your life, would you do so? Why or why not? If so, what moment would you change and why?
  • How has the neighborhood you've grown up in molded you into the person you are today?
If you wish to transfer credits from another school, please complete the attached form.

Application Fee

$30 nonrefundable fee must be paid at the time of application.

Financial Aid Affordable for you.

At BarryU, our tuition is competitive, affordable and still promises all the perks of a private school education. Our cost per credit is in-line with other institutions, but we offer a mission-driven educational experience and provide our students with small class sizes, personalized attention, and academic excellence. Scholarships, graduate assistantships, and financial aid can also be explored to help offset overall costs.

Barry University participates in the full array of federal and state financial aid programs. At Barry, we are committed to doing all we can to help you finance your education.

For the 2024-2025 academic year, the tuition cost of an MSW degree is $675 per credit. 

The MSW is affordable given the strong demand for social workers. This investment supports entry into a high-impact profession with diverse career opportunities, addressing critical workforce needs in mental health, healthcare, and community services, while offering long-term financial and professional rewards.

Financial Aid Programs

Barry University's Financial Aid staff will assist you through the financial aid application process.

Admissions Overview International Student FAQs

If you are an international student, applying as early as possible is in your best interest in order to allow ample time for immigration processing. Please be aware that admission to Barry University does not guarantee that you will be granted a student visa by the United States Embassy or Consulate in your country of origin.

View FAQs
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Barry University does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, ethnicity, national origin, ancestry, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, familial status, marital status, pregnancy, age, disability status or veteran status. This policy applies to students, employees, applicants and trustees with respect to participation in any program, benefit, activity or student/employment opportunity offered by the University. Every member of the University community is expected to uphold this policy as a matter of mutual respect and fundamental fairness in human relations. Every student of this institution has a responsibility to conduct himself/herself in accordance with this policy as a condition of enrollment. Further, every University employee has an obligation to observe Barry University policies and implementation of federal and state law as a term of employment. No person shall be retaliated against for reporting violations or concerns about prohibited discrimination or bias through appropriate University channels.

Nothing in this non-discrimination statement shall require Barry University to act in a manner contrary to the beliefs and teachings of the Catholic Church or the University mission statement.

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