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Gain a Global Perspective of Compassionate Service

In the global social work track of PÕ¾ÊÓƵ’s MSW program, your coursework will take you through areas such as resettlement, policy initiatives, trauma-informed services and other issues related to the unique needs of immigrant, refugee and Indigenous populations.

From climate change and conflict to economic adversity and political instability, a multitude of forces are generating unprecedented levels of migration of all types. This population, including the forcibly displaced and those exposed to trauma, has tremendous, complex needs. Social workers play an important role in directly serving this population and advocating on its behalf.

The PÕ¾ÊÓƵ MSW global track offers you a pathway to serving this population and understanding the global forces shaping migration. You’ll develop a deep understanding of culturally responsive approaches and how to apply a human rights and social justice framework to your clinical practice.

• Gain hands-on experience through placements, in the Chicago area and around the globe
• Courses taught by leading faculty with real-world experience

What You’ll Learn

In our core Master of Social Work curriculum, you’ll gain a global perspective in both classroom study and fieldwork alongside expert faculty, with numerous opportunities for local, national and international placements. In the global track, you’ll go further, focusing your studies on working with transnational populations, with a specific emphasis on trauma-exposed immigrants and refugees.

You’ll study the process of migration, resettlement, displacement, cultural imperialism and transnationalism, as well as the implications for mental health and well-being. And you’ll examine social welfare policy, its influence on communities and how to advocate for changes that promote social justice and human rights for immigrants and refugees.

Because practitioners working with populations exposed to trauma can experience forms of distress and vicarious trauma of their own, you’ll also learn strategies for self-care.

All courses are taught on campus and online by leading faculty who have real-world experience. . 

Required Courses

Students in the global social work track are required to take the following courses in addition to the general MSW curriculum:

• International Social Work Seminar (SWK 665)
• Anti-Oppressive Practice with Immigrants and Refugees (SWK 667)

What to Expect as You Earn Your MSW at PÕ¾ÊÓƵ 

The PÕ¾ÊÓƵ experience is one that embraces unique viewpoints, values hands-on learning and fosters collaborative relationships—among faculty, students and the communities that we hope to influence through our values-centered degree programs. When you study for your Master of Social Work here, you’ll get the benefit of modern learning designed for working professionals as well as a relationship-focused atmosphere that will help you become a stronger leader in your field.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)