威斯康星大學(xué)密爾沃基分校

The Joint MSW/Ph.D. program prepares students to make significant contributions to social work education and the knowledge base of the profession.

The goals and objectives of both the MSW and Ph.D. programs reflect the department’s concerns with urban social problems, social and economic equity and well-being, cultural diversity, and the empowerment of individuals, families, organizations, and communities to effect change.

Social Work Joint MSW/Ph.D. Specializations

Three areas of specialization that reflect both faculty expertise and issues of importance to the university’s urban mission are emphasized. In consultation with their advisors, students in the Joint MSW/Ph.D. program will be expected to identify one of these three areas as the overall focus of their studies:

Applied Gerontology:

This specialization focuses on the complexity of the aging process from the perspective of the individual, family, society, and social policy. It covers the physical, psychological, and social processes of aging, including family roles and responsibilities, cultural diversity, social support networks, and the use of health and social services. Major developmental issues during the second half of life will be presented and interventions to facilitate adaptation to developmental change will be described.

Family and Child Welfare:

Both the social work and criminal justice professions have historical commitments to ensuring the welfare of children, and professionals view the family system as being of prime importance in children’s lives. The family system, in its various forms, is also a significant social institution, essential to communities and to society as a whole. This specialization focuses on the study of family systems, child and family welfare, and interventions to enhance the lives of children and families.

Health and Behavioral Health:

This specialization is designed to prepare students for teaching and scholarship relating to the delivery of mental/physical health and addictions services to individuals, families, small groups, and the community. Students are exposed to issues, approaches, and technologies in prevention, treatment, administration, and policy. These are related to risks and problems with alcohol and other drugs, various forms of mental illness, intimate partner violence, cognitive and physical disabilities, physical illness, community violence, and other behavioral health concerns.