Western Colorado MSW Program

Preparation for Rural Social Work Practice

Based in Glenwood Springs, Colorado, our Western Colorado MSW Program and Western Colorado Advanced-Standing MSW Program bring our top-ranked master of social work program to the state’s Western Slope, strengthening the region’s professional social work infrastructure. With a specialization in Advanced Social Work Practice and an emphasis on equity, you’ll be prepared to meet the unique needs of rural and mountain communities, such as the urgent need for more behavioral health treatment providers.

Social work is one of the nation’s most in-demand professions, and the need for social workers in rural areas is particularly acute. Whether you’re seeking a new career in social work or seeking an MSW to advance your current career, the Western Colorado programs will prepare you to practice social work in a variety of settings, such as behavioral and integrated health, counseling and therapy, substance abuse treatment, school social work, nonprofits and more. You also will be on track to pursue licensure as a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) after graduation.

View Western Colorado MSW Program Options

Get to Know Glenwood Springs

Nestled in the heart of the Rocky Mountains, Glenwood Springs, Colorado, is a gateway to the state’s Western Slope and a hub for its mountain communities. From Montrose in the south to mountain communities such as Leadville, Steamboat Springs or Breckenridge, you can live anywhere on the Western Slope while pursuing your MSW. You won’t find the congestion or fast pace of major cities. What you will find is a relaxed rural lifestyle in an area known for its hot springs, scenic beauty and outdoor recreation (skiing, mountain biking, river rafting, rock climbing, fly fishing and more). You’ll also discover that it’s easier to network and build relationships in a smaller community like Glenwood Springs.

Want to learn more about the Western Colorado MSW Programs?

Interested in learning more about the Western Colorado MSW Program?

Request Information

Western Colorado Open House

We are hosting an optional Western Colorado MSW campus for an Open House on Friday, April 11 from 11 a.m.— 5 p.m. MDT. We welcome all prospective Western Colorado MSW students to the Colorado Mountain College Glenwood Center campus.

You will have the opportunity to attend classes and get to know the people who will support, guide and inspire you on your social work career journey.

Western Colorado MSW Program Format

You’ll take classes on Friday afternoons and evenings, which means you can work while completing your degree. Our field team can help you locate employment that can be combined with your field placements (depending on site employment availability).

Courses are taught in person in Glenwood Springs, online and through video conferencing with faculty on the Denver campus. During summer, Graduate School of Social Work faculty and local social work professionals teach intensive courses in Western Colorado. Students have online access to the University of Denver Library and on-site access to a full-time faculty member. Our career services team will support you in your job search after graduation.

16-18 With a cohort of no more than 18 people, you’ll start and finish your degree with the same group of students, forming close bonds with classmates and your professors

MSW Program Options

Western Colorado MSW Program

This format is for students who have a bachelor’s degree in any field other than social work. You’ll focus on the foundation curriculum in your first year, developing a generalist perspective and basic skills for working with individuals, families, groups, communities and organizations. In your second year, you’ll start your specialization curriculum in Advanced Social Work Practice. You will complete two field internships — one each year — in your community.

Program length: 6 quarters (students have summers off)
Next start date: September 2025
Curriculum Plan: With the Fall Start Curriculum Plan, you’ll have summer quarter off.

More Information

Western Colorado Advanced-Standing MSW Program

This format is for students who already have a bachelor of social work degree that’s accredited by the Council on Social Work Education. You’ll take courses rooted in social justice during the first quarter and then start your specialization curriculum in Advanced Social Work Practice while completing a field internship in your community.

Program length: 4 quarters
Next start date: July 2026
Curriculum plan: With the Summer Start Advanced-Standing Curriculum Plan, you’ll complete your internship in fall, winter and spring quarters.

More Information

Key Faculty & Students

View All Profiles

Rachel Forbes

Professor of the Practice of Social Work, Western Colorado MSW Program Director

Learn More

Erin Leazer

Assistant Director, Western Colorado MSW Program

Learn More

Sue Horn

WestCO Program Coordinator

Learn More

Request Information

Please provide your contact information and we will send you more information and connect you with an Admission Ambassador.

Explore some of our Western Colorado field internship placements

YouthZone

YouthZone is an award-winning, evidence-based diversion and advocacy program that has served youth and families from Aspen to Parachute for more than 40 years. Interns engage in direct clinical services, community outreach and education.
Garfield County Department of Human Services

The Department of Human Services works with doctors, hospitals, law enforcement officials, schools and others to identify maltreatment and intervene with families where children have been abused or neglected. Service areas include intake and assessment, sexual abuse intervention and family education, child protective services and a foster care program. Interns participate in team-based family risk assessments, work with caseworkers in the development and monitoring of family treatment plans, train in forensic interviewing for child sex abuse, and learn techniques for working with adolescents as a life skills/behavior coach.
Mind Springs Health

Mind Springs Health uses a trauma-informed approach to provide comprehensive mental health services in 13 locations throughout Colorado’s Western Slope. Interns participate in case management, train in outpatient therapy for mental health and substance abuse issues, work in detox and crisis services, co-facilitate groups, and shadow professionals in the provision of evidence-based treatments for children, adolescents, adults and seniors.
Family Intercultural Resource Center: Building Hope Initiative

Building Hope is a multifaceted community initiative that works to create a more coordinated, effective and responsive mental health system focused on suicide prevention, stigma reduction and support. Interns participate in community outreach events and activities, provide training and education in mental illness and suicide prevention, and facilitate increased access to care.
Mesa University, Student Wellness Center

The Student Wellness Center strives to provide quality, accessible medical and behavioral health services for all students and their dependents. Interns work in behavioral health services providing one-on-one counseling to help students address mental health wellness concerns. They administer mental health assessments, initiate access to mental health resources, facilitate groups and participate in mental health wellness initiatives, events and activities.