Four Corners MSW Programs
Preparation for Rural and Tribal Social Work Practice
Based in Durango, Colorado, our Four Corners MSW Program and Four Corners Advanced-Standing MSW Program brings our top-ranked master of social work program to the Four Corners region, strengthening the area’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 tribal communities, such as the urgent need for more treatment providers trained to work with Native and Spanish-speaking clients.
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 Four Corners program will prepare you for LCSW licensure and rural and tribal social work practice in behavioral and integrated health, counseling and therapy, substance abuse treatment, school social work, nonprofits and more.
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Discover Durango
Durango, Colorado, is near the intersection of four states (Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona and Utah) and many cultures. The Four Corners is rich in Native and Latinx history and cultural traditions, natural beauty and outdoor recreation opportunities — everything from skiing in winter to mountain biking and hiking year-round. You won’t find the congestion or fast pace of major cities, but you'll discover that it’s easier to network and build relationships in a small community.
You can stay in your community — such as Farmington, New Mexico, or Window Rock, Arizona — while pursuing your MSW. Living and working close to the Navajo Nation, Ute Mountain Ute, Southern Ute and other tribal nations will allow you to develop an understanding of different cultures and build your practice skills with indigenous Americans.
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MSW Program Options
Four Corners 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'll also complete two field internships — one each year — in your community.
- Program length: 6 quarters (students have summers off)
- Next start date: September 2026
- Curriculum Plan: With the Fall Start Curriculum Plan, you’ll have summer quarter off.
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Four Corners 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 2025
- Curriculum plan: With the Summer Start Advanced-Standing Curriculum Plan, you’ll complete your internship in fall, winter and spring quarters.
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Fort Lewis College Partnership
In cooperation with Fort Lewis College, Fort Lewis undergraduates who are interested in a career in social work can earn their Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, Anthropology, Public Health, Gender and Women Studies and Sociology and a Masters in Social Work (MSW) in five years. This process allows students to complete their senior year and first year of the two year MSW program simultaneously. Students can then finish their MSW course work and internship at the DU Four Corners campus in downtown Durango.
- Program Length: 6 quarters (students have summers off)
- Next start date: September 2026
- Curriculum Plan: With the Fall Start Curriculum Plan, you’ll have summer quarter off.
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Key Faculty & Staff
Janelle F. Doughty
Associate Professor of the Practice of Social Work and Program Director of the Four Corners MSW Program
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Application Information
2025 Four Corners Advanced-Standing MSW Program Final Application Deadline
Supporting Local Communities
2024 Four Corners Commencement Celebration
GSSW celebrates its 2024 Four Corners MSW Program graduates.
Centering Indigenous Knowledge
The Four Corners MSW Program is transforming to better emphasize Indigenous knowledge and experiences in the rural context.