Western Colorado MSW Program

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

The Western Colorado MSW program, located in Glenwood Springs, CO, prepares students for advanced social work practice in rural and mountain communities throughout Western Colorado. Students build expertise in clinical care, community engagement, advocacy and social justice while addressing the unique challenges facing underserved populations.

Yes. The Western Colorado MSW follows a hybrid format that combines online coursework with in-person learning experiences in Glenwood Springs, Colorado and locally based field internship opportunities.

Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. Students with a CSWE-accredited Bachelor of Social Work may qualify for the Advanced Standing Master of Social Work Program. Learn more about application instructions. 

The Western Colorado MSW Program is 6 quarters, excluding summers, and the Western Colorado Advanced-Standing MSW Program is 4 quarters, including summer. 

Yes. The Western Colorado MSW is part of the University of Denver’s CSWE-accredited Master of Social Work program.

The curriculum emphasizes rural practice, behavioral health, trauma-informed care, integrated healthcare, social justice and community-based intervention strategies relevant to Western Colorado communities.

Yes. Students complete internships in organizations throughout Western Colorado, helping them gain real-world experience while building local professional connections.

Yes. The hybrid and flexible structure is designed to support students who want to continue working or remain rooted in their communities while pursuing graduate education.

Graduates pursue careers in healthcare, mental health, schools, nonprofits, integrated behavioral health, community outreach and rural social service organizations.

The program is ideal for students who want to serve rural, mountain and underserved communities while staying connected to Western Colorado during their graduate education.