Academic Planning and Advising

This page includes tools and resources to help plan your course schedule and track your degree progress.

It is important that you track your degree progress from the start of your program. Your curriculum plan is based on your home program and the academic quarter and year you began. Your start date indicates your bulletin, which is what dictates your degree requirements for graduation and what informs your degree audit. 

Follow the steps to ensure you are using the correct documents for your degree planning packet. 

  • Step 1: Choose your home program below.
  • Step 2: Select the term you entered/began the program.
  • Step 3: Utilize the associated course planning documents to plan and track your degree progress.

For all course scheduling, visit the Live Schedule in MyDU for the most up-to-date course information. Navigate there through the following steps: MyDU > Register for Classes > Browse Schedule.

Other Advising Resources:

Denver Campus MSW Program Curriculum and Course Planning

When did you enter the program?

 

 

Before Summer 2020

If you started the program in Summer 2020 or before, please contact gssw.denvercampus@du.edu.

  • Denver Campus students starting before summer 2020 must successfully complete 90 total credits.
  • Denver Campus advanced-standing students starting before summer 2020 must successfully complete 60 total credits.

 

 

Between Summer 2020 and Summer 2023

 

 

Between Fall 2023 and Summer 2024

The Denver Campus MSW Degree Planning Packet includes all degree and prerequisite requirements, curriculum overviews, and pathway requirements.   

The Course Planning Tools have a comprehensive list of courses available in each required category for your degree, they provide course descriptions and they are helpful to manually track your degree progress.  Click on the Course Planning Tools below and select the one that applies to you.

Denver Campus MSW Degree Planning Packet

  • Course Planning Tools

    *For maximum functionality, please download the file and open in Microsoft Excel. DU provides Microsoft Office access for students: information can be found here. 

    Watch this video for a tutorial on how to utilize your Degree Planner. 

  • Special Topics Courses

    Given the ever-changing nature of social work practice, theory and research, topics of importance emerge each year that have particular relevance for a period of time or may be emergent topics that will have relevance for the future of social work. As such, special topics courses are typically offered on a one-time basis, providing content that is not currently incorporated into the standard MSW curriculum. Topics may be related to social work practice, theory or research and vary from term to term; they may be limited by program administrators, faculty or student interest.

    Are you taking two special topics courses?

    If you want to register for more than one special topics course, since they all have the same course number (SOWK 4990), You need to register for one, and then send an email to GSSW.Registrar@du.edu with the following information:

    Subject line: Two special topics course registration request
    Include:

    • Your complete name 
    • DU ID number 
    • Course Name
    • Course Number, Section 
    • CRN of the special topics course you already registered
    • Course Name
    • Course Number
    • Section
    • CRN of the special topics course you want to add

     

    Are you planning on using a special topics course to fulfill a concentration requirement?

    To use a special topics course to substitute for a requirement, you will also need to submit a signed Substitution or waiver form for it to populate your degree correctly. You will only be able to substitute a special topics course for a curriculum requirement if it matches the category you aim to fill. For example, a special topics course designated as a Values requirement can only substitute as a Values course. The TYPE of course must match for a substitution to be considered. Pay attention to course designations.

     

    Visiting Student Option: special topics are listed as Social Work: Denver (for Denver Campus) and are available to any GSSW student as per our Visiting Student Policy, in which students can take up to 10 credits of graduate course work outside of their home MSW program. Submit a Visiting Student Application by the posted deadline for enrollment consideration. Tuition is charged at home program rate.

     

    Fall 2024

    There are not any Fall 2024 Special Topics Courses planned at this time.  

    Winter 2025

    SOWK 4990-1- : InDIGIqualitative Research- Ramona Beltran-  Tuesdays- 12-12:50pm

    SOWK 4990-2- : Expansive Sexual Practices- Merissa Cope- Tuesdays- 12-12:50pm

    Spring 2025

    SOWK 4990-3: Special Topics: Social Work in Nature (Elective)

    SOWK 4990- 1: Special Topics: Non-Violent/Compassionate Communication (Values)

    SOWK 4990-2: Special Topics: Wellness for Social Work (Intervention Skills) 

    SOWK 4990-4: Special Topics: Qualitative Program Evaluation (Evaluation and Research Skills) 

    SOWK 4990- 5: Special Topics: Canine Interactions in SW Practice (Elective)

    SOWK 4990-6: Special Topics: Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (Intervention Skills)

     

     

 

 

Fall 2024 and After

The 2024-2025 MSW Degree Planning Packet includes all degree and prerequisite requirements, curriculum overviews, and pathway recommendations for the Denver Campus. 

The Course Planning Tools have a comprehensive list of courses available in each required category for your degree, they provide course descriptions and they are helpful to manually track your degree progress.  Click on the Course Planning Tools below and select the one that applies to you.

If you are beginning the GSSW Denver Campus program in Winter 2025, please reference the Winter Start 2025 Enrollment Guide for the necessary information and resources to get started or if you start Summer or Fall 2025, please reference the 2025 Enrollment Guide for the necessary information and resources to get started.

Fall 2024 and After Denver Campus MSW Degree Planning Packet

 

  • Course Planning Tools

    *For maximum functionality, please download the file and open in Microsoft Excel. DU provides Microsoft Office access for students: information can be found here. 

    Watch this video for a tutorial on how to utilize your Degree Planner. 

  • Special Topics Courses

    Given the ever-changing nature of social work practice, theory and research, topics of importance emerge each year that have particular relevance for a period of time or may be emergent topics that will have relevance for the future of social work. As such, special topics courses are typically offered on a one-time basis, providing content that is not currently incorporated into the standard MSW curriculum. Topics may be related to social work practice, theory or research and vary from term to term; they may be limited by program administrators, faculty or student interest.

    Are you taking two special topics courses?

    If you want to register for more than one special topics course, since they all have the same course number (SOWK 4990), You need to register for one, and then send an email to GSSW.Registrar@du.edu with the following information:

    Subject line: Two special topics course registration request
    Include:

    • Your complete name 
    • DU ID number 
    • Course Name
    • Course Number, Section 
    • CRN of the special topics course you already registered
    • Course Name
    • Course Number
    • Section
    • CRN of the special topics course you want to add

    Are you planning on using a special topics course to fulfill a concentration requirement?

    To use a special topics course to substitute for a requirement, you will also need to submit a signed Substitution or waiver form for it to populate your degree correctly. You will only be able to substitute a special topics course for a curriculum requirement if it matches the category you aim to fill. For example, a special topics course designated as a Values requirement can only substitute as a Values course. The TYPE of course must match for a substitution to be considered. Pay attention to course designations.

    Visiting Student Option: special topics are listed as Social Work: Denver (for Denver Campus) and are available to any GSSW student as per our Visiting Student Policy, in which students can take up to 10 credits of graduate course work outside of their home MSW program. Submit a Visiting Student Application by the posted deadline for enrollment consideration. Tuition is charged at home program rate.

    Fall 2024

    There are not any Fall 2024 Special Topics Courses planned at this time.  

    Winter 2025

    SOWK 4990-1- : InDIGIqualitative Research- Ramona Beltran-  Tuesdays- 12-12:50pm

    SOWK 4990-2- : Expansive Sexual Practices- Merissa Cope- Tuesdays- 12-12:50pm

    Spring 2025

    SOWK 4990- 1: Special Topics: Non-Violent/Compassionate Communication (Values)

    SOWK 4990-2: Special Topics: Wellness for Social Work  (Intervention Skills)

    SOWK 4990-3: Special Topics: Social Work in Nature (Elective)

    SOWK 4990-4: Special Topics: Qualitative Program Evaluation (Evaluation and Research Skills) 

    SOWK 4990- 5: Special Topics: Canine Interactions in SW Practice (Elective)

    SOWK 4990-6: Special Topics: Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (Intervention Skills)

Four Corners MSW Program Curriculum and Course Planning

When did you enter the program?

 

 

Before Summer 2020

 

 

After Summer 2020

Western Colorado MSW Program Curriculum and Course Planning

When did you enter the program?

 

 

Before Summer 2020

 

 

After Summer 2020

Online MSW Program Curriculum and Course Planning

When did you enter the program?

 

 

Before Summer 2020

  • Concentration Requirements

    *Requires concentration declaration, approval, and appropriate coordinating field internship for concentration requirements.

  • Curriculum Overviews

    Online MSW Program Curriculum Updates FAQ

  • Elective Options

    Qualifying Classes for Mental Health & Trauma Students

    • SOWK 4723: Social Work Practice in Health Care (if not taken as a Methods/Skills requirement)
    • SOWK 4340: Leadership and Supervision Skills (if not taken as a Methods/Skills requirement)
    • SOWK 4752: Trauma Informed Assessment and Intervention (if not taken as a Methods/Skills requirement)
    • SOWK 4401: Integrated Health Care: Models and Practice (if not taken as a Methods/Skills requirement)
    • SOWK 4700: Solution Focused Brief Therapy (if not taken as a Methods/Skills requirement)
    • SOWK 4730: Cognitive Behavioral Therapies (if not taken as a Methods/Skills requirement)
    • SOWK 4325: Perspectives/Trends in Health and Wellness
    • SOWK 4521: Advanced Skills for Working with Military Families
    • SOWK 4643: Digital Justice in Social Work (if not taken as a Values requirement)
    • SOWK 4235: Disproportionality & Disparity Across Systems (if not taken as a Values requirement)
    • SOWK 4784: Suicide Assessments and Interventions
    • SOWK 4430 Substance Use Interventions
    • SOWK 4790 Human Sexuality 
    • SOWK 4545 Social Work Practice with LGBTQIA Communities

     

    Qualifying Classes for Health, Equity & Wellness Students

    • SOWK 4340: Leadership and Supervision Skills
    • SOWK 4345: Intersection of Mental Health, Substance Use, and Trauma
    • SOWK 4700: Solution Focused Brief Therapy
    • SOWK 4730: Cognitive Behavioral Therapies
    • SOWK 4752: Trauma Informed Assessment and Intervention
    • SOWK 4521: Advanced Skills for Working with Military Families
    • SOWK 4643: Digital Justice in Social Work (if not taken as a Values requirement)
    • SOWK 4235: Disproportionality & Disparity Across Systems (if not taken as a Values requirement)
    • SOWK 4784: Suicide Assessments and Interventions
    • SOWK 4430 Substance Use Interventions
    • SOWK 4790 Human Sexuality 
    • SOWK 4545 Social Work Practice with LGBTQIA Communities

    Reminder: Electives must be Concentration-level courses and must be taken after finishing Foundation requirements. If you have an elective, it is a requirement for degree completion.

 

 

Between Summer 2020 and Summer 2023

 

 

Summer 2023

 

 

Between Fall 2023 and Summer 2024 

The MSW@Denver Degree Planning Packet includes all degree and prerequisite requirements, curriculum overviews, and pathway requirements.   

The Degree Planner has a comprehensive list of courses available in each required category for your degree, they provide course descriptions and they are helpful to manually track your degree progress.  Click on the Degree Planners below and select the one that applies to you.

MSW@Denver Degree Planning Packet

 

 

 

Fall 2024 and After 

The MSW@Denver Degree Planning Packet includes all degree and prerequisite requirements, curriculum overviews, and pathway requirements.   

The Degree Planner has a comprehensive list of courses available in each required category for your degree, they provide course descriptions and they are helpful to manually track your degree progress.  Click on the Degree Planners below and select the one that applies to you.

MSW@Denver Degree Planning Packet

 

 

 

Other Online MSW Options
  • Human–Animal–Environment Interactions Coursework

    MSW@Denver online students may apply to take Human–Animal–Environment Interactions in Social Work (HAEI-SW) courses in the Denver Campus MSW program through the Visiting Student option. If you are interested in this option, please review the following process and disclaimers in full:

    • The HAEI-SW courses are taken sequentially:
      1. SOWK 4795 (3 credits; the only course available as a standalone course offering)
      2. SOWK 4796 (3 credits)
      3. SOWK 4797 (3 credits)

     

    • If approved, the HAEI-SW courses are counted as electives in your program.
      • MSW students who started the program Summer 2023 or before have 6 total credits of elective requirements. If a MSW student is interested in taking all three courses, please note this would exceed the total credit requirements for your program.
        • It may be possible to substitute one HAEI-SEW course for a degree requirement – this requires program approval and is not guaranteed. Please contact your SSA for more information.
      • Advanced-Standing MSW students who started the program Summer 2023 or before have 9 total credits of elective requirements.
      • MSW Students who started the program Fall 2023 and after have 12 total credits of elective requirements and may not be eligible for degree requirement substitutions. 

     

    • HAEI-SW online courses are held through the Denver Campus online learning management system, Canvas, rather than Digital Campus.
    • We cannot guarantee that courses will be offered each term and/or fully online throughout the academic year, as these are Denver Campus courses.
      1. You can reference the online schedule through MyDU to see which courses are available. On the online schedule, under the course title, “Lecture” signifies an on-campus course and “Online/Distance” signifies an online course.

     

    MSW@Denver Students must apply for the courses through the Visiting Student Application. If approved, Visiting Students can take up to 10 credit hours outside of their "home" program. Students must submit their request by the deadline posted on the Registration Toolkit.

    • Approval is not guaranteed, and courses are subject to availability.
    • Note: The Denver Campus summer term does not follow the typical 10-week structure that the MSW@Denver program follows. View GSSW academic calendars.

     

    At this time, the HAEI-SW MSW Certificate of Specialization is specific to the Denver Campus program. As such, the HAEI-SW Certificate cannot be listed on your transcript even if you complete the three sequential courses. The courses will be listed as courses completed on your transcript. If you would like to document your completion of the HAEI-SW requirements, you may request a letter of completion from HAEI-SW Certificate Coordinator Nina Ekholm Fry.

     

    If you are interested in more learning opportunities related to human–animal interactions during or after your MSW@DU degree, please see the professional development offerings at University of Denver's Institute for Human–Animal Connection.

group of students smiling and posing

Advising - Ways to Connect

Advisors differ by MSW program. Please see your program below for details. 

I am:

  • ...a Denver Campus MSW Program Student

    Current and Active Denver Campus students are not assigned an academic advisor as the advising program is voluntary.  All Denver Campus students have access to Faculty Academic Advising by placing a request.  You are encouraged to to connect with our Faculty Academic Advising Team for any needs related to degree planning or questions related to your academic experience at GSSW.

    Contact an Advisor

    Advising Process:
     
    1.Student completes “Contact an Advisor” survey which goes to denvercampusadvising@du.edu for processing
    2.Student may receive email with needed information or will be sent to a Faculty Advisor to set up an appointment
    3.Advisors can help support any of the following needs.
     
    •Waiver or substitution form signature
    •Independent or Directed Study approval
    •Want to reduce or increase credit load or take a leave of absence
    •Guidance on course selection for specific career interests/professional development mentoring
    •Struggling with external responsibilities, health or mental health challenges impacting your work
    •Guidance on additional support or resources
     

    Please note** If you have not started the program yet, please do not use the above Contact an Advisor form.  You may review the Winter 2025 Enrollment Guide  to register for an Academic Q&A information session and to review course and curriculum plans.  You may also reach out to gssw.denvercampus@du.edu for specific advising questions in preparation for starting the program.

  • ...a Western Colorado MSW Program Student

    Connect with your Program Director for advising.

  • ...a Four Corners MSW Program Student

    Connect with your Program Director for advising.

  • ...an Online MSW Program Student

GSSW EPAS 2022 Advanced Social Work Practice Competencies

  • Competency 1: Demonstrate Ethical and Professional Behavior

    Advanced social workers model conscious use of self, self-reflection, self-monitoring, and self-correction in social work practice modeling culturally responsive social work practice and professional behavior. Advanced social work practitioners provide leadership in resolving complex ethical dilemmas, integrating the NASW Code of Ethics, as well as relevant policies, laws, and regulations across different systems levels. Advanced social work practitioners effectively and ethically handle technology within the scope of their practice. Advanced social workers model effective communication with clients, colleagues, and within interprofessional teams. Advanced social work practitioners assess the role of power dynamics and inequalities within systems and agency contexts integrating rights-based, anti- racist, and anti-oppressive lenses. Advanced social work practitioners evaluate the profession’s history, mission, roles, and responsibilities in historical and current contexts of oppression and provide leadership to effect change.

    Advanced social workers:

    a. Integrate the NASW Code of Ethics, to resolve complex ethical dilemmas in local, state, federal and tribal contexts based on social work values and ethic.

    b. Model conscious use of self-reflection, and self-monitoring, to manage personal values and biases to model professional behavior in all modes of communication. 

    c. Integrate anti-racist and anti-oppressive strategies to minimize in equalities within system and agency contexts. 

  • Competency 2: Advance Human Rights and Social, Racial, Economic, and Environmental Justice

    Advanced social workers integrate their knowledge of fundamental human rights into social work practice.  Advanced social workers incorporate their understanding of historical and ongoing injustices that result in global oppression and racism, including social work’s role and response, into social work practice. Advanced social workers address inequities and ensure dignity and respect for all promoting social, racial, economic, and environmental justice. Advance social workers advocate for and provide leadership in developing strategies to eliminate oppressive structural barriers to access to social resources, and ensure rights, and responsibilities are distributed equitably, and that civil, political, economic, social, and cultural human rights are protected.

    Advanced social workers:

    a. Incorporate multiple points of view of historical and ongoing injustices when advocating for human rights across practice settings and system levels in consideration of urban, rural, and tribal contexts.

    b. Integrate multiple strategies to minimize barriers and increase access to social, economic, and environmental justice with consideration of the needs, backgrounds, and characteristics of clients and constituencies.

  • Competency 3: Engage Anti-Racism, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (ADEI) in Practice

    Advanced social workers are leaders in anti-racist practice using an approach of cultural humility and cultural responsiveness how racism, oppression and other forms of dehumanization shape the human experience recognizing how racism and oppression shape human experiences and how these two constructs influence practice at the individual, family, group, organizational, and community levels and in policy and research. Advanced social workers evaluate how diversity and intersectionality shapes positionality and impacts the lives of those they serve, including their experiences of power, privilege, oppression, poverty, stigmatization, marginalization, and alienation.  The advanced social work practitioner effectively incorporates the dimensions of diversity into social work practice across all system levels. Advanced social workers assess the extent to which societal and historical roots of social and racial injustices and the forms and mechanisms of oppression and discrimination impact cultural structures and values resulting in systematic oppression and advocate for social justice.

    Advanced social workers:

    a. Integrate anti-racist and anti-oppressive frameworks across systems levels and in consideration of urban, rural, and tribal contexts.

    b. Model anti-racist and anti-oppressive practices and critically evaluate the impact of culture, privilege, and oppression, on one’s personal and professional behavior with clients and constituencies. 

  • Competency 4: Engage in Practice-Informed Research and Research-Informed Practice

    Advanced social workers design research that informs practice decision making integrating their practice experience to inform research and evaluation decisions.  Advanced social work practitioners demonstrate in-depth knowledge of available evidence and critically integrate scientific and multiple sources of evidence to inform decisions pertaining to practice, policy, and programs using culturally informed, anti-racist, and anti-oppressive perspectives. Advanced practitioners evaluate the methodological rigor of the evidence and integrate the evidence into social work practice. Advanced social workers articulate and share research findings in ways that are usable to a variety of audiences across systems and impact social change.

    Advanced social workers:

    a. Integrate multiple strategies [e.g., culturally informed, anti-racist, and anti-oppressive] to address inherent biases in research methods to advance ethical social work research.

    b. Adapt research evidence to inform and improve ADEI practice, policy and service delivery programs across systems levels in consideration of urban, rural, and tribal contexts to impact social change. 

  • Competency 5: Engage in Policy Practice

    Advanced social work practitioners discern and respond to social, cultural, historical, environmental, and/or economic issues affecting marginalized persons and communities.  Advanced social workers analyze and assess policies or programs at varying levels (local, state, national, global) that aim to resolve such issues through an anti-racist lens distinguishing how they may perpetuate issues surrounding power, privilege, and oppression for impacted communities.  Advanced social workers advocate using leadership strategies and organizational skills consistent with social work values and incorporate research to address gaps in existing policies or programs. Advanced social work practitioners communicate effectively to a variety of audiences educating constituents on the impact of past and present policy and advocate for policy improvement.

    Advanced social workers:

    a. Provide leadership on interprofessional teams to advance policy practice in consideration of urban, rural, and tribal community interests. 

    b. Integrate anti-racist and anti-oppressive strategies to influence policy practices within local, state, national, tribal, or global contexts. 

  • Competency 6: Engage with Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities

    Advanced social work practitioners appraise the influence of power dynamics, values, identities, lived experiences, and behaviors that inform the ongoing process of engagement with all client systems (individuals, family, group, organizations, and communities) and respond effectively. They model culturally responsive engagement strategies such as managing professional boundaries, conscious use of self, and critical self-reflection, adjusting and modifying multiple engagement strategies across systems. Advanced social workers exemplify cultural humility, empathy, and other interpersonal skills. Advanced social work practitioners effectively lead and participate in interprofessional collaboration to meet the needs of all client systems.

    Advanced social workers:

    a. Assess the influence of power dynamics on clients and communities to enhance engagement practices.

    b. Adopt multiple engagement practices to effectively and respectfully engage with diverse clients, colleagues and interprofessional teams in complex situations. 

  • Competency 7: Assess Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities

    Advanced social workers incorporate knowledge of theories of human behavior and person-in-environment and interprofessional conceptual frameworks, in conducting culturally responsive assessments with clients and constituencies, including individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities. Advanced social workers design mutually agreed upon plans integrating the perspectives of clients and constituencies. Advanced social workers build upon the strengths of the client system(s) while acknowledging the challenges that may impact the implementation of the plan. Advanced social workers model self-reflective practice and effectively manage personal biases, values, power, and privilege in assessment and decision making.

    Advanced social workers:

    a. Combine and apprise theories and/or research of human behavior and social environments to assess the needs, backgrounds, and characteristics of clients and constituencies.

    b. Select culturally responsive assessment based on the needs of clients and communities in rural, urban and tribal contexts.

  • Competency 8: Intervene with Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities

    Advanced social workers incorporate knowledge of theories of human behavior and person-in-environment and interprofessional conceptual frameworks, in designing culturally responsive interventions with clients and constituencies, including individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities. Advanced social workers design and implement evidence-informed interventions integrating the perspectives and strengths of clients and constituencies. Advanced social workers lead and participate in interprofessional collaboration to achieve client and constituency goals. Advanced social workers model and facilitate effective transitions and endings.

    Advanced social workers:

    a. Design, lead and implement intervention strategies at multiple system levels, based on theories of human behavior in response to client systems’ unique circumstances and needs.

    b. Develops, manages, and maintains and facilitates effective transitions of relationships with clients within the person-in-environment and strengths perspectives.

  • Competency 9: Evaluate Practice with Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities

    Advanced social workers design comprehensive evaluative plans to critically assess and evaluate outcomes to increase practice, policy, and service delivery effectiveness. Advanced social workers integrate anti-racist and anti-oppressive perspectives in the evaluation of social work practice with and on behalf of individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities.  Advanced social workers incorporate knowledge of theories of human behavior and person-in-environment, as well as interprofessional conceptual frameworks, in evaluating outcomes. Advanced social workers effectively select and apply appropriate qualitative and quantitative methods for evaluating outcomes and practice effectiveness.

    Advanced Social Workers:

    a. Develops or potentially modifies current evaluation plans to be culturally responsive to client systems’ unique circumstances and needs.

    b. Integrate anti-racist and anti-oppressive perspectives in evaluation of social work practice with consideration of the needs, backgrounds and contexts of clients and constituencies. 

Generalist Level Course Rubrics

Advanced Social Work Practice Level Course Rubrics