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MSW Focus Area

Community & Organizational Leadership

Community and organizational leadership is vital in social work practice because of the focus on systemic change. Social workers must understand that addressing root causes of social issues creates lasting change for entire communities. Social workers in community and organizational roles influence resource allocation, ensuring that funding and services reach those most in need. They engage in policy advocacy to create or modify laws that promote wellbeing and foster collaboration to enhance community development. This type of social work practice emphasizes preventive measures, addressing problems before they escalate. You’ll empower communities by involving them in decision-making and building capacity, leading to better service delivery and more resilient communities.

Knowledge you need #

You’ll develop and sustain vital organizations and healthy communities through human services management, community development, and advocacy. You’ll learn assessment, interviewing, and engagement techniques with communities and organizations, which are crucial for effective practice. You’ll navigate social policies and social welfare systems, focusing on preventive and intervention methods. Our intention is to develop leaders who are equipped to manage fiscal resources and develop resources. Through your ability to support communities and organizations, systemic barriers are identified and addressed to mitigate impact. You’ll learn organizational and community theories and models for managing human resources. Ultimately, you’ll build skills in strategic planning, grant writing, fundraising, financial management and budgeting, and community organizing.

You will be prepared to engage in transformative work that will make a positive difference in the communities you serve through:

  • Primary interventions for organizations, communities, and social policy.
  • Promotion of vital social change in response to the needs of diverse communities.
  • Social system responses to complex individual and social needs.

Regular standing degree sequence map offerings

For students admitted without a BSW degree. Find the degree map timeline that fits your needs.

Advanced standing degree sequence map offerings

For students admitted with a BSW degree. Find the degree map timeline that fits your needs.