Concentrations, Specializations, and Curriculum Design in MSW and BSW Programs

Abstract

Three major dilemmas have always challenged social work educators and practitioners: the generic-specific issue, the dichotimization of the profession between social change and focus on the individual, and the educational continuum in BSW and MSW preparation. These issues are particularly relevant at a time when both CSWE and NASW have been deliberating on curriculum and professional specialization and their implications. This article presents the findings of a national study of aspects of curriculum design and emphasis as they shed light on current solutions to these issues.