Master of Science in Social Work

Welcome to the Barry University School of Social Work. We view our program, and Barry University, as a family, and we are so proud to have you join us on your journey. Please know that our expectations for you will be high. We will challenge you to be your very best. Informed by the core values of social work and our Core Performance Standards, we will require advanced development of your skills in relationships, communication, critical thinking, and organization.

Part of what makes our program special is our exceptional faculty, visionary leadership team, and professional development opportunities. In addition, our Center for Human Rights and Social Justice provides a framework for social change that is a core component of our profession. Our trauma-informed curriculum will provide you with the knowledge necessary for successful practice in the field of social work. If you haven’t already, you will soon notice that there is something special about Barry. We look forward to a successful journey with you!

In collaboration with Field Education staff and administrators, students are able to select from a wide range of practice settings (i.e. children and families, mental health, substance abuse/addictions, hospitals, veteran’s administration, skilled nursing facilities, criminal justice, schools) the appropriate agency match to complete requirements of their Field Education courses. 

Congratulations on taking the first step to pursue your passion, advance your career, and make a difference in your community. We are committed to assist each student through the admission process.

Whether you transition straight from undergraduate studies to a graduate program or have been out of school for some time, we offer a welcoming and professional environment for graduate study.

With small class sizes, there is a considerable amount of personalized attention from your faculty and opportunities to build strong relationships with fellow classmates.

The Core Performance Standards (CPS) adopted by the School of Social Work provides faculty and students with a set of essential standards for assessing professional conduct. Grounded in the NASW Code of Ethics and core values and mission of social work, the Core Performance Standards provide ethical principles that guide social work practice and on which the public can hold social work practitioners, scholars, and educators accountable. These principles depict the scope of responsibility to which all students obligate him/herself from the time of entry in the Barry University-School of Social Work.

The Core Performance Standards help students in Barry University School of Social Work to recognize their professional responsibilities and criteria for professional conduct. In order to remain in good standing in the School of Social Work, all students, as stated in the NASW Code, ".must not allow their own personal problems, psychosocial distress, legal problems, substance abuse, or mental health difficulties to interfere with their professional judgment and performance or to jeopardize the best interests of people for whom they have a professional responsibility." (p.23, NASW Code of Ethics.)

At BarryU, our tuition is competitive, affordable and still promises all the perks of a private school education. Our cost per credit is in-line with other institutions, but we offer a mission-driven educational experience and provide our students with small class sizes, personalized attention, and academic excellence. Scholarships, graduate assistantships, and financial aid can also be explored to help offset overall costs.

Barry University participates in the full array of federal and state financial aid programs. At Barry, we are committed to doing all we can to help you finance your education.

Barry University's Financial Aid staff will assist you through the financial aid application process.