Selecting a Practice Method

All MSW students at the Silberman School of Social Work concentrate (major) in one of three Practice Methods. A student’s chosen Practice Method serves as the foundation of their academic and professional experience throughout their time in the program. MSW Applicants select one Method when applying to the program. The three Practice Methods offered are:

Clinical Practice with Individuals, Families and Small Groups (CPIFG)

This Method introduces students to agency-based clinical practice in the urban environment. Clinical assessment and therapeutic interventions are taught from a biopsychosocial perspective. Clinical Practice prepares students through evidence-based theory and practice to provide psychosocial care to individuals, couples, families, and small groups. Clinical social workers help these clients to enact psychological and interpersonal change, increase their access to social and economic resources, and maintain and enhance their capacities and strengths. For a list of core CPIFG courses, please see MSW Program Curriculum.

Community Organizing, Planning and Development (COP&D)

This Method develops students’ competence for community-based social work practice. It stresses the skills, techniques, and strategies needed to mobilize both people and resources to solve basic social problems at either the neighborhood or citywide level. Focus is placed on social planning and social reform, as aspects of social work practice toward alleviating individual and family problems. Education, training, and field practicums are developed in collective action, advocacy, program evaluation, proposal writing, community outreach, legislative advocacy, and other vital, diverse organizing roles. For a list of core COP&D courses, please see MSW Program Curriculum.

Organizational Management and Leadership (OML)

Students in this Method are prepared to assume varied management positions in social agencies (including the traditional supervisory, middle management, and executive positions) as well as jobs as program planners and analysts, staff trainers, program directors, or budget analysts. They will develop conscious and strategic use of self in managing the complex tasks of program managers. Students seeking to concentrate in OML should have some prior management experience either in social work or at a human services agency. For a list of core OML courses, please see MSW Program Curriculum.