Domestic Violence MSW Programs

Last updated March 8, 2024
Domestic Violence MSW Programs By Kassondra Glenn
Kassondra Glenn
Licensed Psychotherapist, Master of Social Work (MSW), Clinical Social Work/Psychotherapy (New York University)

There are online MSW programs that have focus tracks or specializations on family, youth, children, and domestic violence (among other types of MSW programs).

An online MSW program with a focus on domestic violence can yield multiple career opportunities and the chance to make a difference in the lives of victims and families that truly need help and guidance. Domestic violence social workers usually work with governmental social agencies or hospitals. Some may work with churches or community centers, assessing domestic violence and providing support and paths/suggestions for victims.

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George Mason University Online MSW: Children, Youth, & Families
CSWE accredited. Specialized online tracks focused on Children, Youth, & Families.
CSWE Accredited
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Click to view online MSW programs that are taking applications for 2024.

Are there online MSW programs with a Domestic Violence Track?

Yes, there are online MSW programs that offer a domestic violence track. An online MSW focused on domestic violence holds courses over the Internet rather than in a classroom. This type of social work program can be a great choice for students who may need more flexibility and accommodation than an in-person program can provide. It can also be a great choice for those who live in areas with limited access to higher education.

Seeking an online MSW program focused on domestic violence can start with independent research. Reading about programs, comparing coursework, and speaking with the university's admissions department can help you identify schools that will fit with your learning style. To help you jump start you process, we have reviewed many of the top online MSW programs with a domestic violence focus.

In Depth Review of the Top MSW Programs with a Domestic Violence Concentration

Simmons University - Trauma and Interpersonal Violence Focus

Simmons University provides leading social work education in various areas of the field. Simmons University offers an online MSW program with a trauma interpersonal violence focus to students interested in domestic violence.

The trauma and interpersonal violence focus at Simmons University can prepare students for a career working with domestic violence survivors or in domestic violence policy. It emphasizes approaching people with compassion and understanding toward their life experiences. Classes may include a core curriculum and electives such as Lifespan of Trauma and Treatment: Adults and Families.

Two years is the typical completion time for online MSW programs at Simmons University. An accelerated option for BSW holders and a part-time option for working professionals is also offered. Each option requires 1,120 field instruction hours for graduation. Depending on the option chosen, costs for an online MSW program at Simmons University can range from $41,070 to $72,150.

Directly connect with Simmons University admissions:
Click for admissions information about the Online Master of Social Work program (taking applicants for 2024).

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George Mason University - Children, Youth, and Families Focus

George Mason University provides leading social work education to students interested in equity, human rights, and social justice. George Mason University offers and online MSW program with a children, youth, and families focus to students interested in these populations.

The children, youth, and families focus centers its curriculum around work with family systems. This can include family systems that are susceptible to or have been impacted by domestic violence. Students who choose the children, youth, and families focus may be prepared to begin work with domestic violence survivors upon graduation. Classes may include a core curriculum and electives such as Advanced Clinical Practice.

The typical completion time for online MSW programs at George Mason University varies between two, three, and four years. All program options require 1,050 field instruction hours for graduation. Costs for an online MSW program at George Mason University can range from $46,020 for in-state students to $100,860 for out-of-state students.

Directly connect with George Mason University admissions:
Click for admissions information about the Master of Social Work (MSW) Online program (taking applicants for 2024).

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School Program Admissions
Our Lady of the Lake University Online Master of Social Work
CSWE Accredited
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Adelphi University Online Master of Social Work
CSWE Accredited
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University of Kentucky Online Master of Social Work
CSWE Accredited
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University of West Florida Online Master of Social Work
CSWE Accredited
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Virginia Commonwealth University Online Master's in Social Work
Accredited
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Click to view all online MSW programs that are currently accepting applications.

University at Buffalo - Independent Specialization Track

University at Buffalo provides leading social work education to students interested in human rights and a trauma-informed perspective. University at Buffalo offers an online MSW program with an independent specialization track to students interested in designing their own curriculum.

The independent specialization track at University at Buffalo may allow students to choose their area of study. This can benefit those interested in domestic violence, as they may be able to choose courses focused on the topic. The freedom and flexibility provided by the independent specialization track can prepare students for work with domestic violence survivors upon graduation.

Three years is the typical completion time for online MSW programs at University at Buffalo. A one and a half year advance standing option for BSW holders is also offered. The standard option requires 900 hours of field instruction for graduation, and the advanced standing option requires 480 hours of field instruction for graduation. Depending on the option chosen and New York State resident status, costs can range from $24,237 to $75,984.

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What to look for in a MSW program that focuses on domestic violence

An MSW focused on domestic violence is a type of social work degree that includes preparation for work with individuals and families impacted by cycles of abuse. These populations may experience mental health concerns such as post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, or anxiety. They may also experience the impact of societal factors such as inadequate resources and poverty. Once you have identified an interest in an MSW focused on domestic violence, you can review programs that may be suitable for you.

There can be several considerations to make when choosing an online MSW program with a focus on domestic violence. These include the skills you would like to develop, the courses offered at different schools, and your future desires in the social work field. Once you have determined that you might like to pursue an online MSW program with a focus on domestic violence, reviewing the information below can help you find a suitable school.

Online and on campus MSW programs are available

Programs that offer an MSW focused on domestic violence can be completed both online and in-person. Online MSW programs focused on domestic violence teach the same material as in-person programs. Education around the signs of domestic violence, trauma-informed care, and providing services is often included. Students who have a desire to make a difference on the personal, community, and systemic levels in the area of domestic violence may be a fit for an online MSW program.

Finding an MSW with Domestic Violence focused courses

If you are a student seeking an MSW program with a focus on domestic violence, finding a school with appropriate courses can be important. Reading course catalogs online may be a way of seeking course information for various schools. Below, our educational experts have curated several examples of domestic violence focused courses:

Clinical Practice with Children, Youth and Families

This course considers the impact of domestic and community violence across the lifespan. Students can be taught how to assess the needs of children, youth, parents, and caregivers. The bio-psycho-social lens may be used as a way to look at the internal and external influences on family systems. Culture and community influences may also be taken into consideration.

Students who complete this course can expect to be better prepared for clinical practice. Interventions such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and psychodynamic psychotherapy may be taught. Effective ways to work with marginalized populations may also be presented. These interventions can further work in the field with clients who have experienced domestic violence.

Interventions in Intimate Relationships

This course introduces students to interventions that can be used when working with intimate relationships. These interventions may be used in couples therapy or other social work settings where couples are present. Strategies and techniques for de-escalating conflict and soothing people in distress may be taught. Major theories behind couples therapy can also be brought up as topics of study.

Students who complete this course can expect to be better prepared to interact with situations where domestic violence is present. The signs of domestic violence can be assessed and appropriate next steps can be taken. The course may also provide context for the cycle of abuse and how it shows up in intimate relationships.

What can you do with a MSW degree focused on domestic violence?

Multiple career options may be available to those who have an MSW with a focus on domestic violence. One career path that graduated students can choose to take is individual, couples, or family counselor. This path can allow for work with a range of populations. It can also allow for specialization in assessing for and treating survivors of domestic violence. Following receipt of an MSW, additional training and licensure may be required for certain types of counseling practices.

Another career path that may be appealing to graduated students is domestic violence advocate at a social services agency. Someone in this role can find themselves responsible for crisis intervention, safety planning, and referrals. It can be important to approach those seeking assistance from a domestic violence advocate through a trauma-informed lens. It can also be important to remain informed on current domestic violence resources.

Regardless of your career choice subsequent to receiving an MSW with a focus on domestic violence, the field can be rewarding and fulfilling. It may be important to consider individual strengths and overall temperament when beginning to seek a job. This can help define which roles and populations you will be able to have the largest impact on.

Career and salary info

Salary can be another important consideration when seeking a job in the domestic violence field. Salaries for positions may range and be dependent on location or previous experience. Our team of experts has compiled a list of the average salaries for several common jobs below:

Salaries for domestic violence MSW careers