Washington University in St. Louis - Brown School

About this program

The Brown School at Washington University in St. Louis offers nationally recognized Master of Social Work (MSW) and Master of Social Policy (MSP) programs that prepare students to lead change within communities, organizations, and systems. As one of the nation’s oldest schools of social work, the Brown School brings more than a century of leadership, excellence, and innovation to the field.

Our faculty are engaged in field-defining research, exploring critical questions such as, “How do we build social and economic wellbeing?” and “How do we ensure the best possible care for all?” With a customizable curriculum, robust hands-on learning, and pioneering leadership in areas like international social work, evidence-based clinical practice, implementation science, and social and economic development, the Brown School fosters a collaborative environment where students build the knowledge, skills, and values to become effective, ethical clinicians, advocates, and policy leaders.

The MSW program offers several areas of study and multiple pathways, including a traditional two-year full-time track and a part-time option, as well as accelerated advanced standing options. The one-year MSP is designed to equip you with skills to impact the U.S. policy ecosystem, offering focused, flexible training for those pursuing policy careers with impact.

Students benefit from extensive fieldwork opportunities with the Brown School's 400+ partner sites, located locally, nationally and internationally. Additional student supports include a three-part holistic advising system with dedicated academic, faculty, and field education advisors; financial aid guidance and support through the Office of Student Financial Services; comprehensive career support, available for a lifetime, through the Center for Career Engagement; and more.

To learn more about our dynamic community, visit brownschool.wustl.edu or visit our social media accounts:

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• Year partnership began: 2015
• Fellowships awarded per year (average): 5

Application requirements

MSW: Transcripts, Personal Statement, Resume or CV, Letters of Recommendation, Short Video Interview.

MSP: Transcripts, Personal Statement, Resume or CV, Letters of Recommendation, Short Video Interview.

Admissions process

The Brown School welcomes students from a wide range of academic backgrounds and considers each applicant holistically. MSW and MSP applicants may begin the application through the Brown School website: brownschool.washu.edu/apply

All returned Peace Corps Volunteers who have satisfactorily completed their service and indicate their Peace Corps experience in their application will be automatically considered for the Coverdell Fellowship. Applicants applying by priority deadlines (Dec 1 and Mar 1) will receive priority consideration for the Coverdell Fellowship.

Degrees awarded

Master of Social Work (MSW), Master of Public Health (MPH)

Benefits and opportunities

Net cost is equal to tuition/fees minus fellowship value. For some universities, the fellowship value includes non-tuition/fee benefits such as health insurance or housing. See cost savings details for more.

Estimated annual cost of living: $27,900

Cost savings details

Coverdell Fellows in the two-year MSW program receive a $50,000 scholarship to be allocated over the course of their studies. Coverdell Fellows in the one-year MSP program receive a $25,000 scholarship to be allocated over the course of their studies.

Financial hardship waivers available upon request.

Internship

Brown School students complete an intensive fieldwork experience known as a practicum. MSW students complete two practica - a 360-hour Foundation Practicum, followed by a 600-hour Concentration Practicum. MSP students complete a 360-hour internship in a local, state, or national policy setting. The Brown School has over 400 affiliated practicum sites, with a practicum process that emphasizes choice, allowing students to develop the skills and connections that will be most beneficial to them. Coverdell Fellows will work closely with a dedicated advisor in the Office of Field Education to select an organization or agency whose mission prioritizes the advancement of underserved populations and communities. Our community partners connect students to advocates and practitioners leading the way in social change, with evidence-based programs in social and economic development, sustainability, education, community building, housing, public policy, and more. A few of the innovative organizations we partner with include: Center for Social Development, Forced Migration Initiative, International Center for Child Health and Development, Kathryn M. Buder Center for American Indian Studies, Smart Africa Center, Social System Design Lab, Behavioral Health Network, Legal Services of Eastern Missouri, Social Policy Institute, Asian American Youth Foundation, Environmental Defense Fund, Rise Community Development, Beyond Housing, International Institute, Kids in the Middle, Missouri Budget Project, New Roots Urban Farm, Prevention Research Center, Regional Health Commission, St. Louis Health Department, and many more.

Other opportunities

Throughout their time at the Brown School, Fellows will receive special advising and programming that discusses practicum experiences, their program’s integration with the Peace Corps’ Third Goal, and on-campus support and resources. Coverdell Fellows are also eligible to apply for research assistantships offered by faculty and research centers at the Brown School.

The Brown School is one of the oldest schools of social work in the country with faculty who have led groundbreaking research in areas such as international social work, social and economic development, and implementation science. With a diverse student body comprised of nearly 20% international students and several RPCVs each year, the Brown School cultivates a globally minded community focused on measurable impact both locally and around the world.

Jobs for alumni

Brown School students benefit from a specialized Center for Career Engagement team with expertise in the social work and policy sectors. Our alumni are employed in careers with impact across the United States and in over 50 counties. Brown School graduates are valued for their leadership and vision in professional roles such as founders and directors of nonprofits, community development executives, mixed-income community managers, local health officers, policy analysts, program managers and evaluators, school and community liaisons, urban education reformers, social entrepreneurs, and strategic planners.

Recent graduates have been employed in positions such as: Executive Director for Community Development, Civic Engagement Organizer, Community Development Specialist, U.S. Senate Communication Specialist, Financial Stability Counselor, Asset Manager & Housing Specialist, Community Engagement Manager, Development Officer for Medical and Hunger Relief, Health Policy Associate, Social Enterprise Manager, Planning and Allocations Associate, Lobbyist, Research Analyst, and Creative Director.

Nontraditional options