The MSW degree is built on the advanced generalist philosophy and framework, which allows graduates to practice as social workers in a wide variety of environments. This means that rather than being limited to a specific type of graduate social work program, such as medical social work or child and family social work, students are able to use their degree to work in many different areas. Accordingly, the program instills in students the advanced generalist practice knowledge and skills essential to promoting social welfare, especially among vulnerable populations, in institutions such as education, health, employment, housing, and criminal justice. The departments conceptualization of advanced generalist social work education emphasizes direct practice skills.
The advanced generalist model was adopted at USU for several reasons:
- It fits well with Utah State Universitys land-grant heritage and mission that mandates providing educational access to diverse statewide communities
- Many of Utahs communities are rural, where the need for MSW-level social workers is particularly acute, but access to MSW programs is severely limited
- Studies have supported the efficacy of the generalist and advanced generalist curriculum not only for rural practice, but for practice in other settings as well.
Utah State Universitys master of social work program is offered in both a full-time and part-time option. The two-year, full-time program is available to those attending the main USU campus in Logan. The three-year, part-time program is currently available at other locations throughout the state of Utah.
The MSW program admits students to the full-time Logan program every two years, the part-time Regional campus program every three years, and the full-time advanced standing program (for those with undergraduate degrees in social work) in Logan every other year. Those interested in applying for one or more of these programs should contact the social work office to learn when the next application cycle begins.

