Belmont University’s College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences Launches Master of Social Work Program

Innovative curriculum focuses on trauma-informed care and leadership

The College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences at Belmont University today announced the launch of its new Master of Social Work program, set to commence fall 2025. This program will enrich Belmont's array of health science degrees by providing a specialized curriculum focused on advanced generalist social work practice, with a significant emphasis on trauma-informed care and leadership in social work. 

To address the workforce needs in the behavioral health space, the MSW program is tailored for college graduates with or without a Bachelor of Social Work degree, making it accessible to a wide range of aspiring behavioral health professionals. Furthermore, students with any social work credits from a Council on Social Work Education accredited program will have the opportunity to have those credits evaluated for application to the MSW program, potentially accelerating their path to an advanced degree. 

"The addition of the MSW program represents both our University and our College’s commitment to addressing critical needs in health care and social services,” said Dr. Sharrel Pinto, dean of the College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences. “Our curriculum is meticulously crafted to cultivate leaders with an entrepreneurial mindset who are well-equipped to innovate and advocate within diverse social systems." 

The program, developed in response to a robust demand from the University's alumni and community partners, is designed to offer both full-time and part-time options, accommodating the needs of working professionals and recent graduates alike. Classes will be structured to ensure students can engage deeply with the material without compromising their practical fieldwork, which is integral to their professional development. 

"We are integrating our 60,000 square foot state-of-the-art Center for Interprofessional Engagement and Simulation into the MSW curriculum. When working with individuals in the community, social workers work collaboratively with other health care practitioners. Training in the Center will allow students to experience real-world, hands-on scenarios in a controlled environment,” shared Pinto. “This prepares them not just to respond to challenges but to anticipate and mitigate them proactively as they work in collaboration with other members of an interprofessional team." 

Located within Belmont’s health care corridor, the MSW program benefits from a rich, interdisciplinary environment that fosters collaboration across various health and social science disciplines, enhancing the educational experience for all students involved. 

"We've been eager to offer an MSW program for many years, and I'm thrilled that we can finally make this a reality,” said Jennifer Crowell Thompson, assistant dean for undergraduate education and program chair. “Our curriculum was developed with extensive community feedback, which means our graduates will be ahead of the curve in developing the skills that area providers have identified as crucial. This approach ensures that our students will be well-prepared to meet the evolving needs of our community and make a significant impact in the field of social work." 

Applications for the MSW program are now open.