Trauma Informed Practice Specialization
The University of Northern Iowa trauma-informed Master of Social Work program prepares students for advanced clinical practice with individuals, families and groups who have experienced a wide array of traumatic experiences. Going beyond the standard cognitive behavioral therapy models of practice, the program utilizes an integrative approach to clinical treatment that draws from various cognitive and somatic-based therapies, such as body-centered psychotherapy, sensorimotor psychotherapy, somatic experiencing, trauma-sensitive yoga and EMDR. In addition, students are trained on how to identify, assess, and implement trauma-informed approaches and policies within service organizations.
The distance education program is designed for individuals whose circumstances do not provide them the opportunity to attend on-site, campus MSW programs. The Advanced Standing program is designed for individuals who have a social work undergraduate degree from a Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) accredited program. If you don't have an undergraduate degree from a CSWE accredited program, please review our Foundation program.
Program features
- The Trauma Informed Care (TIC) Concentration is cutting-edge and the UNI MSW program is the only program in Iowa that offers this specialty
- Cohort delivery model - study with the same group of adult learners for the duration of the program, networking with working professionals facing similar challenges
- Dedicated faculty who have strong relations with human service professionals and agencies
- Ranked #11 of affordable online Master of Social Work degrees in the U.S. by AfforableColleges.com.
Take your career to the next level
- MSW graduates with a concentration in Trauma Informed Practice are prepared for positions in substance abuse agencies, mental health facilities, domestic violence shelters, schools, hospitals, prisons and many other social agencies providing direct services to clients.
- Students who receive their MSW from UNI pass the Licensed Master of Social Work (LMSW) exam at a rate that is higher than the national average.
- The UNI Department of Social Work has 153 partnerships in 40 Iowa communities that provide quality internships for students.
- A 2014 National Association of Social Workers, Iowa Chapter study shows an average $13,000 increase in salary for social workers who have earned their MSW versus those with an undergraduate degree.
Convenient course delivery
This program incorporates the same high standards and course workload expectations as the on-campus MSW program, but features the convenience of course delivery without the necessity of commuting to campus.
Courses are offered online using elearning, a learning management system requiring Internet access and a web browser. Most courses will also meet Tuesday evenings from 6 to 9 p.m. (CST) via interactive video conferencing. Limited on-campus attendance required for practice-related courses.
This program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). Accreditation verifies that the MSW degree meets the high standards considered essential to providing a high quality social work education, and ensures that every student graduating from a social work program in the U.S. possesses the same requisite skills and knowledge.