What can you do with an MSW?

A properly accredited MSW program fulfills the educational requirements for social work licensure. You will also need to accrue supervised experience hours and pass an examination to complete the licensing process. MSW degrees can also lead to opportunities in mental health counseling.

How do you become a social worker who works in psychodynamic theory?

To become a social worker, you must earn an advanced social work degree that covers psychodynamic theory and complete supervised clinical experience. Social work degree specializations are usually available in MSW programs, and you can study psychodynamic theory in detail as a master's or doctoral student.

What are important skills for psychodynamic theory social work?

Non-judgmental empathy and cultural sensitivity can help you serve social work clients effectively. Psychodynamic theory has direct applications in child, family, mental health, and substance use social work. Anti-bias training that focuses on these areas can also improve your career outcome.

Explore the applications of psychodynamic theory in MSW programs

Explore MSW programs that cover psychodynamic theory. Build your knowledge of this important paradigm and connect with accredited study opportunities.

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Why earn an MSW with courses in psychodynamic theory?

Increase your understanding of client behavior and motivations

Psychodynamic theory can offer insights into how individuals' past experiences, thoughts, and emotions shape their behavior and interactions.

Become a more responsive practitioner

Modern uses of psychodynamic theory in social work intersect with concepts like class, ethnicity, gender, and race. Knowledge of psychodynamic theory can help you better serve diverse client populations.

Earn an advanced degree in a flexible format

MSW degrees can help you qualify for advanced social work licensure. Online MSW programs offer a flexible path to upgrading your education.

First developed by theorist Sigmund Freud, psychodynamic theory strongly influenced social work paradigms. Learn about the impact of psychodynamic theory on social work and explore master of social work (MSW) programs that cover it.

Browse MSW programs that teach psychodynamic theory

Prestigious

An immersive cohort-based learning experience that is designed to optimize learning outcomes and ensure global networking opportunities.

Flexible

Choose your path with a range of completion options and class times.

Equivalent to on-campus

Earn the same degree and complete the same curriculum as on-campus students.

What is psychodynamic theory in social work?

Psychodynamic theory in social work examines how biopsychosocial influences contribute to the complex interpersonal challenges that social workers help clients navigate. Social workers use psychodynamic theory to understand how a person's formative influences, experiences, and traumas manifest in their interpersonal interactions.

emphasize how applied psychodynamic theory can help people address, heal from, and move past difficulties that impede their emotional and psychological growth.

MSW courses in psychodynamic theory generally aim to:

Build an understanding of psychodynamic theory and its evolution over time.
Identify the strengths and shortcomings of psychodynamic theory, especially with respect to diverse population groups.
Apply specific aspects of psychodynamic theory to real-world social work issues

What to expect from an online MSW that teaches psychodynamic theory

MSW programs accredited by the Council on Social Work Education commonly include courses on psychodynamic theory. Some programs require coursework in the area, while others offer the topic in electives.

MSW coursework in psychodynamic theory can prepare you to consider how early childhood experiences, psychosocial and emotional traumas, human biology, and psychological impulses inform how you evaluate and address mental health conditions and interpersonal dynamics.

You can explore psychodynamic theory in varying levels of detail in your MSW program. Some schools offer general, survey-style courses, while others allow you to study it in great depth, detail, and nuance.

What jobs can you get with an MSW that teaches psychodynamic theory?

Psychodynamic theory is directly relevant to:

Child, family, and school social workers
Mental health and substance use social workers

Below are salary projections for these roles with the Bureau of Labor Statistics data.

Salary outlook for psychodynamic theory social work graduates
Job title	Median annual salary (2023)
Child, family, and school social workers	$53,940
Mental health and substance abuse social workers	$55,960

Note that both career paths have distinct licensing requirements, and licensure requirements vary by state. The Association of Social Work Boards and the National Board for Certified Counselors can provide state-specific information.