Does the MSW Curriculum Contribute to the Professional Specialization of the BSW-Educated Social Worker?

Abstract

The study evaluates the MSW program in the School of Social Work at the University of Haifa in comparison with the BSW program in terms of values, knowledge and skills, whose usefulness at work was also assessed. The two samples were MSW degree-holders and current MSW students. The results showed that the BSW program was rated as emphasizing values and knowledge more than the MSW program. No difference was found in relation to skills. The MSW program was rated higher for speci.c knowledge bases and skills. For work, skills were considered more useful than knowledge. The results suggest that in a MSW curriculum greater emphasis should be placed on skills than on general knowledge and values.