MA program for students with a BA in social work

The Master's Degree program in the School of Social Work is intended for practicing social workers. The program aims to provide students with theoretical knowledge and advanced clinical practice skills across a range of areas, including individual intervention, and research. In addition, the program aims to prepare students for positions in administration, supervision, and the development and evaluation of services. On successful completion of the program, students will be awarded an MA degree in Social Work

Study Tracks

Students may choose one of two tracks:

Track 1 – with Thesis

In addition to equipping the student with theoretical knowledge, and advanced and specific clinical practice skills, this track aims to promote research and the creation of new knowledge in the social work profession, and to develop the student's competence as a researcher. To equip the student with the knowledge and tools necessary for conducting and understanding research, the course provides fundamental and systematic instruction on the principles of analytic thinking, quantitative and qualitative research methodology, and statistics. Every student must choose one of the school’s supervisors who will guide and support them throughout the research project. On completion of the research project, the student submits a written Master's thesis, and is examined by a committee. The curriculum also includes seminars, practicum, and specific courses for each area of specialization. The final grade is composed of an evaluation of the thesis and the thesis defense (60%) as well as the course grade average (40%).

Track 2 - without Thesis

This track is aimed towards equipping the student with theoretical knowledge, and with advanced professional skills, in specific areas. The curriculum includes research courses, a practicum, and seminars specific to each area of specialization. The final grade is composed of the course grade average (100%).

Students choose one of three Areas of Specialization:

Therapeutic Track

This area of specialization is aimed towards advancing and developing the clinical knowledge and skills of social workers working with individuals, families, and groups. The curriculum focuses on theory and practice in psychodynamic treatment. In addition, emphasis is placed on familiarizing students with other therapeutic orientations in social work, and on enhancing their diagnostic skills.

Rehabilitation - Therapeutic Track

This area of specialization is aimed towards advancing and developing the therapeutic skills of social workers working in the areas of disabilities, health and illness, mental health and services for the elderly. The curriculum focuses on equipping the student with up-to-date theoretical approaches, research skills, and a range of treatment strategies for working with individuals and their families. In addition, emphasis is placed on familiarizing students with dynamic-rehabilitative approaches to the treatment of individuals and families, and on enhancing their clinical skills.

Management and Community Track

This area of specialization is aimed towards advancing and developing the knowledge and skills of social workers serving in management or administration roles and in community work, and those interested in developing their professional skills in these roles. The curriculum will equip the student with theoretical knowledge from a multi-disciplinary perspective, as well as the tools and skills necessary for working at both the macro- and micro-levels: areas of study include policy and policy practice, working with communities, organizations, families and individuals. The program, in addition, develops theoretical knowledge on leadership, management and organizational counseling in the public sector and with nonprofit organizations. In line with the interdisciplinary vision of this area of specialization, the faculty includes lecturers from the School of Social Work and from other disciplines. The curriculum meets the requisite level of expertise required for certification by the National Council of Social Workers.

Social Work in Therapeutic Use of Arts Track

This area of specialization is aimed to train social workers in integrating artistic methods into their therapeutic work, whether individually or in groups. This program involves acquiring theoretical and practical knowledge, experimenting with artistic methods such as drama, photography, painting, and bibliotherapy, creating a unique and special experience. The program is intended for social workers who are interested in expanding their professional toolkit with intervention tools from the field of art, and incorporating them into their clinical work. The curriculum includes seminars and practicums, unique courses for the program, and research courses. The teaching staff in the program includes practitioners who use various artistic methods in their daily work and have experience in teaching. The program does not qualify participants as art therapists, is not accredited by the Israeli Association for Art Therapy (IAAT), and does not provide the opportunity to register as art therapists.

Certification for Counseling, Training and Supervision

Students from all three areas of specialization may study on this program.

Upon successful completion of the program, the student will receive certification as a supervisor (a team manager who supervises social workers or students, with certification recognized by the Ministry of Social Affairs and Social Services). Participants in the program are required to complete the following courses:

A seminar in counseling and supervision
A practicum in counseling and supervision
Two courses in the area of Community and Organizational Development.

The admission process for this program includes an interview, and the fulfillment of specified criteria.

Duration of Studies

The duration of studies, for both tracks, is two years.

The School may permit, on the recommendation of the head of the department and the thesis advisor, an extension of one year, for the purpose of completing thesis requirement.

Quota of Hours and Seminars

Track 1 (with thesis)

18 credit points and research thesis (for all three specializations)

Final examination

Examination will be by oral defense of the student's thesis, and will be based on student's submitted work, and on the bibliography submitted as the basis for the research and thesis

Track 2 (without thesis)

24 credit points (for all three specializations)

More information about the program (in Hebrew)