Concordia is launching a program that will allow Master of Social Work students to complete business courses alongside their core coursework, providing them with a solid foundation in business management without extending their time in school.
Concordia University is setting itself apart in the world of social work education with a new opportunity for Master of Social Work (MSW) students. Starting this fall, students will have the chance to graduate with their MSW degree and gain essential business skills to better prepare them for future leadership opportunities without adding any extra time to their program completion timeline.
Through two innovative pathway options, students can earn a Graduate Certificate in Business Management alongside their MSW studies. The offerings are designed to equip social work graduates with essential business skills, making them more competitive and effective in leadership roles within social service organizations, nonprofits, behavioral health settings, or any of the myriad work environments social workers may find themselves.
The Vision Behind the MSW Program
The program was developed by Andy Hayes, a CUW social work faculty member. Thanks to Hayes’s unique blend of business acumen and social work experience, he was recently recruited to serve as Campus Administrator for Dickson Hollow Senior Living, a role he’ll begin in early May. Hayes holds two master’s degrees—one in Social Work from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and an MBA from Marquette University.
Prior to joining Concordia’s social work faculty, Hayes served nearly eight years in leadership positions at Rogers Behavioral Health, 5 Star Senior Living, and Azura Memory Care. He has experienced firsthand the need for social workers to have business acumen.
“Years ago, I was looking to take the next step in my career and advance to a leadership position,” Hayes said. “I had an MSW and years of experience, but I struggled to find solid opportunities. Many leadership roles I looked at were being filled by therapists who had been promoted internally, but they often lacked business training.”
Hayes recognized the benefit of offering an opportunity for MSW students to graduate with working knowledge of things like budgeting, HR operations, and revenue management. He brought the observation to MSW Director Sarah Collins, DSW, MSW, who sought feedback and insights from alumni already in the field.
“We’re hearing from some of our alumni that they’re being asked to assume leadership positions in the organizations where they work,” Collins said. “Why not provide an option for them to prepare for these eventual new roles while still at Concordia? We’re filling a need in the field.”
The Two Pathways
MSW students at Concordia can choose between two flexible pathways to earn a Graduate Certificate in Business Management while completing their master’s degree. By opting into either of these pathways, students will be able to further separate themselves in the field of social work upon graduation.
- Electives Route (No Additional Cost or Time)
- Students can replace their two required MSW electives with two MBA elective courses.
- Suggested business courses include:
- BUS 5120 Financial Analyses to Drive Business Growth
- BUS 5900 Human Resource Management & Administration
- BUS 5910 Training and Development (optional, first two preferred)
- This allows students to gain foundational business skills without adding extra coursework or expenses.
- Alternatively, students who wish to go beyond the required electives can take two additional business courses at an extra cost.
- Business Foundations Program (More Comprehensive Business Education)
- Students complete an 8-course Business Foundations Program over one year, earning 13.5 CEUs (equivalent to 9 credits).
- These credits can be converted at an approximate cost of $3,400 (not covered by financial aid).
- An additional 3 credits are earned from SW 6000, a required MSW course.
- This option provides a deeper dive into business principles, preparing students for leadership and management roles.
With the program officially approved in December, Concordia is gearing up for a fall launch. Initial conversations with students indicate strong interest, with at least five students already expressing enthusiasm for the opportunity, said Collins.
“This initiative positions Concordia as a leader in innovative social work education,” Collins said. “For students looking to maximize their career potential without extending their education timeline, this new offering is compelling.”
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Concordia University Wisconsin is a Lutheran higher education community committed to helping students develop in mind, body, and spirit for service to Christ in the Church and the world. At Concordia, we recognize the intricacies of the human experience, and our goal is to prepare you to meet others exactly where they are. That’s why our Master of Social Work is designed to do the very same for you!