The professional program leading to the MSW in social work program prepares social workers for advanced direct practice. The program is designed to prepare social workers who are capable of responding effectively to the needs of special populations in the Southwest. This program is located at the Downtown Phoenix campus and in Tucson. It is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.

Master's prepared professional social work practitioners are employed in public and private health and human service agencies, schools, hospitals and research and policy organizations. They work with clients who face challenges such as adoption, aging, substance abuse, domestic violence, disabilities, child neglect and abuse, mental health problems, chronic or catastrophic illnesses, loss of a loved one, divorce, as well as in the areas of research, policy, planning, administration and community organizing. Trends suggest that the demand for social work professionals will grow dramatically over the next decade. Salaries for beginning level, master's prepared social workers typically range from $36,039 - $56,226 depending on qualifications and geographic area.