The School of Social Work at Georgia State University’s Andrew Young School of Policy Studies has announced a new Mental Health and Wellness specialization for its Master of Social Work (MSW) program. The specialization will be available starting in fall 2026 and is designed to address the increasing need for mental health professionals in Georgia and other regions.
Nicholas Forge, MSW Program Director, stated, “The demand for licensed mental health professionals in Georgia is both urgent and growing, with projections showing a 12 percent increase over the next decade. This specialization directly addresses that need by equipping social workers with the specialized knowledge and skills to strengthen the capacity of agencies, schools and healthcare systems to meet critical mental health challenges.”
Georgia State’s School of Social Work emphasizes its strong partnerships with community agencies, faculty involvement in research and practice, and a mission focused on supporting communities. The school aims to prepare students for leadership roles in mental health and wellness fields.
The curriculum is clinically oriented and prepares graduates for professional licensure as well as advanced practice roles. Courses cover assessment, diagnosis, evidence-based interventions, trauma-informed care, cultural humility, and integrated behavioral health approaches.
Students will participate in hands-on practicum experiences across various settings such as schools, healthcare facilities, community agencies, and clinical environments. These placements are facilitated through the school’s established relationships within the community.
To accommodate more students interested in pursuing careers in social work, the new specialization provides full-time (in-person) and part-time (online) study options. There is also an Advanced-Standing track for those who already have a bachelor’s degree in social work.
Joon Choi, director of the School of Social Work said: “Our online students benefit from residency-neutral tuition rates, which significantly expand access to a high-quality MSW education — regardless of where they live. Affordability and accessibility are key considerations for prospective students, and we’re proud to offer a flexible, part-time online option that is more cost-effective than many other online MSW programs.”
Georgia State University continues to develop its advanced social work offerings as part of its ongoing commitment to community leadership and promoting health equity.
