The Louis and Gabi Weisfeld School of Social Work

This page is updated for the academic year 2023-2024.
Information for the academic year 2024-2025 will be updated in the coming days.
 

Master's Degree 

The master's degree retraining program in social work for students from other disciplines 

 The master's degree retraining program in social work at Bar-Ilan University is intended for students with a bachelor’s or master’s degrees from other disciplines. The program includes theoretical and professional courses and practical training throughout. 

Students who pass the courses and practical training of the program are eligible for a master’s degree in social work and may submit a request to be listed in the official registry of social workers. 

Study tracks 

A thesis track or a non-research track may be selected. Details of each of the tracks may be found on the School of Social Work website. 

First year coursework – 12 AC (annual-based credits) (24 SC – semester-based credits) of background courses or 17 AC (34 SC) (depending on the exemptions obtained on the basis of earlier courses) 

Second-year and third-year coursework in Track A – (research-based) – 18 AC (36 SC) 

Second-year and third-year coursework in Track B – (non-thesis) – 24 AC (48 SC) 

Focus areas (only one should be selected) 

Clinical focus 

Intended to form the social worker’s identity and impart knowledge and skills in therapeutic intervention. The program focuses on theory and practice of dynamic therapy, acquaintance with additional diverse treatment approaches in social work and in development evaluation and intervention with individuals, families and groups. Coursework includes: Object relations theories, group dynamics, social work intervention and treatment, advanced psychopathology, dynamic concepts: practice theory, group intervention methods, theory and practice working with families, social work with children and youth, domestic violence and community violence, welfare policy, ethics in social work and more. 

Community and organizational development focus 

The program is intended to train social workers to work with communities and organizations. Community social workers lead social and political change at the local, organizational and national level, through cooperation with customers and social organizations. The program coursework focuses on imparting theoretical and practical knowledge in interventions at the macro level using tools and knowledge at the group and individual level. It also develops competencies in team and organizational management, cooperation among sectors, social marketing and social activism. The faculty includes top ranking lecturers in the field of social work.

Rehabilitation and health focus 

This program is intended to train, advance and develop knowledge and competencies for treatment, in those aspiring to be social workers in areas of disabilities, rehabilitation, health and illness. The program focuses on imparting current theoretical approaches and diverse treatment and rehabilitation skills for work with individuals and groups. Coursework includes:  Developmental intellectual disability, intervention and treatment in social work, psychosocial aspects in health and patient conditions, dynamic concepts: theory of practice, domestic violence and community violence, welfare policy, non-death losses, disability studies, ethics in social work and more. 

All admission criteria listed below must be met. Candidates who meet only a part of them should not apply. 

  • A degree from a recognized academic institution (candidates without a degree / degree eligibility should not apply). 
       
  • Grade point average of 85 in prior degree. A transcript with all final grades must be provided with the application together with degree eligibility. 
  • The course “Introduction to Psychology” taken in the last 10 years at 2 AC (annual-based credits) (4 SC – semester-based credits)  (= a year-long course, 56 hours in practice). 
  • 2 AC (annual-based credits) (4 SC – semester-based credits) in social science courses taken in the last 10 years (1 AC = course at the semester level, 28 hours in practice; 2 annual-based credit = course at the year-long level, 56 hours in practice). Courses from the following disciplines: psychology, sociology, criminology, anthropology, behavioral sciences, etc. 
  • 4 annual-based credits (8 semester-based credits) in courses on research taken in the last 10 years (notice the special conditions for admission to the thesis-based track detailed below). Courses from the following disciplines: research methods, statistics, data processing, etc. 
  • Work experience (for pay or voluntary) of at least one year in social activity at the individual, group or community level (experience in teaching only or experience accumulated as part of academic requirements or military/national service is not considered relevant experience for the program). A confirmation letter from the workplace / volunteer site is to be included with the application material (the confirmation must address the relevant experience for admission). Admission is contingent upon confirmation of at least one year of experience. 
  • Applicants are to provide a letter of recommendation (on the structured form of the School of Social Work) and to complete a personal form (a structured form of the School of Social Work) – these can be found on the web page of the application process. Be sure to also complete the general application process to Bar-Ilan University. Application forms will be updated and posted on the website when the application window opens for the 2022-23 academic year. 

After careful examination of the transcript, the personal questionnaire, the letters of confirmation and recommendation, a decision will be made whether to continue the screening process with the applicant – through  any process determined by the admissions committee. 

Candidates are selected on the basis of comparison with the other applicants for the particular year. Special cases will be addressed at the later stages of the application process, at the discretion of the admissions committee. 

*Meeting requirements does not guarantee exemption for first year courses. Exemption from courses will be examined for any candidate admitted based on courses taken and criteria established by the School of Social Work. A decision will be made after examining the syllabus of prior courses and the transcript. 

Additional criteria for applying to Track A (research-based track)** 

Course 

Credits 

Years 

Grade 

Statistics and Data Processing 

2 annual-based credits = 4 semester-based credits = a course of 2 annual-based credits or a course of 56 hours 

Taken in the last 10 years 

85 or higher 

Research methods 

2 annual-based credits = 4 semester-based credits = a course of two annual-based credits or a course of 56 hours 

Taken in the last 10 years 

85 or higher 

English 

----- 

---- 

Exemption or minimum grade of 85 in undergraduate English 
 

  

** Students in the thesis-based track may be required to take a research course in their second year on an additional day of the week (Wednesday). 

  

Students who do not meet admission criteria for the thesis-based track and wish to apply for it must pass a screening exam. The exam is offered once every summer. Students should sign up in advance and will be notified of the exam date. The head of the program reviews the exam; the subsequent decision on whether or not to admit the applicant is final. The exam results may not be appealed.   

Note: If background courses must be completed before applying, they may be completed at any institution recognized by the Council for Higher Education, on condition that the courses have the same number of credits and meet the specified criteria. These courses may not be taken at the Bar-Ilan School of Social Work. 

Application process 

  1. Application to the background completion program for the master’s degree in social work is via the Bar-Ilan website; follow the instructions specified there. 
  1. In parallel, material should be forwarded to the School of Social Work. Application to the School of Social Work includes the following steps: completion of the candidate application form (a structured form of the School of Social Work), sending a recommendation form of a work or volunteer supervisor (a structured form of the School of Social Work), submission of a confirmation letter from a place of work/volunteering, submission of a photo, transcript and degree eligibility. Further details and links to the latest forms may be found on the School of Social Work website. 

Program duration 

Program duration is three years.  
Further details on the structure of the background completion program can be found on the School of Social Work website. 

 Language proficiency (English) 

Students on the research-based track (track A) are required to study English for a master's degree level (details on placement tests, course levels and exemption eligibility criteria – see introductory chapter). 

Students on the non-research track (track B) are exempt from studying English for a master's degree. 

Jewish studies 

As per general requirements for the master's degree (see introductory chapter).   

  

For further details visit the School of Social Work website 

 The master's degree retraining program office 

may be reached by phone at 03-5317736 or via email 

  

Master’s degree in social work 

For applicants with a bachelor’s degree in social work 

The master’s degree program in social work is intended for social workers with a bachelor’s degree in social work working in the field. The aim of the program is to impart to students theoretical knowledge and advanced professional competencies in different areas of social work and social welfare, to develop their skills in therapy, intervention and research, and to train them for roles in management, guidance and training, service development and evaluation. With completion of the program students are awarded a master’s degree (M.A.) in social work. 

Study tracks 

Two tracks are available: 
Track A – research-based track 

The purpose of this track, beyond imparting theoretical knowledge and advanced professional competencies, is to advance research, to create new knowledge in the field of social work and to develop the professional ability of students as researchers. To equip students with the knowledge and the tools necessary for conducting research and for understanding research, students engage in in-depth and systematic study of the principles of scientific thinking, quantitative and qualitative research methods and statistics. An advisor is made available to each student from the School of Social Work to guide them in all stages of research. At the end of the research process students submit their thesis and are tested before a committee. The program also includes seminars, practicum courses and dedicated courses for each specialization. 

Track B –  non-research track 

The purpose of this track is to impart theoretical knowledge and advanced, unique professional competencies. The program also includes seminars, practicum courses and dedicated courses for each specialization. 

Areas of specialization 

One of three areas of specialization is to be selected: 
  1. Advanced Clinical Practice 

This specialization is intended to advance and develop social workers with experience in clinical treatment for work in different frameworks treating individuals, families or groups. The program focuses on theory and practice of dynamic therapy and in deepening competencies in diagnosis and treatment of individuals, families or groups. 

  1. Rehabilitation and Health 

This special program incorporates development of competencies in therapy with conceptualization and theoretical understanding in the context of mental health, intellectual developmental disability and health. This specialization is targeted for social workers who engage in therapy in the area of mental health, disabilities and health. The program exposes students to diverse treatment approaches with people and with their families, to current theoretical approaches in the areas within the specialization and to critical scientific thinking. 

  1. Community and Organizational Development 

A special program incorporating principles of management for social organizations and advanced topics in community work. The program is targeted for advancing and developing social workers who serve or wish to serve in positions of management, program and team coordination and community work or would like to specialize in these positions and domains. The program combines studying current theories and developing practical skills at the micro and macro levels. The program faculty includes lecturers who are experts in diverse knowledge domain. The courses are recognized for internship specialization. 

Counseling, training and management track 

Students in any of the three specializations may study in the counseling, training and management track toward a role of supervisor/team leader. The following courses must then be taken as part of their curriculum: 

  1. a seminar in counseling and supervision; 
  1. a practicum in counseling and supervision; 
  1. Two courses from the community and organizational development specialization. 

The admission process for the counseling, training and management track includes a personal interview and fulfillment of several criteria, such as years of service in the field and experience in specific types of organizations. 

Admission criteria 

Required – a minimum undergraduate grade point average of 85 with a major in social work from a recognized academic institution (candidates who have not yet met their degree eligibility should not apply). 

For the advanced clinical program a minimum of two years of experience is required (after completion of bachelor’s degree) in individual long-term therapy in a recognized social work environment with weekly supervision by a social worker with a master’s degree in social work and a therapeutic perspective. 

For the rehabilitation and health program a minimum of two years of experience is required (after completion of bachelor’s degree) in providing therapy in the domain of disabilities, health or mental health, with supervision by a social worker on a regular basis. 

For the community and organizational development program a minimum of two years of experience is required (after completion of bachelor’s degree) in management/coordinator roles or community work or individual work combining management/community components and obtaining guidance and training by a social worker on a regular basis. 

In exceptional cases admission will be considered for applicants who hold a bachelor's degree in social work and work experience in social work that do not fully meet the specified criteria. 

For the research-based track, the following are required: 

  1. Minimum grade of 85 in undergraduate research methods course 
  1. Minimum grade of 85 in undergraduate course in statistics and SPSS 
  1. Exemption or minimum grade of 85 in undergraduate English 

Students who do not meet admission criteria for the thesis-based track and wish to apply for it must pass a screening exam. The exam is offered once every summer. Students should sign up in advance and will be notified of the exam date. The head of the program reviews the exam; the subsequent decision on whether or not to admit the applicant is final. The exam results may not be appealed. 

Applicant screening is based on all components of their personal record and is relative to other applicants of the particular year. 

The School of Social Work does not guarantee admission to all applications even if they meet the minimum requirements. 

All students in the master’s degree program must also work at least eight hours a week (for pay or on a voluntary basis) at a recognized social work service provider with supervision by a social worker on an regular basis. 

Application process 

Application to the master’s degree in social work is via the Bar-Ilan website; follow the instructions specified there. Note that diplomas, documents and transcripts that must be submitted to the School of Graduate Studies. 

In parallel, relevant applications for the desired specialization should be forwarded to the School of Social Work. The structured forms may be found on the School of Social Work website. 

The admissions committee will only evaluate applicants who have completed both steps of their application and have all the required material in their file. After the committee reviews the applicant’s file, a decision is made whether to continue the screening process with the applicant by means of a personal interview. 

Program duration 

Program duration for both tracks is two years. 

The School of Graduate Studies may grant an extension for a third year to students on a research track when such a case is deemed justified, with the recommendation of the department head and the advisor, for completion of the thesis only and not for coursework. 

Credit and seminar requirements 

Track A – research-based track 

18 AC (36 SC) and research work. 

For all areas of specialization 

Seminar and practicum – 4 AC (8 SC) 

Courses in the area of specialization 8-9 AC (16-18 SC) 

Research courses 5-6 AC (10-12 SC) 

Total 18 AC (36 SC) 

  

Research proposals are to be submitted by the end of the first year of study 

and no later than the start of the second year. 

  

Thesis guidelines 

See School of Graduate Studies Rules and Regulations in the introductory chapter and specific guidelines on the School of Social Work website. 

Final exam for the master’s degree (thesis defense) 

The thesis defense is oral, and is based on the thesis and its underlying bibliography.   

Language proficiency (English) 

Students on the research-based track (track A) are required to study English for a master's degree level (details on placement tests, course levels and exemption eligibility criteria – see introductory chapter). 

Jewish studies 

As per general requirements for the master's degree (see introductory chapter). 

Track B –  non-research track 

24 AC (48 SC) 

For all areas of specialization 

Seminar and practicum – 8 AC (16 SC) 

Courses in the area of specialization – 13 AC (26 SC) 

Research methods – 3 AC (6 SC) 

Total 24 AC (48 SC)   

Jewish studies 

As per general requirements for the master's degree (see introductory chapter). 

  

For further details, visit the School of Social Work website 

or contact Idit Porat, coordinator of graduate studies 

by phone at 03-5318354 or via email 

  

PhD 

The objective of the PhD program is to stimulate academic excellence and professional leadership among students by advancing them in their research domains and scientific thinking, and in evaluating policy and services operating in the field. The program allows students to gain in-depth knowledge in their area of focus, to improve their research skills and to perform original empirical research. The program spans four years and upon completion, students are awarded a PhD. 

Admission criteria 

A bachelor's and master’s degree in social work or a bachelor's degree in social work and a master’s degree in a related discipline or a bachelor's degree in a related discipline and a master’s degree in social work (in a full program which includes listing the student in the official registry of social workers). Applicants who do not yet have official master’s degree eligibility and a final transcript, including thesis grade, should contact the coordinator of graduate studies at the School of Social Work. 

  1. Completion of a research-based track (with thesis). 
  1. Social work field experience. 
  1. A minimum master’s degree grade point average of 86. 
  1. A minimum grade of 90 in the master’s thesis. 
  1. Relevance of proposed research topic to the field of social work. 

Admission of students is subject to School of Graduate Studies Rules and Regulations. 

The School of Graduate Studies Committee does not guarantee admission to all applicants even if they meet the minimum requirements. 

Curriculum 

  1. Department colloquium attendance 
  1. Seminar for doctoral students 
  1. Workshops for doctoral students on various topics 
  1. Statistics for doctoral students 
  1. Qualitative research methods for doctoral students 

* The curriculum is subject to change. 

Basic Jewish studies and English are compulsory as detailed in the policy document of the School of Graduate Studies. 

All doctoral students are to participate actively in courses and seminars for a period of at least two years. Coursework is to be completed during the first two years of doctoral study. Participation in the departmental colloquium is mandatory throughout the four years of the degree. All requirements of Bar-Ilan’s School of Graduate Studies apply to doctoral students in the School of Social Work. 

The School of Social Work website.  

Application process 

The application window is between January and May. 

All the details about the application process is via the school of social work website. 

Research areas 

  1. Social issues and welfare 

Poverty, unemployment, ethnicity, crisis intervention, conflict resolution, migration, immigrant absorption, excluded populations, minorities, the Haredi population, violence, multiculturalism, the third sector (NGOs), addiction and criminality, social networks. 

  1. Management and community 

Organizational leadership, volunteerism, civilian engagement, community development, community planning, social policy, empowerment, organizational development, organizational change, social change, businesses – community, decision-making, social justice. 

  1. Family welfare 

Young families, families with special-needs children, single-parent families, violence in the family, children at risk, dual-career families, intergenerational relations in the family, sex and sexuality, family processes, couple relationships. 

  1. Infancy, childhood and adolescence 

Rights of minors, principle of the good of the child, out-of-home care, teen violence, teens at risk, parental involvement in school, children and adolescents in different stages of life, children at risk, risk-taking. 

  1. Older adults and their caregivers 

Emotional and cognitive state, physical health, support systems for the elderly, ageism, semi-professional workers, communication and aging. 

  1. Health and mental health 

Rehabilitation, disability, health and rehabilitation policy, psychosocial factors in health and wellness, family of patients, response to medical treatment, the role of the social worker in the health services, coping with crisis and changes in life, coping with traumatic events, chronic illness and trauma, recovery, suicidal behavior. 

  1. Treatment methods and intervention methods 

Clinical theories, treatment dialogue, object relations and psychoanalysis, psychopathology, development of interventional models in social work, group therapy, art therapy, cognitive behavior therapy, treatment and use of virtual reality, macro-level intervention methods, intervention and therapy program evaluation. 

  1. Teaching social work 

The practice of social work, social work supervision, relations between the supervisor and supervised, effectiveness in supervision, peer relations in supervision, initiatives and changes in the supervisory process and the structure of supervision. 

  

For further details, visit the School of Social Work website 

or contact Idit Porat, coordinator of graduate studies 

by phone at 03-5318354 or via email 

 

 

Last Updated Date : 03/04/2024