Program Overview

Master of Social Work Online

Overview

The Master of Social Work (MSW) program at the University of Texas at El Paso prepares students for advanced social work practice and leadership. The program offers a concentration in Social Work in the Border Region, training students to address the social and health needs of families and communities in the Paso del Norte region and beyond. Upon completion of the curriculum, students are eligible to sit for the national licensed master social worker (LMSW) exam.

Admissions Requirements

The MSW Program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education. Students considered for admission to the Master of Social Work program must meet the following criteria:

• An earned bachelor's degree from a college or university accredited by a recognized regional or international accrediting body
• A minimum cumulative undergraduate grade point average of 3.0
• An undergraduate course in statistics (within the past 5 years from point of admission with a grade of C or better)
• An undergraduate course in general biology, anatomy, or physiology (grade of C or better)
  • If the applicant has a cumulative undergraduate grade point average between 2.50-2.99 and has demonstrated success in the field of social services, they may be eligible for conditional program admission.
  • This would require the completion of three graduate-level department-approved social work courses, earning at least a B in each course prior to regular admission.

Applicants whose degrees are from non-English speaking institutions are required to demonstrate English proficiency.

For Advanced Standing, the following additional criteria must be met:

• A BSW from a college or university that is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) obtained within 5 years for admission to the Advanced Standing Program
• In addition to an overall GPA of 3.0, students must have a 3.5 GPA in social work courses
• Satisfactory assessment of the core social work competencies as measured by the Competency Assessment Form for Advanced Standing

Degree Plan

Required Credits: 60

The degree plan includes the following courses:

• Master of Social Work Major (All courses require a grade of C or better)
  • Required Courses:
    • SOWK 5300: The Social Work Profession (3 hours)
    • SOWK 5313: Research Project (3 hours)
    • SOWK 5315: Clinical Assessment (3 hours)
    • SOWK 5316: Culturally Grounded Social Work (3 hours)
    • SOWK 5331: SOWK Theory & Pract w/Indiv (3 hours)
    • SOWK 5332: SOWK Theory & Pract w/Families (3 hours)
    • SOWK 5333: SOWK Theory & Pract w/Groups (3 hours)
    • SOWK 5357: Social Policy I (3 hours)
    • SOWK 5360: Social Policy II (3 hours)
    • SOWK 5370: Social Work Research (3 hours)
    • SOWK 5380: Social Work in the Bdr Regn (3 hours)
    • SOWK 5382: Multicultral Macro Practice II (3 hours)
    • SOWK 5383: SOWK Th & Pract-Hum Srv Org (3 hours)
  • Practicums:
    • SOWK 5335: Foundation Practicum I (3 hours)
    • SOWK 5336: Foundation Practicum II (3 hours)
    • SOWK 5345: Advanced Practicum I (3 hours)
    • SOWK 5346: Advanced Practicum II (3 hours)
  • Electives:
    • Select nine hours from the following:
      • SOWK 5178: Independent Study
      • SOWK 5375: Social Work & the Aging
      • SOWK 5378: Independent Study
      • SOWK 5385: Administration & Supervision
      • SOWK 5393: Special Issues in Social Work
  • Total Hours: 60