program-hero-Master of Social Work (MSW)

Master of Social Work (MSW)

Advance Your Fulfilling Social Work Career

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Program Quick Facts

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A Respected Program

We’re New Mexico’s only R2 university for social work and a national leader in the field.

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100% Online

Flexible, online classes make it easier to reach your goals while balancing work and family life.

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Affordable Tuition

NMSU Global Campus offers competitively priced tuition and scholarship opportunities.

Serve Individuals and Multicultural Communities

The Master of Social Work program at NMSU Global Campus equips you with the knowledge, skills, and values you need for advanced social work in a multicultural society.

In this advanced generalist program, you’ll learn to develop social policy and analyze organizational leadership, all while building a strong foundation for serving individuals and communities. As an MSW graduate, you’ll be ready to succeed in social work at all levels!

Our MSW students have gone on to work for organizations such as the Veterans Administration, New Mexico’s Department of Health, Behavioral Health Services Division, and Children, Youth and Families Departments. Our graduates are also employed at community behavioral health organizations, where they shine in leadership opportunities at work.

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Career Pathways

Our MSW graduates have gone on to excellent social work careers, including serving as executive director for the New Mexico Chapter of the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) and working in various staff positions at the NMSU Center for Immigration and Child Welfare, working on both research and policy development and analysis.

Other NMSU Global Campus graduates have even become adjunct instructors in NMSU’s School of Social Work. Here are a few of the possible job opportunities for you:

  • Child and Family Social Workers
  • Healthcare Social Workers
  • Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers
  • School Social Workers
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“I decided to go back to school because I wanted to obtain my MSW in order to continue my passion of working with the military in resiliency.”

Stephanie M., Class of 2024

The Master of Social Work degree from NMSU Global Campus provides academic and fieldwork education in advanced generalist practice. Through the integration of theoretical perspectives, empirical evidence, and skills-based experience, you’ll develop multidimensional social work practice that’s vital to your professional development.

With a culturally responsive focus on vulnerable populations in multicultural settings, our program prepares you for the rewarding work of applying ethical practices in rapidly changing environments, all while maintaining a professional commitment to social justice. Read one recent MSW grad’s Student Success Story here.

Delivery Format: 100% online with some synchronous requirements
Program Credits: 60 credits (30 for advanced standing students)
Program Length: 1 year for advanced standing students; 2 years full-time (15 credits per semester); 3 years part-time (9-12 credits per semester)
Cost Per Credit Hour: $444.40**
Active Military Cost Per Credit Hour: $250*
College: Health, Education, and Social Transformation
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The Master of Social Work typically consists of 60 credits, but if you’re accepted for advanced standing, the program consists of 30. Admission requirements include:

  • A bachelor’s degree with a 3.0 GPA (or 2.5 for provisional), including biology and statistics undergrad courses
  • Transcripts from each university you’ve attended
  • A resume
  • A personal statement
  • Two letters of reference

If you’re applying for advanced standing, you must also have:

  • A Bachelor of Social Work earned within the last five years
  • A minimum GPA of 3.5 in your social work courses
  • A case study
  • Working knowledge of the biopsychosocial model
  • Signed copies of your field evaluation
Sample Courses Credits
SOWK 5110: Sociocultural Concepts and Populations of the Southwest 3
SOWK 5130: Human Behavior and the Social Environment I 3
SOWK 5250: Policy Analysis and Change 3
SOWK 5340: Practice with Families 3
SOWK 5220: Social Work Research II 3
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An integral part of a graduate social work program is completing practicums. At NMSU Global Campus, you’re offered a wide range of practicum sites from which to choose, though you should be prepared to travel some distance and be responsible for your own transportation costs.

If you’re enrolled in the two-year and three-year programs, two practicum placements totaling 950 hours will be required. If you’re entering the program with advanced standing, one practicum placement is required, totaling 500 hours in the field.

Please note: this program is currently unavailable to students in Delaware.

At NMSU Global Campus, we strive to offer competitively priced tuition to keep your tuition costs affordable. If you need financial aid, we’re ready to work with you to determine the best ways to finance your education.

Financial assistance includes loans, grants, and scholarship opportunities. To apply, use NMSU’s convenient Scholar Dollar$ one-stop scholarship application, which serves all students in the NMSU system.

Students enrolled in the Master of Social Work degree program at NMSU Global Campus have the opportunity to participate in the Child Welfare Scholar Program (CWSP). This program offers unique scholarship opportunities for MSW students interested in working for the New Mexico Children, Youth & Families Department – Protective Services Division (CYFD) upon graduation. Learn more about eligibility and how to apply to the CWSP.

NMSU and NMSU Global Campus students are also eligible for loans and grants. The first step in applying for financial aid is to complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Learn more about financial aid opportunities at NMSU.

Contact Financial Aid
Phone: 1-888-729-6678
Email: onlineFA@nmsu.edu

Accreditation

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New Mexico State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Specialized accreditation from other accrediting agencies is also granted for some programs. NMSU’s accreditation ensures that your education meets high-quality standards and that your credits are transferable.


*Terms and conditions apply.

**For NMSU Global Campus programs and courses, the per credit hour cost is listed above. Special tuition agreements (Western Undergraduate Exchange, Descubre, etc.) are not applicable to NMSU Global Campus programs. Course fees still apply and are charged separately. Textbooks, uniforms, equipment, etc., are additional program costs. Additional per credit costs might be charged by the program, department or college.