Master of Social Work

Explore the Master of Social Work degree at NMSU Global Campus

At NMSU Global Campus, our Master of Social Work (MSW) degree program prepares graduate-level social workers with the knowledge, values, and skills essential for advanced social work practice in a multicultural society.

In this advanced generalist program, students build a strong foundation for serving individuals, families, neighborhoods, and communities—and for developing and analyzing social policy and leadership at the organization, agency, and community levels.

Unique emphasis on serving the Southwest

MSW students at NMSU Global Campus gain an exemplary education in developing and applying culturally relevant, evidence-informed practices with clients and communities, particularly in the Southwest region of the United States.

NMSU is the only R2 research university providing social worker education in New Mexico—and we are a leader among schools for social work in the United States. As an MSW graduate of NMSU Global Campus, you’ll be ready to succeed at all levels of social work careers and practice!

Program Highlights and Learning Outcomes

The Master of Social Work (MSW) degree from NMSU Global Campus provides academic and fieldwork education with an emphasis on advanced generalist practice in multicultural settings with vulnerable populations. Our MSW graduates:

Seek advanced generalist social work practice that is responsive to rapidly changing environments

Develop multidimensional social work practice through the integration of theoretical perspectives, empirical evidence and professional experience

Are committed to social justice and to ethical practice in complex settings

Are committed to continuing their professional development, developing autonomy and leadership within practice settings, and contributing to the knowledge and skill base of the profession

Are culturally responsive to populations and communities of the Southwest

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 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.

Learn about other Master of Social Work careers for NMSU Global Campus graduates:

Child and family social workers protect vulnerable children and help families in need of assistance.

School social workers work with teachers, parents, and school administrators to develop plans and strategies to improve students’ academic performance and social development.

Healthcare social workers help patients understand their diagnosis and make the necessary adjustments to their lifestyle, housing, or healthcare. Some healthcare social workers specialize in geriatric social work, hospice and palliative care, or medical social work.

Mental health and substance abuse social workers help clients with behavioral health and substance use disorders.

A unique experience at New Mexico State University is the opportunity to be hired by many of the sites that provide our practicums. NMSU's MSW students have been hired by the Veterans Administration, New Mexico’s Department of Health, Behavioral Health Services Division, and Children, Youth and Families Departments. Recent graduates are also employed at community behavioral health organizations, where they shine in leadership opportunities at work.

Scholarships and Financial Aid

NMSU helps to keep your tuition costs affordable. But if you need financial help, NMSU is ready to work with you to determine the best ways to finance your education to earn your Master of Social Work (MSW) degree.

Students who are returning Peace Corps volunteers are eligible to apply for the Paul D. Coverdell Fellows Program. Students with an interest in child welfare may be eligible for the Child Welfare Scholar Program, which offers student stipends and employment opportunities upon graduation. Graduate assistantships and stipends are provided based on available funding.

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.

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.