Social Work with a Specialization in Administration and Community Practice (MSSW) - 63 Hour Online Program
Overview
The sixty-three-hour, entry level, Master of Social of Work program with a concentration in Administration and Community Practice is for applicants who do not possess a Bachelor of Social Work degree from a program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).
The program prepares students to work with diverse communities around the world. Graduates will learn how to develop strong leadership skills, promote social justice, and apply practical solutions to social issues facing the most vulnerable in our society.
The program prepares students for tomorrow’s workforce using ground-breaking research and theoretical frameworks. At the completion of this degree program, students will be eligible to sit for exams to attain Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) credentials.
The program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).
This program is online. A traditional version of the program is also available. Students are not allowed to alternate enrollment in online and traditional program courses.
Admission Requirements
To be admitted to the graduate program, prospective candidates must first meet all requirements for graduate admission to UT Rio Grande Valley, as well as the other requirements listed below:
- Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution in the United States or a recognized international equivalent in a similar or related field. Students with a BSW from an accredited program are not eligible to apply to the 63-hour program.
- Undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0.
- Three letters of recommendation
Personal statement detailing professional goals and reasons for pursuing the graduate degree.
- Verified successful completion of a course in basic statistics
- Current Professional Resume
Application for admission must be submitted prior to the published deadline. The application is available at www.utrgv.edu/gradapply.
Entry Level Standing
Applicants who do not possess a Bachelor of Social Work degree from a program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) will be required to take 63 hours in the program.
Admissions Committee Review
All applications will be reviewed by the School of Social Work MSSW Admissions Review Committee. The committee is responsible for the selection of the individuals who are admitted into the master’s in social work degree program.
Progression Requirements
Students are expected to follow the plan of study designated for their chosen specialization. A GPA of 3.0 must be maintained throughout the program, and it is required to enroll in field practicum courses.
Suspension/Dismissal Policy
The School of Social Work policy is the following: A student whose overall GPA drops below a 3.0 in any given semester is automatically placed on academic probation the following semester. Within the following nine semester credit hours, the overall GPA must return to 3.0 or the student will be dismissed from the program. If a student’s overall GPA drops below 3.0 resulting in being placed on academic probation a second time, the student will be automatically dismissed from the program.
- If a student earns more than 2 Cs, regardless of the overall GPA, the student will be dismissed from the program.
- If a student earns a third C in the final semester, the student will not meet the requirements for graduation from School of Social Work.
- A student who earns an F in any course is automatically dismissed from the graduate program.
- Any student dismissed from the program will not be eligible for re-admission to the program
Program Requirements
Required Courses - 45 Hours
| SOCW 6300 | Human Behavior and the Social Environment I: Individuals, Families and Small Groups | 3 |
| SOCW 6301 | Human Behavior and the Social Environment II: Social Institutions, Communities and Organizations | 3 |
| SOCW 6302 | Social Welfare Policy | 3 |
| SOCW 6311 | Social Work as a Profession | 3 |
| SOCW 6315 | Social Work with Diverse Populations | 3 |
| SOCW 6321 | Generalist Social Work Practice I | 3 |
| SOCW 6322 | Generalist Social Work Practice II | 3 |
| SOCW 6323 | Generalist Social Work Practice III | 3 |
| SOCW 6332 | Social Work Practice with Latinos | 3 |
| SOCW 6336 | Advanced Macro Assessment | 3 |
| SOCW 6340 | Advanced Social Work Practice with Organizations | 3 |
| SOCW 6341 | Advanced Social Work Practice with Communities | 3 |
| SOCW 6342 | Advanced Policy Analysis and Development | 3 |
| SOCW 6380 | Accountability and Evaluation in Macro Practice | 3 |
| SOCW 6381 | Social Work Research Designs and Applications | 3 |
Electives - 6 Hours
Choose two from the following:
| SOCW 6330 | Advanced Family Practice I | 3 |
| SOCW 6335 | Advanced Clinical Assessment | 3 |
| SOCW 6350 | Advanced Social Work Practice with Individuals | 3 |
| SOCW 6351 | Advanced Social Work Practice with Groups | 3 |
| SOCW 6361 | Domestic Violence in Society | 3 |
| SOCW 6362 | Substance Use and the Family | 3 |
| SOCW 6386 | Foundations of Integrated Behavioral Health | 3 |
| SOCW 6387 | Clinical Skills for the Behavioral Health Consultant | 3 |
| SOCW 6390 | Working with the Involuntary Client | 3 |
| SOCW 6391 | Community Based Participatory Research | 3 |
| SOCW 6392 | Social Work Ethics and Values | 3 |
| SOCW 6395 | The Natural Environment and Human Well-Being | 3 |
| SOCW 6396 | Gerontological Social Work | 3 |
| SOCW 6397 | Spirituality and Social Work | 3 |
| SOCW 6398 | Social Work in Healthcare | 3 |
| SOCW 6399 | Special Topics in Social Work Practice | 3 |
Field Requirements - 12 Hours
Total Credit Hours: 63