Overview
The thirty hour entry level Master of Social of Work (MSW) program is for applicants who 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 of Social Work (BSW) degree from a CSWE accredited program.
- Overall undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0.
- Three recommendation forms
- Personal statement detailing professional goals and reasons for pursuing the graduate degree.
- Current Professional Resume including dates and specific duties assigned
Application for admission must be submitted prior to the published deadline. The application is available at www.utrgv.edu/gradapply.
Admissions Committee Review
All applications will be reviewed by the School of Social Work MSW 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. 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
Note: This program leads to a profession which requires an occupational license as defined under Texas Occupations Code 58.001. This requires that all applicants seeking to become licensed must undergo a criminal background check prior to licensure.