The NMSU School of Social Work

Mission Statement

Guided by the principles of the strengths perspective, empowerment, and cultural competence, the School of Social Work prepares students for ethical, effective social work practice. The School of Social Work is committed to serving people through teaching, outreach, leadership, research, service and the development of knowledge, values and skills that promote the profession's ability to respond to individuals, families, groups and organizations and communities in a culturally diverse environment among populations of the Southwest.

The NMSU School of Social Work Program prepares from an Advanced General perspective. The program is founded on the use of critical thinking skills and differential application of advanced social work knowledge, theories, skills, values and ethics in the assessment of and intervention with micro, mezzo and macro level systems. The advanced generalist perspective prepares practicioners to exercise the professional autonomy, leadership and creativity necessary for mutlidimensional contextual and ethical practice in rapidly changing social environments with populations of the Southwest.

Social work education is built on two components: classroom education and field practice experience.The field practice component requires students to spend specified hours in a social service agency each week.

The School of Social Work offers both the the BSW degree and the MSW degree that are fully accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.

The MSW program is offered on a full-time and part-time basis at both the NMSU main campus in Las Cruces and at the NMSU Center in Albuquerque. The program is designed to provide academic and field education with an emphasis on advanced generalist social work practice with populations of the Southwest. The MSW program includes both the full time two year program and the Advanced Standing program. Advanced Standing is offered only to BSW graduates who meet specific admission requirements. This program allows students to complete the MSW degree in a short summer session and two full semesters on a full time basis.

The School of Social Work and the Department of Health Science offer a joint MSW/MPH degree program. The two degrees are: Master of Social Work (MSW) and Master of Public Health (MPH) in Community Health Education. MSW/MPH joint degree program pdf.file

The School is home to the Family Preservation Institute and the Family and Child Welfare Training and Research Project. Both serve to develop, disseminate and provide training on "best practices" in serving the needs of children, youth and families. The latter project represents the strong partnership that the School has with the Children's, Youth and Family Department (CYFD) of the State of New Mexico. This project through Title IV-E provides opportunities for students to receive financial support in exchange for a commitment to work for CYFD upon graduation. The faculty represents a diversity of backgrounds and professional experience that includes child welfare, mental health, health care, gerontology, family services, school social work, and corrections cultural competence. Current research efforts of the faculty include domestic violence, cultural factors impacting HIV/AIDS, and substance abuse.

We invite you to explore and consider our program for your educational needs. Again, welcome and if there is anything we can do to assist you in answering your questions or in making your decision please feel free to contact us.

This page was updated on April 15, 2009.
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