Master of Social Work (Las Cruces Campus) The NMSU School of Social Work
Graduate of the School of Social Work, recognized as 2005 Distinguished Alumnus of the College of Health & Social Services
The Program
The MSW Program is designed to provide academic and fieldwork education with an emphasis on advanced generalist social work practice 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. In the first year, students are in the field for a total of 450 hours over two semesters. Second year students are in the field for a total of 500 hours over the course of two semesters. Students can expect to spend a minimum of 15-18 hours a week in their field practice experience. Part-time students follow the same application procedures, are evaluated by the same criteria, and take the same classes as full-time students.
Students need to be aware of the time commitment required to attend school. Students in the full time program will have four academic courses each semester and a practicum. This will entail 12 hours per week in the classroom and 15 to 18 hours per week in the practicum. Part time students take two academic courses and in their last two years will also spend 15 to 18 hours per week in the practicum. Thus, given the demands of 24 hours per week doing direct school work and time needed for studying, part time students will find it difficult to work a full 40 hour per week job. Part time students employed in the field of social services may find that they can arrange to do their practicum at their place of employment. This is subject to an number of criteria that must be met and it is not possible in all agencies to implement this type of practicum. If these are issues you have questions about, you are urged to discuss them with the Graduate Coordinator in advance of your completing the application. While we do not want to discourage students from making application to our programs, we do want to fully inform you of the heavy time demands for both full time and part time students.
The curriculum has been designed according to the requirements of the Council on Social Work Education. The educational model upon which the Program is built proposes that there are two levels of social work education–foundation and an advanced concentration. A common core of social work values, knowledge and methods unifies practice at both levels. The foundation is centered on values, knowledge, and skills central to generalist practice with individuals, families, groups, organizations and communities.
Accreditation
The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) accredits the MSW Program at NMSU.
The Concentration
The specialization in the Master of Social Work Program at New Mexico State University is advanced generalist social work practice with populations of the Southwest. Building on the liberal arts' perspective and foundation courses, students develop advanced skills and knowledge in working with individuals, families, groups, organizations and communities. These advanced skills and knowledge incorporate cultural responsiveness to the needs of populations of the Southwest, and addresses client systems in the context of social, cultural, community, and other environmental factorss. This, collaborative practice approach is built on the foundation of social work values.
About the Program at the Las Cruces campus
The main campus site offers both the full two year and Advanced Standing MSW programs. The MSW program is offered on both a full time and part time basis. The Advanced Standing Program is offered on both a full time and part time basis. Advanced standing is offered only to graduates of CSWE accredited BSW programs who meet specific admissions criteria (See Admissions page for listing of criteria). Advanced standing students can complete their MSW degree by taking 36 credit hours [over approximately 15 months]. Students enrolled in the part-time MSW program take a reduced number of courses each semester and complete the program over a three-year period. In addition, courses for the part-time program are scheduled after 5:00 p.m. to allow students who work during the day to attend classes. Full time and part-time students begin their MSW program in the fall semester. Advanced standing students begin in summer session II. For a current schedule of courses, program information, and advisement please contact the graduate program coordinator, Dr. Alice Chornesky. Dr. Chornesky can be contacted by email at achornes@nmsu.edu or by calling (505) 646-2846. You may also receive this information from the NMSU School of Social Work by calling Student Services at (505) 646-3529 or e-mail at socwork@nmsu.edu.
Admission Application Process
Admission is a two-step process. All applicants must be admitted to the Graduate School at New Mexico State University before being considered for admission to the MSW program. Regular admission or provisional admission by the Graduate School does not indicate admission to the School of Social Work. The final decision regarding admission to the MSW program rests with the School of Social Work.
In order to be admitted to the MSW program you will need to fill out applications for both the Graduate School and the School of Social Work. You are encouraged to immediately complete the Graduate School application first as the School cannot process your application without a referral from the Graduate School. It is best if your Graduate School Application is completed at least two months prior to the submission of your application to the School of Social Work. Complete information about the admission and application process is contained within the School of Social Work Application Packet (see below to download packet).
Application Deadline
The deadline for complete applications is January 15th of each year. However, early applications received by November 28th will be given first consideration for Graduate Assistantships. Late applications that are complete will be considered when received between January 16th and May 15th on a space available basis. If you have any questions concerning your application, please contact Maria Ortiz at (505) 646-3529.
Graduate School Application
The easiest way to apply to the Graduate School is to complete an on-line application. In order to apply in this manner, you will need to provide a credit card number to pay the application fee.
You may also request Graduate School applications in writing or by downloading an Adobe Reader PDF version to send by mail. Requests may be made to:
Graduate School,
P.O. Box 30001, MSC 3G
New Mexico State University
Las Cruces, NM 88003-8001
Telephone: (505) 646-2736
E-mail: gradinfo@nmsu.edu
You may go to the Graduate School's website to view the site, choose catalog, citizen application or foreign application, etc.
School of Social Work Application
The School of Social Work MSW Program Application Packet must be obtained and all materials filled out for admission consideration. We require you to send your application as one complete packet that also includes your letters of reference. Please send your complete application packet to the address specified in the application.
The most efficient method for acquiring the application packet is by downloading our Adobe Acrobat PDF version of the form. To minimize difficulty in opening up this file, please have the most recent version of Adobe Acrobat Reader on your computer. You may also request a packet by mail, e-mail or telephone from:
School of Social Work,
P.O. Box 30001, MSC 3SW
New Mexico State University
Las Cruces, NM 88003-8001
Telephone: 575.646.3529
Facsimile: 575.646.4116
Contact Person: Maria Ortiz, Student Services Coordinator
E-mail: mariao@nmsu.edu
Technology note: students at the masters level are expected to have access to certain computer related tools. The Adobe Acrobat Reader is one such tool that will be frequently used as part of your academic, practicum, and future "real-world" experiences.