Master of Social Work (Albuquerque Campus) The NMSU School of Social Work

The Program

The Master of Social Work Program (MSW) at New Mexico State University's Albuquerque Center 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 (practicum) experience. The field practice component requires students to spend specified hours in a social service agency each week. In the first practicum, students are in the field for a total of 450 hours over the two semesters (typically fall/spring). Second year practicum students are in the field for a total of 500 hours over the course of two semesters (typically fall/spring). Students can expect to spend an average of 16 hours a week in their field practice experience.

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 advanced. 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 factors. This collaborative practice approach is built on the foundation of social work values.

About the Program in Albuquerque

The Albuquerque Center offers a full compliment of Master of Social Work programs including a new full time two year program and full time Advanced Standing programs. In addition, it continues to offer the successful part time regular and part time Advanced Standing programs.

Classes and faculty/staff offices are located in the NMSU Albuquerque Center, near Albuquerque Uptown, in the Compass Bank Building at 2444 Louisiana NE, Suite 101. Courses are offered in a variety of formats that include half semester and full semester classes which are offered during the daytime, evening, and the weekend. Some courses are offered only as web based instruction while others use a blended format of using web based and face to face instruction. Students need to have the flexibility to take courses as they are scheduled. The schedules for the part time programs are developed to ensure that students can complete the program during evening and weekend hours of instruction.

For a current schedule of courses, program information, and advisement please contact the Albuquerque Site/Field Coordinator, Ms. P.J. Shannon, LISW. The Site Coordinator may be contacted by telephone at (505) 830-6936 or by email. You may also receive this information from the NMSU School of Social Work by calling Student Services at (505) 646-3529/646-2143 or the Graduate Program Coordinator, Dr. Alice Chornesky, at (505) 646-2846.

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 the Graduate School and 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 application to all of the MSW programs is January 15 for best consideration. Applications received after that date will be processed on a space available basis. If you have any questions concerning your application, please contact Maria Ortiz by email 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. The electronic application process begins here.

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,
MSC 3G, P.O. Box 30001
New Mexico State University
Las Cruces, NM 88003-8001
Telephone: (505) 646-2736
E-mail: gradinfo@nmsu.edu
On the web at http://gradschool.nmsu.edu/ (View site and choose catalog, citizen application or foreign application)

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. Obtain the application packet from the link below or you may 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: (505) 646-3529 [Maria Ortiz]
E-mail: mariao@nmsu.edu

An Adobe Acrobat PDF Reader version of the MSW Program Application Packet is available for download. To minimize difficulty in opening up this file, please have the most recent version of Adobe Acrobat Reader on your computer. Click on the link provided to download this free software if you do not have it installed.

Fall 2007 Orientation links

• Part One of Presentation by program staff and faculty (MP3; Aug 18, 2007 from 10:00 am to 10:50 am)
• Part Two of Presentation by program staff and faculty (MP3; Aug 18, 2007 from 11:00 am to 11:50 am)

Curriculum Options

Changes may take place, as the curriculum is refined and improved in response to accreditation standards and community needs.

The School of Social Work New Mexico State University P.O. Box 30001, MSC 3SW Las Cruces, New Mexico 88003 Email: socwork@nmsu.edu Telephone: 575.646.2143 Facsimile: 575.646.4116

Directions to 2444 Louisiana Blvd Ne Albuquerque, NM 87110-4312