College of Health, Education and Social Transformation
Social Work (M.A.)
College of Health, Education and Social Transformation
Social Work (M.A.)
From Compassion to Action — Begin
Your MSW Journey at NMSU
At NMSU, the Master of Social Work (MSW) prepares graduates to promote human and social well-being through ethical, evidence-informed advanced generalist practice in culturally diverse environments. The program emphasizes empowerment, social justice, and working with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities — especially those impacted by poverty and oppression. With multiple delivery formats and practicum experiences integrated throughout, you’ll gain both the theoretical foundation and real-world skills needed to make a meaningful impact in social work practice.
Admission Deadlines
There are no fixed deadlines*
- Total credits: 60 (30 for advanced standing students)
Delivery Format
In person and 100% online
Career Pathways
Graduates of the MSW program at NMSU are equipped for a broad spectrum of roles where advanced social work expertise matters. Possible career paths include:
- Clinical social worker, serving individuals, families, or groups in mental health, hospitals, or community settings
- Child and family social worker, supporting child welfare, adoption services, or family resilience programs
- Healthcare social worker, engaging with care coordination, patient advocacy, and behavioral health integration
- School social worker, facilitating student well-being, counseling, and school‐community partnerships
- Community program coordinator or policy analyst, driving justice-oriented programs, social services, or nonprofit outreach
- Leadership roles or practice innovations in macro practice settings including advocacy, diversity and inclusion, and organizational change
Degree questions, answered
Have questions about the Master of Arts in Social Work? Fill out our inquiry form.
Why choose this program?
Choosing NMSU’s MSW means enrolling in a program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) and rooted in a mission of social justice, cultural humility, and community engagement.
You’ll benefit from flexible delivery formats (on-campus or online), rigorous field practicums totaling approximately 950 hours for the standard track, and a faculty who value research‐informed practice and social equity. The program’s advanced generalist model ensures you are ready for diverse practice settings — from direct clinical work to macro-level systems change. By choosing this program, you step into a supportive learning environment designed to develop practitioners who lead positive change in the Southwest and beyond.
Program Formats
- Advanced standing (full-time, one year): For applicants who hold a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) from a CSWE-accredited program and meet eligibility criteria. This accelerated track allows completion in approximately one year of full-time study.
- Regular Full-Time Track (two years): For students entering without a BSW. Typically completed in two years of full-time study, including coursework and practicum requirements (about 60 credits).
- Part-Time Track (three years or more): For students balancing work or other commitments, the part-time option allows flexible scheduling over three years (or longer) while completing the same degree requirements.
No GRE Required
We’re removing barriers to graduate education, which is why we don’t require the GRE.
The requirements for the Master of Social Work degree include 30 credits of designated graduate courses for those accepted for advanced standing; a cumulative grade-point average of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale in all courses and practicums.
Take classes like:
- SOWK 5270- Social Work Ethics
- SOWK 5272- Social Work Research
- SOWK 5350- Practice with Organizations and Communities
- SOWK 5271- Social Work Policy
- SOWK 5260 - Leadership Action Project
- SOWK 5310 - Social Work Mental Health Practice
The requirements for the Master of Social Work degree include 60 credits of designated graduate courses; a cumulative grade-point average of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale in all courses and practicums.
Take classes like:
- SOWK 5150 - Sociocultural Concepts and Populations of the Southwest
- SOWK 5155 - Social Policy Issues, Analysis and Change
- SOWK 5135 - Human Behavior in the Social Environment
- SOWK 5330- Practice with Groups
- SOWK 5260 - Leadership Action Project
- SOWK 5310 - Social Work Mental Health Practice
The requirements for the Master of Social Work degree include 60 credits of designated graduate courses; a cumulative grade-point average of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale in all courses and practicums.
Take classes like:
- SOWK 5150 - Sociocultural Concepts and Populations of the Southwest
- SOWK 5155 - Social Policy Issues, Analysis and Change
- SOWK 5135 - Human Behavior in the Social Environment
- SOWK 5230 - Applied Social Work Research
- SOWK 5260 - Leadership Action Project
- SOWK 5310 - Social Work Mental Health Practice
Integrated Behavioral Health Care
The minor in Integrated Behavioral Health Care, offered through the Counseling and Educational Psychology (CEP) department, is open to graduate students enrolled in CEP programs Clinical Mental Health Counseling, School Psychology, Counseling Psychology and to graduate students who are enrolled in Social Work, Public Health, Nursing and Marriage and Family Therapy programs. It was established in the interest of meeting the needs of graduate students in the health professions who are receiving or seeking training in interdisciplinary or interprofessional collaborations with other healthcare disciplines. Students will complete nine credits of coursework specific to this program of study in order to obtain a Minor in Integrated Behavioral Health Care.
Spanish Counseling
The minor in Spanish Counseling, offered through the Counseling and Educational Psychology department is open to graduate students who are enrolled in CEP’s Counseling, School Psychology, and Counseling Psychology programs, and to graduate students who are enrolled in Social Work and Marriage and Family Therapy programs. In order to begin the Minor courses, students must currently be enrolled in a Mental Health program as described above. They must demonstrate intermediate level Spanish language skills as evidenced by the Spanish Placement Exam and an oral interview with the program coordinator. Students will successfully complete nine credits of coursework specific to this program of study in order to obtain a Minor in Spanish Counseling.
Application deadlines
The priority deadline for completed applications is January 15 for fall admission. Applications received after January 15 will only be reviewed on a space-available basis. Please apply by January 15 for full consideration.
Ready to take the next step?
Request Information
Scholarships and Financial Aid
At NMSU, we strive to offer competitively priced tuition to keep your tuition costs affordable. If you need financial aid, we’re ready to work with you to determine the best ways to finance your education.
Financial assistance includes loans, grants, and scholarship opportunities. To apply, use NMSU’s convenient Scholar Dollar$ one-stop scholarship application, which serves all students in the NMSU system.
NMSU students are also eligible for loans and grants. The first step in applying for financial aid is to complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Learn more about financial aid opportunities at NMSU.
Contact Financial Aid
Phone: 1-888-729-6678
Email: financialaid@nmsu.edu
Accreditation
New Mexico State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Specialized accreditation from other accrediting agencies is also granted for some programs. NMSU’s accreditation ensures that your education meets high-quality standards and that your credits are transferable.