Program of Study - Social Work with a Concentration in Administration and Community Practice (Advance Standing) (MSSW) - Accelerated Online Program
Mission Statement
The School of Social Work is committed to preparing entry-level generalist (BSWs) and advanced professional social workers (MSSWs) to meet the needs of a bi-national and multicultural community. The program has two concentrations: Direct Practice with Latino Individuals, Families and Groups, and Administration and Community Practice. The program emphasizes multicultural awareness, professional competence, ethical practice, knowledge building acquisition, and social services that promote social and economic justice in a bi-national environment.
Program Goals and Objectives
The UTRGV MS in Social Work – Administration and Community Practice develops leaders with the advanced skills necessary to strengthen and improve human services within the Latino community.
Coursework in this degree is designed specifically to help students develop the leadership skills and commitment necessary for strengthening agencies and improving human services for at-risk Latino communities.
Develop clinical and macro assessment skills and understand the practice implications and characteristics of Latino populations, in order to serve the border region of South Texas and beyond. In this program, you will:
- Learn how to work with diverse populations, including members of minority, vulnerable, at-risk and disenfranchised groups, including needs assessment and asset mapping
- Study organizational administration, including human resource development, policy development, fundraising and project management
- Gain advanced, real-world experience applying community organizing, social advocacy and social action mobilization practices during a 500-hour practicum in a field setting of your choice
At the completion of this degree program, you will be eligible to sit for exams to attain Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) credentials.
Potential jobs for graduates include administrative or leadership roles in a social service organization, policy or advocacy organizations, or community action agencies
Admission Requirements
To be admitted to the graduate program in social work, prospective candidates must first meet all requirements for graduate admission to UT Rio Grande Valley, as well as the other requirements listed below:
- BSW from a CSWE accredited program
- 3.2 GPA or higher, in social work core undergraduate courses
- Three letters of recommendation
- Personal narrative statement
- Verified successful completion of a course in basic statistics
Application for admission must be submitted prior to the published deadline. The application is available at www.utrgv.edu/gradapply.
Program Requirements
Required Courses (33 Credits)
The 33-hour degree program consists of courses and field education experiences of the selected concentration, as listed above under the 63-hour degree plan plus SOCW 6315 Social Work with Diverse Populations
The required courses are designed to provide the student with a multicultural background, emphasizing the important social issues in direct services to Latino individuals, families and groups or administrative and community practice. The degree program, administered by the Department of Social Work, offers professional preparation for advanced social work practice. Graduates will have the opportunity to attain advanced analytical and practice skills sufficient for self-critical, accountable and autonomous practice.
Graduates of the Master of Science in Social Work will be eligible to take the state examination to become a licensed master social worker (LMSW's).
Total Credit Hours: 33