MSSW Degree Program
The MSSW Program’s has two established concentrations: Practice with Latino Individuals, Families, and Groups, and a concentration in Community Practice and Administration. The program received its initial accreditation from the Council on Social Work Education in April 2003. On average the program graduates 35 students yearly. (Use this link to access alumni list, news, and information.)
There are two degree programs. The Advanced Standing Program (33-hours) is specifically designed for qualified BSWs. The Regular Program (63-hours)is open to all baccalaureate graduates. There are links on the bottom of this page that allow access to the MSSW Program Application and the form for the reference letters.
Both degree programs can be completed on a full-time basis or over an extended study period. In Fall 2004, the program admitted the first cohort of students into extended study. Previously, students were admitted only into full-time study. Students now can complete the 33-hour Advanced Standing Program in one or two years, and the 63-hour Regular Program can be completed in two, or four years.
Additionally, both degree options require field education internships. Students in the Advanced Standing Program complete either a block internship (SOCW 6376 and 6377 or 6378 and 6379) over one semester or split the internship over two semesters during the second year of study (SOCW 6376 in fall and SOCW 6377 in spring). Students in the Regular Program complete a 400-hour foundation block internship (SOCW 6670) and a 500-hour block concentration internship. Students in the Regular Program can also elect to complete the 900-hour field education requirement over four semesters (SOCW 6370, 6371, 6376, and 6377 or 6378 and 6379).
Six graduate faculty are assigned primary teaching responsibility in the MSSW Program, but faculty in the BSW Program also teach in the MSSW Program.
SCHOLARSHIPS/STIPENDS
Scholarships and Stipends are available for qualified students.
ADMISSION PROCESS
Fall 2013 -- Prospective students for the Fall 2013 admission cycle can obtain detailed information about the admission process, deadlines, prerequisites, and field internship options from this link: Prospective Applicants - 2013. Please refer to the MSSW Application Packet link below to obtain application materials.
PROGRAM EVALUATION
Several processes are used to evaluate the program's goals and objectives. As part of a broader university evaluation system, the program prepared a comprehensive assessment plan in 2004. Program's assessment plan enumerates the student learning outcomes and the describes the methodology that is used for data collection and measuring goal attainment. The Plan also contains a 5-year assessment timeline (2005-2009). Three progress reports have been completed since the plan was developed (Spring 2005, Fall 2005, Spring 2006, Fall 2006, Spring 2007, and Fall 2007. The next report will be completed in Spring 2008.
E-LIBRARY
Electronic resources are available at the University Library for students to complete term papers and other classroom assignments. Checkout the social/behavioral sciences link at the library’s website
SOCIAL WORK LICENSURE
Program graduates qualify for social work state licensure (LMSW). Sample exams are available at: www.socialworkexam.com and at http://licensingprep.com/quizzes/. The examination site for the LMSW exam is located in Harlingen, Texas. Call 1-888-579-3926 to register for the examination.
If you have any questions, please call 956-665-3575 or email us at MSSW@utpa.edu