Social Work (MSW) - 60 Hour Program

Overview

The sixty-hour entry level Master of Social of Work program is for applicants who do not possess a Bachelor of Social Work degree from a program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). The program prepares students to work with diverse communities around the world. Graduates will learn how to develop strong leadership skills, promote social justice, and apply practical solutions to social issues facing the most vulnerable in our society. The program prepares students for tomorrow’s workforce using ground-breaking research and theoretical frameworks. At the completion of this degree program, students will be eligible to sit for exams to attain Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) credentials. The program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).

This program is delivered in a traditional face-to-face format. An online version of the program is also available. Students are not allowed to alternate enrollment in online and traditional program courses.

Admission Requirements

To be admitted to the graduate program, prospective candidates must first meet all requirements for graduate admission to UT Rio Grande Valley, as well as the other requirements listed below:

1. Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution in the United States or a recognized international equivalent in a similar or related field. Students with a BSW from an accredited program are not eligible to apply to the 60-hour program.
2. Overall undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0.
3. Three recommendation forms
4. Personal statement detailing professional goals and reasons for pursuing the graduate degree.
5. Verified successful completion of a course in basic statistics
6. Current Professional Resume including dates and specific duties assigned

Application for admission must be submitted prior to the published deadline. The application is available at www.utrgv.edu/gradapply.

Entry Level Standing

Applicants who do not possess a Bachelor of Social Work degree from a program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) will be required to take 60 hours in the program.

Admissions Committee Review

All applications will be reviewed by the School of Social Work MSW Admissions Review Committee. The committee is responsible for the selection of the individuals who are admitted into the master’s in social work degree program.

Progression Requirements

Students are expected to follow the plan of study. A GPA of 3.0 must be maintained throughout the program, and it is required to enroll in field practicum courses.

Suspension/Dismissal Policy

The School of Social Work policy is the following: A student whose overall GPA drops below a 3.0 in any given semester is automatically placed on academic probation the following semester. Within the following nine semester credit hours, the overall GPA must return to 3.0 or the student will be dismissed from the program. If a student’s overall GPA drops below 3.0 resulting in being placed on academic probation a second time, the student will be automatically dismissed from the program.

• If a student earns more than 2 Cs, regardless of the overall GPA, the student will be dismissed from the program.
• If a student earns a third C in the final semester, the student will not meet the requirements for graduation from School of Social Work.
• A student who earns an F in any course is automatically dismissed from the graduate program.
• Any student dismissed from the program will not be eligible for re-admission to the program.