Master of Science in Social Work
Our MSSW program educates students for culturally relevant and ethically sound social work practice within a changing global context. Students experience coursework that is sensitive to the personal, social, economic, and political needs of vulnerable, high-risk populations. No GRE is required for our MSSW program!
Why get a Master’s in Social Work?
Social workers change the world, and if you are looking for a diverse and meaningful career, we encourage you to consider social work. The fundamental mission of the social work profession is to serve people needing assistance and to work to make social institutions more responsive to human needs. Social work is distinguished from other helping professions by its person-in-environment focus and its strong commitment to social and economic justice.
What can I do with a Master’s in Social Work?
Choose Your Path
Advanced Standing Programs
The Advanced Standing Program can be completed full-time (12 months) or part-time (24 months) for a total of 36 semester hours. Applicants must have a BSW or BSSW degree from a school of social work accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) and a minimum cumulative undergraduate GPA of 2.7 to be considered. Advanced Standing students begin classes in the summer term. Students will have one field placement (600 hours).
Full-Time Program
Full-time students begin classes in the fall semester and complete the program (60 semester hours) in two years (four semesters). Students must complete 15 credit hours per semester. Year one (generalist year) includes 400 hours of field placement over two semesters. In year two, students complete the concentration curriculum, including 600 hours of field placement over two semesters. Applicants must have a 2.7 GPA or higher to be considered for this program.
Extended Study Program
The Extended Study Program is a part-time program that begins in the fall semester. Students take six credit hours (60 credit hours total) in three or four years. Extended Study students complete two field placements. The generalist placement (400 hours) is during the second year of study, and the concentration placement (600 hours) can either be in the third or fourth year, depending on the course of study. Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 2.7 or higher.
Please note: All classes for Extended Study students in Nashville and Knoxville are scheduled during regular daytime hours unless you attend the Nashville campus Hybrid Program. Online Extended Study classes meet online in the evenings.
Hybrid Evening Classes – Nashville
The Hybrid Evening Class Program is geared toward working professionals seeking an MSSW degree. This program allows students a flexible schedule and the ability to earn your MSSW while working.
What is Hybrid?
The class will meet every other week, with in-between weeks being time for students to work on their own. The in-person portion of the class will be at our Nashville campus and take place in the evenings.
Please note that MOST field placement opportunities are only available during business hours, with evening and weekend field placements being more limited. If you work in a social service agency, you may be eligible for an employment-based placement.
Program Locations
Knoxville
Our Knoxville campus offers all of UT’s main campus resources, in addition to proximity to all the city has to offer.
Nashville/Hybrid
Our Nashville campus offers a cozier, but no less exciting, setting to pursue your degree. We also offer a hybrid online and evening option at this location.
Online
We offer the most flexibility in our online degree program, with the same high-quality education from anywhere.
Be the change you want to see in the world is a quote from Ghandi that I live by. When choosing my career path I wanted to be a part of something that I would have the opportunity to be the change and affect lasting impact on world and Social Work provides me with both. I am so excited to be the change and I encourage everyone to step up to the call to be the change as well.
Gracalynn BergMSSW Student – Nashville
Concentrations
Network for Social Work Management Partnership
The College of Social Work is affiliated with The Network for Social Work Management (NSWM), which is an international organization focused on advancing social work management and leadership. Students enrolled in the MSSW Organizational Leadership concentration are automatically eligible for the NSWM’s Human Services Management Certificate.
Field Practicum
Field education is a required critical component of each student’s academic program. While other academic disciplines may use the word “internship” to describe this applied learning experience, the social work field experience is very in-depth and extensive.
Featured Courses
Combining state-of-the-art coursework with in-depth internship experiences, our programs are fully accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).
503 – Introduction to Interpersonal Social Work Practice
A generalist social work practice course, taken with Interpersonal Social Work Skills Lab, focuses on micro and mezzo work with individuals, families, and small groups. Covers history, ethics, theories, social justice, trauma-informed care, and interprofessional practice. Evaluates interventions in the context of social work values and diversity.
527 – Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
This course covers the theory, concepts, and techniques of CBT, with a focus on intervention methods social workers can use to address specific client issues.
545 – Resource Development and Management
The study of organizational management in the social service sector focuses on leadership skills, mission, and nonprofit logistics like financial management, HR, and grant acquisition. Emphasizes the NASW Code of Ethics and social justice, including contributive and distributive justice.
584 – Advanced Field Practice Extended
Training in advanced evidence-based social work practice, including an agency-based experience. Concurrent concentration and elective courses are optional.
Graduate Certificate Options
Dual Degree Programs
MSSW/MSCSP Dual Degree
This program offers individuals the opportunity to earn a Master of Science in Social Work (MSSW) and a Master of Science in College Student Personnel (MSCSP) in just three years.
MSSW/JD Dual Degree
This interdisciplinary program offers individuals interested in social work and law the opportunity to obtain graduate degrees in both programs in four academic years.
MSSW/MLS Dual Degree
This program offers individuals interested in social work and law the opportunity to obtain MLS and MSSW degrees in two academic years.
Student Success & Advising
At the College of Social Work, your success is our priority. We offer personalized academic support, career preparation, and wellness resources to ensure you thrive both in your studies and your future career. Join a community dedicated to empowering you every step of the way.
More about Student Success & AdvisingMSSW handbook & formsMSSW advising program tracks
Admissions & Aid
UT and the College of Social Work both offer a variety of financial aid options including scholarships, grants, work-study programs, and loans for qualifying applicants.
Find aid opportunitiesScholarshipsAid for VeteransAdmissions Overview
How Can We Help?
We make getting started on your Master’s Degree easy. Speak with one of our program contacts to learn more about our offerings, decide which program is right for you, explore financial support, or even just learn more about the University of Tennessee.
Questions? We’re here to help!