Master of Science in Social Work
Are you ready to transform your passion for helping others into a powerful career? Our MSSW program is unique in that we offer two specialized concentrations. Our Clinical Practice (CP) concentration is designed for individuals interested in becoming a therapist or clinician, and our Organizational Leadership (OL) concentration, the only macro program in Tennessee, is ideal for those seeking to work in nonprofit organizations, government agencies, and other similar settings. We also offer five specialized certificates and three dual degree programs to help you focus your passion and expand your impact. No GRE is required!
Applications for Fall 2026 admission are now open!
Why get a Master’s in Social Work?
Social workers change the world, and if you are looking for a meaningful career with a wide variety of options, we encourage you to consider social work. The fundamental mission of the social work profession is to serve individuals who require assistance and to work towards making 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 well-being.
What can I do with a Master’s in Social Work?
Resources for current students
Concentrations
Graduate Certificate Options
Dual Degree Programs
Master of Science in Social Work/Juris Doctor
A dual MSSW/JD degree opens up unique opportunities by combining advanced knowledge in social work practice with a strong foundation in law. This degree empowers you to be both a compassionate helper and a strategic change agent, making you uniquely qualified to serve and lead in settings where law and social work intersect.
Master of Science in Social Work/Master of Legal Studies
Pursuing a dual degree in MSSW/MLS offers a powerful combination of skills for those passionate about advocacy, policy, and supporting individuals and communities. This dual degree enables you to serve as a bridge between social work practice and the legal system.
Master of Science in Social Work/Master of Business Administration
Having an MSSW/MBA dual degree uniquely positions you for leadership roles where human services and business intersect. This degree allows you to lead with both compassion and business acumen, helping organizations thrive while advancing meaningful change in communities.
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 was launched as a flexible option for people juggling busy daytime schedules but wanting to learn in person with a cohort of other students. Cohorts meet every other week for in-person, evening, synchronous classes. Out-of-class learning takes place online asynchronously.
Please note that most field placement opportunities are only available during business hours, with evening and weekend placements being more limited. If you work in a social service agency, you may be eligible for an employment-based placement. Field Coordinators support students in finding placements that best suit their learning goals and, when possible, their life needs.
Students can apply as Extended Study Hybrid Evening or Advanced Standing Extended Study Hybrid Evening. Advanced Standing Extended Study Hybrid Evening students begin classes in the summer, and Extended Study Hybrid Evening Students begin classes in August.
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
Our Nashville campus offers an intimate educational setting within a bustling city in which to pursue your MSSW degree. Students learn from experts in the social work practice and research field, and have access to myriad field placements. We offer full-time and extended study daytime and evening hybrid courses of study 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
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.
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 an 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. Evaluate 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.
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.
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 in your studies and 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 learn more about the University of Tennessee.
Questions? We’re here to help!