Get the Skills to Make a difference
College of Social Work University of Tennessee
Knoxville, Nashville, Online
At the University of Tennessee College of Social Work, you’ll build career-ready expertise through CSWE-accredited degree programs. You’ll also benefit from immersive, hands-on field experience along with encouraging mentorship from dedicated faculty. With their support and direction, you’re equipped to develop, thrive, and drive lasting, meaningful impact in your communities. Select from bachelor’s (BSSW) , master’s (MSSW), or doctoral (DSW or PhD) pathways and become part of a welcoming, compassionate community dedicated to equipping you for a purposeful career that creates lasting, positive change.
What is social work?
Social workers are powerful catalysts for change — addressing root causes of poverty, inequality, and discrimination while providing direct support to individuals, families, and communities. In Tennessee and across the country, social workers are in high demand in schools, hospitals, mental health centers, government agencies, nonprofits, corporate HR, the justice system, and even professional sports organizations. A social work degree from the University of Tennessee opens the door to a career that’s as diverse as it is meaningful.
#13
Best Graduate Programs Among Public Universities*
*Source: 2024 U.S. News Best Graduate Programs Report
17+
Years of Excellence in Online Education
#24
Best Graduate Programs Among All Universities*
*Source: 2024 U.S. News Best Graduate Programs Report
Apply your interests to our program
Bachelor of Science in Social Work (BSSW)
Offered both in-person and online, our BSSW program prepares you for a dynamic social work career. You’ll develop the skills for a wide range of careers, including case management, community organizing, school social work, and advocacy, with hands-on field experience built into your studies.
Master of Science in Social Work (MSSW)
Offered in Knoxville, Nashville, and Online. Ranked among the top graduate social work programs in the nation, our flexible MSSW program helps you develop culturally responsive, ethically grounded skills for advanced practice across clinical, community, and organizational settings. Advanced Standing options are available for BSW/BSSW graduates looking to fast-track their degree.
Now offering both a Fall and Spring entry term for added flexibility.
Doctoral Social Work (DSW & PhD)
Offered in- person (PhD) and online (DSW). Take your social work career to its highest level with our doctoral programs. The online Doctor of Social Work (DSW) is an accelerated program built for working professionals who want to deepen their expertise and grow into leadership roles. The on-campus PhD in Social Work provides rigorous, research-focused training for aspiring scholars, educators, and policy innovators. Both programs are grounded in UT’s nationally recognized tradition of social work education.
Your impact starts before graduation
Campus Locations
Knoxville
The Knoxville campus is the flagship home of UT’s College of Social Work, giving you access to the full resources of one of the Southeast’s leading research universities — plus a thriving city with extensive field placement opportunities across East Tennessee.
Nashville
The Nashville campus puts you in the heart of a city with one of the fastest-growing social services sectors in the South — an ideal environment to build your career network while earning your social work degree in Tennessee’s capital.
Online
Our accredited online social work programs deliver the same rigorous, high-quality education as our in-person degrees — with the flexibility to study from anywhere in Tennessee or across the country. Designed for working adults and career changers alike, our online programs make a UT degree accessible on your terms.
Why choose UT over other programs?
A lot of schools offer social work degrees. Here’s what makes UT different:
Top-25 national ranking
One of the most respected social work programs in the country, not just the region.
Dedicated field support
A full team that provides highly individualized support throughout the field planning process.
Live, synchronous classes
Online students learn in real time alongside faculty and peers, not alone with pre-recorded videos.
Graduate certificates
Specialize your degree without adding time and stand out from the rest.
Competitive tuition
A flagship public university education at a public university price.
Licensure exam pass rates
Our graduates pass at some of the highest rates in Tennessee.
Become a Volunteer
Life as a social work Vol is truly rewarding. At the UT College of Social Work, you’ll go beyond the classroom — building real community connections, supporting people who need it most, and engaging in research and service-learning that makes a difference across Tennessee. The Volunteer spirit shines through everything we do, from students using their unique talents to uplift communities near and far, to graduates leading change across the state and beyond. Every experience here is designed to inspire you and shape you into a confident, compassionate social work professional, ready to lead and serve from day one.
Social work empowers individuals and communities to create meaningful change, and the College of Social Work at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, embodies this mission through its dedication to innovative research, compassionate practice, and social justice. It’s inspiring to be part of a community that prioritizes both academic excellence and real-world impact.
Sangwon lee
PhD ’25
Recent News
Upcoming events
Stay involved with everything going on at the College of Social Work.
