Congratulations on your admission to the University of Tennessee, Knoxville MSSW program! We are excited to have you as part of our incoming class and know that you are eager to take the next steps toward starting your graduate education. The experience of earning your MSSW can be an amazing journey of professional and personal growth. We are glad that you have chosen to take this path and are here to help you to make the most out of this opportunity.

Please refer to the following information for instructions on what to do next and other helpful information. These resources are provided to answer many of your initial questions and help you plan your transition as a graduate student in the College of Social Work. Note that links will take you to important information on the UT website.

This page will be periodically updated. Please be sure to check back and refresh this page

If you have any questions or concerns about your admission or registration please contact our Director of Enrollment, Jennifer Scagnelli, at jenscag@utk.edu.

We look forward to meeting you!

Connect with your new classmates!

We have created a Facebook group that you can use to connect with your new and soon-to-be classmates.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/3642517879319818

First Steps

Intent To Enroll

Submit your Intent to Enroll form to the Office of Graduate Admissions through the Slate application system.

NetID

All students, faculty, and staff at the University of Tennessee are provided with a NetID and password when they join the university. Your NetID permits secure access to a variety of applications and services, such as your UT email, MyUTK, Canvas, library databases, online pay statements, and other UT maintained web portals.

You can find your Net ID on your acceptance letter from the Graduate School, located in Slate. (Contact Jen Scagnelli if you can’t locate it) Activate your NetID and change your password by following the instructions located online at: https://oit.utk.edu/general/areyounew/netid-and-email-accounts/

MyUTK

MyUTK is the UT portal to a variety of online services. Once you sign in you will have access to many UTK resources including registration, academic links, and your course schedule. To log in you will need your NetID and password.

UT Email

Your NetID plus the extension @vols.utk.edu is your UT email address. For example, if your name is Jane Doe, the university might assign jdoe as your NetID. Your email account would be jdoe@vols.utk.edu.

Once you know your NetID, and have changed your password, you are ready to access your VolMail account. Go to volmail.utk.edu and read the New Vols announcement at the top of the page to determine which service provider you should select. Sign in with your UT email address and password. Additional information about your UT email account is available on the OIT Email website.

Username: NetID@vols.utk.edu
Password: Your NetID password

Visit the OIT Email website for instructions on how to set up your UT email on your computer and smartphone.

All University and College of Social Work communication will be sent to your UT email address and you will be expected to respond and communicate through your UT email account. Check your UT email frequently for important information and updates.

Seating Fee

After being admitted to the MSSW program students must submit a non-refundable $100 seating fee to accept their offer of admission. The MSSW seating fee is required to reserve your place in the program and will be credited towards your first semester account balance. Students who do not pay their seating fee within 30 days of their admission notification will have their admission rescinded.

The $100 MSSW seating fee is required.

How to pay your seating fee (please follow these instructions carefully):
• Log into MyUTK using your Net ID and password
• Look under “My Resources”
• From the dropdown menu, select “Pay Fees/Account Balances”
• Select “Deposits” from the top menu
• Select Term (advanced standing students must select summer. Full time and extended study students must select fall)
• Select Masters of Social Work Seat Deposit
• Follow the prompts

Please notify us immediately if you would like to decline your offer of admission! We expect to have a waiting list for admission and in order to be fair to those individuals it is necessary to award vacancies as soon as possible. Students who pay the MSSW seating fee but do not matriculate will forfeit their seating fee. The seating fee cannot be waived. It is non-refundable and non-transferable.

Financial Assistance

You are encouraged to plan carefully for your financial needs. Please visit the Financial Assistance section of our website for information about funding options, including departmental scholarships and graduate assistantship positions. Please note that part-time students are not eligible for CSW departmental scholarships, Graduate School fellowships, or Graduate Assistantships/Graduate Research Assistantships.

CSW Department Scholarships and GRA Positions

The College of Social Work offers a number of scholarships to students who will be enrolled in full time status for both Fall 2024 and Spring 2025 (at least 9 credit hours each semester). Department scholarships are not awarded for summer semester.

Selection is competitive and applicants are considered for scholarships only if they meet individual scholarship requirements. Academic achievement and/or financial need is considered in the selection of recipients, along with some more specific criteria related to individual donor-specified criteria. Please note that funding is limited and scholarship amounts vary. In most cases, they do not cover the full cost of tuition and fees. If you want to be considered for a scholarship it is strongly recommended that you apply as soon as possible!

The same application is used to apply for College of Social Work Graduate Research Assistantship (GRA) positions and the Coverdell Fellowship.

CLICK HERE TO OPEN THE SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION
You will need to click on “Current Students” and log in using your Net ID and password, then go to UT College of Social Work Student Scholarship Application (Academic Year 2024-2025).

Federal Financial Aid

All admitted students are encouraged to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and search for external funding. You must file a FAFSA to be considered for federal financial aid (loans).  https://onestop.utk.edu/financial-aid/apply/

If you have submitted a FAFSA you will be able to view your financial aid award package in MyUTK after it has been processed. The 2024 – 2025 FAFSA is required for the upcoming academic year (Fall 2024 through Summer 2024). UT’s federal school code is 003530.  

Summer Financial Aid

Attention Advanced Standing Students! To be eligible for federal aid for summer you must complete the FAFSA.

The 2023-24 FAFSA is the current financial aid application that must be completed for the summer 2024 semester. If you received aid during Fall 2023/Spring 2024, you already have a FAFSA on file for summer. Visit the OneStop website for additional information on federal financial aid for summer.

Direct Deposit Refund

The University of Tennessee, Knoxville offers Direct Deposit for excess financial aid. All students receiving excess financial aid funds are required to sign up for direct deposit by creating a Refund Profile at the MyUTK Portal.

Final Transcripts

If you uploaded your transcripts when you submitted the online Graduate Admissions application, or if you recently completed your undergraduate degree from an institution other than UT Knoxville, you will need to request that your official transcripts be sent from your previous institution(s). Please have your transcripts sent directly from the institution to the Office of Graduate Admissions.

Immunization Forms

Students attending classes on-campus in Knoxville must confirm that you have all required immunizations by completing and submitting the Immunization Requirement Form prior to the start of classes.

Check For EVEA Requirement

If you have the Eligibility Verification for Entitlements Act (EVEA) requirement, you will need to submit documentation that proves US Citizenship or lawful presence as required by state law. To find out if you have this requirement, access your MyUTK account with your NetID and password. Check “All Messages” for the EVEA Citizen Verification Required notice. For information on EVEA and how to submit documentation please visit OneStop. Required documents may be sent via the UT Vault to eveagrad@utk.edu.

Tuition and Fees

Tuition and Fees

Current tuition and fees can be found online at One Stop. After you register for your classes you will be able to access your VolExpress statement on MyUTK. You must meet the minimum payment requirements by the due date to avoid schedule cancellation. Please be sure to check your student account invoice for amount due and payment deadlines and pay your fees before the scheduled deadline.

Program Fees

All students enrolled in the MSSW program are required to pay the MSSW program fee each semester they are enrolled, regardless of how many credit hours. This fee is $250 and non-refundable.

Field Placement Fee

Each student enrolled in a field course is assessed a $250 field placement fee. This fee is assessed for each semester that a student is registered for field regardless of the number of credit hours. This fee is used to fund field instructor recruitment and training, field liaison salaries and travel, field materials, and other field education costs.

Other Fees

You can view a breakdown of fees on the UTK website. This shows how your money is spent on services and programs that benefit all students. https://onestop.utk.edu/tuition-detail/

Academic Calendars

The academic calendars contain key dates important to all students. Take a moment to familiarize yourself with upcoming dates and deadlines. 

Advanced standing students begin the program in the summer.
Full time and extended study students begin in the fall. 

Summer 2024

Full and 1st Session Classes Begin – June 6

Juneteenth Holiday – June 19
Independence Day Holiday – July 4

No Class Day – July 5
1st Session Ends – July 9
2nd Sessions Begins – July 10
Full and 2nd Sessions end – August 8

Fall 2024

Classes Begin – August 19
Labor Day – September 2
Fall Break – October 7-8
Thanksgiving Holiday – November 27-29
Classes End – December 3
Study Day – December 4

Visit the Registrar’s webpage for other important calendars pertaining to financial deadlines, registration deadlines, and other key dates: https://registrar.utk.edu/calendar/

MSSW Information

Programs Of Study

Students are admitted to either the full-time, extended study, or advanced standing program. Please refer to your acceptance email from the College of Social Work to determine the program of study and location you have been admitted to. Students are not permitted to change their program of study, location, or concentration without approval.

Advanced Standing Program – The MSSW Advanced Standing Program can be completed on a full-time (twelve months) or part-time (twenty-four months) basis for a total of 36 semester hours. Advanced standing students will have one field placement (concentration).

Full Time Program – MSSW Full-time students begin classes in the fall semester and complete the program (60 semester hours) in two years, or four semesters, of full-time study. Students enrolled in the full-time program must complete 15 credit hours per semester. Students complete the generalist curriculum, which includes a field placement during the first year and the concentration curriculum, which also includes a field placement during the second year.

Extended Study Program (3-year or 4-year) – The MSSW Extended Study Program is a part-time program in which students take six credit hours per semester and complete the MSSW degree requirements (60 credit hours) in three or four years. The three year plan is part time for the first two years and full time the third year. The four year plan is part time for the duration of the program. Extended Study students begin coursework in the fall term. 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 course of study.

Please be aware that extended study is not an evening and/or weekend program. Classes for the on-campus Knoxville program are scheduled during regular day time hours.

Entry Term

The Full Time and Extended Study programs begin fall semester. The Advanced Standing program begins summer semester.

Proficiency Information

Students may apply to waive certain MSSW courses on the basis of proficiency, allowing them to receive credit for knowledge acquired in previous courses. Requests to proficiency out of courses are optional and recommended only for students who have done exceptionally well in their previous coursework.

Applications to waive courses on the basis of proficiency must be submitted to the MSSW program director at each campus by May 1 for courses taught in the summer, August 1 for courses taught in the fall, and December 1 for courses taught in the spring. Please refer to the MSSW Student Handbook for details about the proficiency process.

If you have questions about the proficiency process please contact Jodi Baxter at jbaxte33@utk.edu

Graduate Certificate Programs

The College of Social Work is pleased to offer specialized certificate programs to students enrolled in the MSSW program – and in some cases, for those seeking a post-graduate certificate of specialization. Advanced elective courses and field settings combine to provide current students with extensive knowledge and experience within specialized areas. Please be aware that additional course work is required.

If you would like to enroll in a graduate certificate program please complete the Certificate Enrollment Application as soon as possible.

MSSW Thesis

When faculty resources are available, a student may elect to write a thesis as partial fulfillment of the requirements of the M.S.S.W. degree. A thesis involves planning and conducting an original research project on a social work topic. It carries 6 hours of credit (SW 500), which are applied as elective hours. Interested students need to make a decision about writing a thesis shortly after entering the College. During the second semester of the first year (or summer session for advanced standing students), the thesis student must notify the major professor of intent to develop a thesis. A thesis student will be required to have a GPA of 3.75 or higher upon completion of the Generalist year or, for advanced standing students, a cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.75 in social work courses. The student needs to be aware of all UTK graduate thesis requirements.

Comprehensive Exam

All students must take a final comprehensive examination in their last semester of the program. The comprehensive exam is used as an assessment tool. Information about this exam will be provided to students the semester before they are expected to graduate.

Advising/Student Success

The UT College of Social Work’s Student Success team is here to engage and support you as you progress toward your degree.  We focus on developing academic and professional success in an environment that values diversity and upholds Social Work ethics. Our team works to ensure that students are knowledgeable on academic policy and procedures, have access to high-quality career development opportunities, and are best connected to resources they may need. Our team of advisors are Social Workers who bring unique professional experience and expertise to our student success programming. Each student is assigned an advisor when entering the program. Information about advising and the primary responsibilities of the advisor can be found in the student handbook.

Before you begin your MSSW Program we know you may have lots of questions about registration, what courses you need to take, and when classes will occur, among other things. Our team will hold weekly advising office hours for any incoming student to have their questions answered each Monday from 1-2 pm EST/12-1 pm CST via zoom from February 5th through May 6th using this zoom link https://tennessee.zoom.us/j/85230369301?from=addon. Please drop in and meet with one of our advisors to get your advising questions answered. We look forward to working with you all and connecting at orientation and over the upcoming semesters.

Program Advisors

Be aware that your advisor may initially be incorrect in MyUTK. Your advisor will be officially assigned by the first day of your classes.

You are not required to meet with your advisor before registering for classes.

Registration

Course Registration

Be sure to register for the correct CRN/section numbers of your courses! Be aware that MyUTK shows all the MSSW courses – Knoxville, Nashville and Online (DE) – so please be careful when you register.

Students register for classes via the web at MyUTK. If you are new to UT you can find information about registration on the One Stop website: https://onestop.utk.edu/your-classes/registering-for-classes/

You do not need to meet with an advisor before you register. Please contact Jen Scagnelli if you have questions or need assistance with registration.

Advanced Standing Students

Advanced Standing students must register for the following Summer 2024 courses for a total of 6 credit hours:

SW 550 (3) – Generalist Seminar I – Micro Social Work Practice
SW 551 (3) – Generalist Seminar II – Macro Social Work Practice

Fall 2024 registration for Advanced Standing students depends on your chosen concentration. Please view the appropriate Program of Study form for details.

Full Time Students

Full Time students must register for the following Fall 2024 courses for a total of 15 credit hours:
SW 503 (3) – Introduction to Interpersonal Social Work Practice
SW 504 (3) – Interpersonal Social Work Skills Lab
SW 511 (3) – Introduction to Macro Social Work Practice
SW 515 (3) – Human Development in Context: Pre-Natal through Adolescence
SW 542 (3) – Generalist Field Practice I

Extended Study Students

Extended Study students must register for the following Fall 2024 courses for a total of 6 credit hours:
SW 503 (3) – Introduction to Interpersonal Social Work Practice
SW 504 (3) – Interpersonal Social Work Skills Lab

Registration Dates

Summer Semester 2024
Timetable online: February 26
Priority Registration begins: March 4

Fall Semester 2024
Timetable online: March 25
Priority Registration begins: April 1

Course Descriptions

MSSW course descriptions can be found online at: https://csw.utk.edu/mssw-program-courses/

Orientation

MSSW orientation is mandatory for all MSSW students. 

Knoxville MSSW Orientation

Knoxville Campus Advanced Standing Students – June 5th from 9:00 am – 3:30 pm in the Haslam Business Building
Knoxville Campus Full-Time and Extended-Study Students – August 12th from 9:00am – 2:00pm in the Student Union
Interactive Campus Map: https://www.utk.edu/maps /

Please remember that you cannot park on the Knoxville campus without a parking permit. If you do not have a permit yet you can purchase one online at https://parking.utk.edu/

UT Graduate School Orientation

You will also receive information from the UT Graduate School about a University-wide new graduate student orientation. This orientation is optional; the MSSW orientation is mandatory.

Field Education

Field Practice And Planning

Field Practice And Planning

Students admitted to the Full Time and One Year Advanced Standing programs will receive information describing the field placement planning process. Please be sure to submit any required forms as soon as possible. Detailed information about the field experience can be found on the CSW website and in the MSSW Field Manual.

We will let you know who your Field Coordinator is. When you are registering for your field course please be sure to register for a section that has your Field Coordinator listed as the course instructor.

Field education will be a major component of your MSSW program. We want to provide some critical information about field as you are making plans for your graduate education.

Full time and Extended Study students complete two field placements, one in the generalist year (400 hours) and an advanced placement in the concentration year (600 hours). Advanced Standing students will only complete the 600 hour concentration field placement.

In addition to field placement, MSSW students are required to participate in a field seminar. Your Field Coordinator will inform you of the expectations and logistics for seminar.

A Field Coordinator will be assigned to you to facilitate your placement experience. Students are not permitted to arrange their own field placements. Your Field Coordinator will contact you to initiate placement planning, and will work with you to coordinate the interview process.

Students should plan to be in field placement during weekday business hours. Students will be in field practice 2 days per week for their generalist placement and 2-3 days per week (depending on program of study) for their concentration placement. Very few organizations offer evening and weekend hours, and no placement can be completed entirely during evenings and weekends.

Students should expect and plan to commute to a field placement. Public transportation is limited or non-existent in many areas, and commutes of 30-45 minutes are common, so students will need to have a plan for how to commute to/from their field placement.

Many agencies require that students complete criminal background checks, undergo drug screening, and provide proof of immunization and other medical records. The cost for these screenings is generally the responsibility of the student. If a student has a charge on their record and/or a history of convictions, this will seriously limit opportunities for placement.

Accreditation standards require that students in field placements be supervised by someone with an MSW/MSSW and at least 2 years of post-degree practice experience. Our field faculty will screen agencies and field instructors to ensure that they meet program and accreditation requirements.

You have been asked on your application where you plan to live while in the program and we have considered that information in our admissions decision. Please note that, if you move after acceptance to the program, we cannot guarantee availability of a field placement for you.

We are excited to partner with you in this important step in your journey towards becoming a professional social worker! If you have any questions or concerns about your field experience, please contact Kim Crane Mallory, Director of Field Education, at kcrane@utk.edu.

Who Is My Field Coordinator PDF

Additional Information and University Resources

College of Social Work Staff Contacts

Knoxville Students:

Jodi Baxter, 865-974-3351, jbaxte33@utk.edu
Jen Scagnelli, 865-974-1096, jenscag@utk.edu

Please visit the College of Social Work online directory for the complete contact list of faculty and staff.

Update Your Contact Information

If you have recently moved or relocated please be sure that we have your correct address and phone number on file. Update your personal information at MyUTK AND with the MSSW Admissions Office.

MSSW Student Handbook

The MSSW Student Handbook can be found online at https://csw.utk.edu/current-students/mssw-program-handbook-forms/

The purpose of this handbook is to familiarize graduate students with procedures, policies, and requirements of the MSSW program. In addition, it provides information regarding the programs we offer, admission, registration, advising, financial assistance, and other pertinent information.

For additional information please refer to the Graduate Catalog (https://catalog.utk.edu/index.php?catoid=35), Hilltopics (hilltopics.utk.edu), and to the publications on the Appeals Procedure (gradschool.utk.edu/graduate-student-life/understanding-your-rights-and-obligations/)

International Students

International Student and Scholar Services provides orientation and advising to international students after they have been admitted to the university. International students must submit financial information to the Center for International Education (CIE) confirming that you have sufficient funds to cover a full year of expenses at UT and should visit the CIE website for important information regarding pre-arrival, check-in and CIE orientation information.

One Stop Express Student Services

One Stop streamlines the most common enrollment, registration, financial aid, and payment services, providing students with one location to access the primary services of the registrar, financial aid, and bursar offices. One Stop is located on the ground floor of Hodges Library and online. You may have a few questions as you prepare for the start of the semester. Here is a list of frequently asked questions. https://onestop.utk.edu/faq/

UT Office of Information Technology Resources (OIT)

OIT handles everything from UT email, accounts & access and information security to training, research support and instructional support.

The HelpDesk is the first point of contact for OIT support, services, and applications, including email, MyUTK, NetID, Duo Two-Factor, Microsoft Office, desktop support, security, and much more.

VolCard

Your VolCard is your University ID card, which can be activated digitally. It is used for identification purposes and access to student facilities and services. You do not need to reactivate a new card if you are currently a student at UT Knoxville. If you are a new or transferring student, have been admitted to UT, and have your student NetID and password, you can submit an ID photo online for approval.

Student ID Number

Most of the business conducted with the university will require your student ID number. This number is the nine-digit number beginning with 000 which you were assigned upon application, and it is noted in your admission letter from the Graduate School. Please locate this number and remember where to find it.

Textbooks

Textbooks can be purchased at the UT Bookstore in Knoxville, located in the Student Union, or online. Textbook requirements can be found on the UT Bookstore website as well as on each MSSW course syllabus. You will need to know the course number and section number for each of your classes in order to find the required textbooks.

Inclusive Access: Inclusive Access items are digital course materials available to students on the first day of class. The cost of the material is charged to the student account (via “MyUTK” account) for all students who are registered for a participating Inclusive Access course.

Parking Permits

Students at the Knoxville campus are required to purchase a parking permit if you plan to park on campus. Please visit the UT Parking Services website for online purchase of parking permits and additional information.

Housing Options

Apartment-style campus housing is available for graduate students on the Knoxville campus. Please see the UT Housing website for more information: https://housing.utk.edu/ You can also visit the Off-Campus and Commuter Services housing database, which includes properties for rent in the Knoxville area and a roommate search.

Student Health Center

The UT Student Health Center has a wide range of clinics and services to offer students in need of healthcare. The goal of our staff is to assist you in staying healthy and maintaining a healthy lifestyle to facilitate success in your educational endeavors

Student Health Insurance

Medical health insurance is available for students who meet the eligibility requirements. Visit: https://studenthealth.utk.edu/student-health-insurance/ for information.

Student Disability Services

The staff of Student Disability Services (SDS) are dedicated to opening doors of equal opportunity to individuals with disabilities at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. If you have a need related to a disability you must register with Student Disability Services to receive accommodations. SDS assists students with documented disabilities by determining their eligibility for services and then working to determine reasonable accommodations and services which will, in turn, give the student equal access to the University.

Residency Classification

Initial residency classification is determined by admissions staff from information submitted on your application for admission. Questions about your residency classification should be directed to the Office of the Registrar. Please refer to the Residency Classification Guide on their website for more information.

UT Libraries

The University of Tennessee, Knoxville Library System provides a wide array of services for students. Please be sure to visit the Library Services for Graduate Students webpage to learn about library resources and services designed to support your research needs.

Veteran Student Services

The Office of Veteran Student Services provides assistance and guidance to our active duty service members, veterans, reservists, guardsmen, and family members using their VA educational benefits.

Developmental Writing Course

As a graduate student of UTK College of Social you will be expected to write many papers at a graduate school level. Many students entering the program have been away from writing for quite some time and others may need a stronger foundation than what was provided at the undergraduate level. These writing skills will be critical for your success as a student within this program. The college recommends taking the following affordable course which provides writing assistance with a tutor to help improve these critical skills. This course will not count towards degree requirements for the MSSW program but will undoubtedly help with your success while in the program. https://www.straighterline.com/online-college-courses/english/developmental-writing/

Hilltopics

Each year the University of Tennessee, Knoxville produces the Hilltopics Student Handbook. In this handbook students will find general campus policies and procedures, standards of conduct, academic policies and procedures, and information about student support, services, and organizations.

Understanding Your Rights And Obligations

The Graduate School and UT have developed a set of policies that are designed for administration and to protect the rights of students and staff. Be sure to understand and abide by these policies.

MSSW Program Directors