Social WorkMaster's Program

Social Work is a regulated profession in most places, meaning that licensure is required before a professional may claim or advertise as a social worker. In most states, there are multiple levels of social work licensure and the scope of practice is dependent on level of education and experience, as well as maintaining a current and active license in the state or jurisdiction.

The Texas Administrative Code states that a Lincensed Master of Social Work (LMSW) applies "social work theory, knowledge, methods and ethics and the professional use of self to restore or enhance social, psychosocial, or bio-psychosocial functioning of individuals, couples, families, groups, organizations and communities. An LMSW may practice clinical social work in an agency employment setting under clinical supervision, under a board-approved supervision plan, or under contract with an agency when under a board-approved clinical supervision plan. Master's Social Work practice may include applying specialized knowledge and advanced practice skills in assessment, treatment, planning, implementation and evaluation, case management, mediation, counseling, supportive counseling, direct practice, information and referral, supervision, consultation, education, research, advocacy, community organization and developing, implementing and administering policies, programs and activities" (Texas Administrative Code, RULE §781.202). 

To learn about different levels of licensure, licensing requirements, and the regulation of social work practice in Texas, visit the Texas State Board of Social Work Examiners.

To learn more about social work licensing and practice in other jurisdictions in the United States and Canada, refer to the Association of Social Work Boards. ASWB maintains a trustworthy registry, with updated information about licensing rules and links for licensing bodies throughout the U.S. and Canada.

The Master of Social Work Program at Texas Tech University prepares advanced generalist social workers to contribute to society through professional social work practice and engaged civic participation, providing thoughtful leadership. As critical thinkers and self-directed learners, the MSW graduates can simultaneously use self-awareness and sensitivity to the plight of humankind to promote social justice not only in the South Plains Region but also within our interdependent global community. The MSW program integrates the purpose, core principles and methods of social work, and augments these with advanced knowledge and skills to ensure that graduates will continually refine practice through synthesis and discretion and will protect and promote the values of the profession.

See recent assessment outcomes of the TTU MSW program on the nine competencies identified by CSWE.

The MSW Program at Texas Tech University is accredited with the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) through June of 2031. CSWE is a national organization that regulates undergraduate and graduate social work education programs in the United States. In the Educational Policy and Accreditation Standards (EPAS), CSWE has established nine areas of competency that graduating students should demonstrate. Accredited social work programs are held responsible for ensuring they maintain the standards and engage in ongoing assessment for these competency outcomes. Social work programs participate in an extensive review process on an 8-year cycle, which corresponds to the publication of new EPAS. Through this ongoing process of accreditation and reaffirmation with CSWE, students have reasonable assurance of the quality of social work education programs and society of the competence of their graduates.

As a CSWE-accredited program, graduates of the MSW at TTU are also eligible to sit for the national MSW-level exam with the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) and to apply for corresponding licensure in most jurisdictions.

Interested in going into further education once you complete your MSW degree? Texas Tech’s MSW program has a partnership with Angelo State University wherein every year they will reserve up to 5 slots for automatic admission into their D.S.W. program for graduates of TTU’s MSW program. For more information click here.

Graduate Social Work Society (GSWS)

All social work graduate students are invited to become involved with GSWS. Please contact Shelby Williams, President, for more information. 
 

GSWS Officers pictured left to right: Matthew Leber, Vice President, Karlie Scott, Treasurer, & Shelby Williams, President.

Through our advanced generalist curriculum, online MSW students learn how to promote human health and well-being in micro, mezzo, and macro level systems by building effective partnerships with diverse individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities. While sticking fast to the values and ethical principles of the social work profession, graduates are prepared to identify and implement a range of evidence-based prevention and intervention methods that build on existing strengths and resiliences, as well as to promote the human rights of and social and economic justice for those they serve.

Flexible Learning Schedule

Every student has unique obligations and responsibilities that have an impact on when and where they can engage in learning, but that shouldn't hold them back from earning a graduate degree. That's why you can attend our program as a full-time or part-time student and why most of the curriculum is offered with an asynchronous modality. Students in our online MSW program can mold study time to whatever schedule works best for them, from first thing in the morning all the way to the wee hours of nightime. Whatever time it is, your class materials will be waiting for you. On the other hand, we know from experience that most students want some face-to-face time to get to know their professors and peers, as well as to ask questions and get help. In the TTU Online MSW program, you'll have the option to drop-in during professors' real-time office hours and attend real-time meet-ups at least a few times each semester. 

Limited Class Sizes

The Online MSW program offers optimal student-to-faculty ratios so that every student has the opportunity to participate and receive the personal attention from faculty that they need to succeed. We know this is critical to providing personalized and interactive learning experiences, as well as fostering a strong sense of community among students and faculty.

Access to Faculty

The faculty who teach in our online MSW are experienced social workers who are dedicated to student success. They are readily available to offer students guidance, support, and mentorship throughout the program. Whether you have questions about coursework, need career advice, or direction regarding field practice, our professors will be here for you.

Field Education

Applying classroom knowledge to real-world practice is a crucial component of social work education. Therefore, MSW students clock hours at approved social service agencies** throughout the curriculum, working right alongside social workers and other professionals in your community while also earning course credit. These structured and supervised placements allow students to:

⇒  observe daily activities of social work professionals in different settings;
⇒  investigate real-world impact of social policies on individuals & families;
⇒  gain hands-on experience with active cases at field site;
⇒  navigate ethical challenges across micro, mezzo, & macro systems.

**Students already employed in a qualifying agency may be able to complete their field placement hours in the same setting.

With an MSW degree from Texas Tech in hand, you'll be ready to act in multiple professional roles, such as advocate, advisor, mediator and supervisor,as well as community organizer, policymaker, and researcher. You'll have the option to practice in a wide variety of diverse settings, including public and private hospitals, mental health clinics, corporations, and schools, international and national charity organizations, business corporations and research centers, state and federal legislatures, prisons or oversight offices, local shelters for the unhoused, adolescent runaways or trafficked persons, as well as many other organizational settings that respond to human needs at local, regional, state, national, or even global levels.

Most importantly, you'll be prepared to partner with individuals, families, small groups, local organizations and communities, as well as larger social systems, to tackle the social issues that you care about the most! The following are examples of challenges and needs in our world today with which social workers intervene:

Individual & Family Needs, such as housing, employment, parenting, elder caregiving, mental health, employment, bereavement, family violence, income support, disabilities, intimate relationships, and so many others

Community-Level Concerns, including environmental hazards, employment opportunities, gun violence and water conservation, as well as availability of healthcare providers, daytime care for children and elders, adult recreation, literacy and work training programs, law enforcement, etc.

Macro-Level Challenges, including existing disparities in access to resources (e.g. healthcare, legal defense, voting), the application of law (e.g. incarceration rates, accomodations for the disabled, worker safety) or policy (e.g. child welfare, Medicaid, or affordable housing), as well as other issues related to social or economic justice and human rights for all persons, regardless of their personal characteristics, group belonging, or geographic location.

Interested in going into further education once you complete your MSW degree? Texas Tech’s MSW program has a partnership with Angelo State University wherein every year they will reserve up to 5 slots for automatic admission into their D.S.W. program for graduates of TTU’s MSW program. For more information click here.

Standard admission is primarily for those prospective students who have earned a bachelor's degree in a field other than social work or for those whose BSW was obtained longer than 5 years ago¹. Applicants have the options of applying as a full-time or a part-time student. Students will begin this program in the fall semester². 

The standard program requires 59 hours of graduate student credit. Students typically complete the full time program in 2 years or the part time program in 4 years. For students in the part-time program, classes will be scheduled to minimize time away from employment, to the extent possible; however, this will depend on faculty and facility availability. See the sample curriculums.

The following materials are required for standard admission applications:

1. A completed application to the TTU Graduate School
2. Paid application fee
3. Unofficial transcripts - official transcripts are required only if applicant is admitted. The transcripts should indicate: 
   1. An earned bachelor's degree from a college or university accredited by a recognize regional accrediting association
4. Two (2) letters of recommendation. Preferably, one letter will be from a recent employer and one from a former professor.
5. A resume' that includes  employment and volunteer experience
6. A document in which the applicant copies and answers each of the following questions in a few concise sentences. 
   
   1. What has inspired you to study social work?
   2. How do you envision using the advanced generalist practice training you gain during your graduate program in your future career?
   3. Describe your experiences with different/varying population groups. Discuss how these experiences (or lack thereof) have impacted your understanding of social justice?
   4. Identify a social issue that impacts your community. How could social work address this issue?
   5. Students who must work while in the MSW program should apply to the program only if their work hours are very flexible. With this in mind, do you plan to be a full-time or part-time graduate student? 

The following application materials are required by the program for advanced admission applications:

1. A completed application to the TTU Graduate School
2. Paid application fee
3. Unofficial transcripts - official transcripts are required only if applicant is admitted. The transcripts should indicate:
   1. A bachelor's degree in social work earned within the previous 5 years¹ from a program accredited by CSWE (see footnotes) OR a degree recognized through CSWE's International Social Work Degree Recognition and Evaluation Service OR a degree covered under a memorandum of understanding with international social work accreditors
4. Two (2) letters of recommendation. Preferably, one letter will be from a recent employer and one from a former professor.
5. A copy of the final field placement evaluation (or a copy of the midterm field evaluation for students who will complete their BSW at the end of the present semester)
6. A resume' that includes  employment and volunteer experience.
7. A document in which the applicant states and answers each of the following questions. (200 to 300 words per question).
   1. Discuss how social work values have influence your interaction with a client system.
   2. Briefly discuss an example of a professional ethical dilemma that you have experienced.
   3. Describe and discuss a client system interaction in which differences between groups was a factor.
   4. How do you envision using the advanced generalist practice training you might gain through the Texas Tech MSW program in your future career?
   5. Identify and discuss an area of social injustice that impacts individuals, groups, and communities.
   6. Students who must work while in the MSW Program should apply to the program only if their work hours are very flexible. With this in mind, do you plan to be a full-time or part-time graduate student?