Texas Tech University

Earn a Master's in Social Work Online with TTU

Whether you're a recent graduate, a seasoned professional, or just seeking a new, fulfilling career in a helping profession, Texas Tech University's Online Master's in Social Work (MSW) degree program provides a transformative learning experience specifically designed for individuals aspiring to make meaningful impact in their world.

Our program is your gateway to unlocking new possibilities in a career that offers an unlimited number of opportunities to promote human wellbeing and combat social injustice, whether in your own community or across the globe. Employment opportunities for MSW graduates abound because their skills can be applied to many different settings, at-risk populations, and social challenges.

TTU named as #2 Best Online College for 2024

Applications for the Online Advanced Standing Program are currently open for a start in summer 2024. Standard admission applicants will be considered for a fall 2025 start.

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Degree Program Details

Your Future in Social Work Starts Here!

The Online MSW Program at Texas Tech University is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) and our graduates are therefore eligible to sit for the Association of Social Work Board's (ASWB) national MSW-level practice exam and apply for licensure in most jurisdictions.

 

Program
Focus

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.

Two Distinct Program Admission Tracks

Online Advanced Admission:
Ideal for recent graduates of a CSWE-accredited baccalaureate program in social work, students in this program track begin in the summer and can complete their degree in just one calendar year of full-time* study.

Online Standard Admission:
(available starting fall 2025)
Designed for applicants with undergraduate degrees in disciplines other than social work. Students in this program track begin in a fall semester and can complete their degree in two years of full-time* study.


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*Students who need to remain employed, care for a family member, or fulfill other obligations during their degree program have the option to apply for either program admission track as a part-time student.

Experience Online Learning Tailored to Your Needs

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In the Online MSW program here at Texas Tech University, we understand that some students need the flexibility of an online program but don't want to give up the dymanic and mutually-beneficial learning opportunities afforded in a traditional program environment. We take pride in providing an online learning community that is rich with diverse experience, where students and professors engage in shared learning and are able to build lasting, meaningful relationships. We're committed to providing flexibility to students with different needs, limiting class sizes, giving access to experienced social work instructors and field faculty, and employing evidence-based strategies that help our students learn, practice new skills, and prepare for their future careers.

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 expeirence 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.

All the Places Social Workers Go

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, word cloud of social work termsas 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.

From here, it's possible.

If you're ready to join a community of changemakers and become a champion for social justice, start now with the Online MSW program at Texas Tech University. We're prepared to help you shape a brighter future, for yourself as well as others!

Need more information about the Online MSW Program at Texas Tech University?

Our dedicated team is here to guide you through the application process and answer any questions you may have. Send your inquiry to: sasw.socialwork@ttu.edu.

Affordable Education Commitment: Tuition and Fees

We believe in empowering our students through education that not only enriches the mind but also respects your financial resources. Our commitment to affordability ensures that you can pursue a high-quality education without compromising your financial well-being. To explore detailed information about Texas Tech University's tuition and fees, please visit our Tuition and Fees page.

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