Master of Science in Social Work Online - Administration and Community Practice (Advanced Standing)

The UTRGV MS in Social Work (MSSW) – Administration and Community Practice develops leaders with the advanced skills necessary to strengthen and improve human services within the Latino community.

Ranked #1 for Most Affordable Online Masters in Social Work by Eduref.net (2020)
Ranked #6 for Best Online Master of Social Work Programs by socialworkdegreeguide.com (2020)
Ranked #32 for Best Online Master’s in Social Work by Intelligent.com (2020)
Ranked #1 for Most Affordable Online Master's in Social Work Programs by Socialworklicensure.org (2019)
Ranked #2 for Best Online Master's in Social Work by Bestcolleges.com (2018).

 

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About the Program

The School of Social Work is committed to preparing entry-level generalist (BSWs) and advanced professional social workers (MSSWs) to meet the needs of a bi-national and multicultural community. The program has two concentrations: Direct Practice with Latino Individuals, Families and Groups, and Administration and Community Practice. The program emphasizes multicultural awareness, professional competence, ethical practice, knowledge building acquisition, and social services that promote social and economic justice in a bi-national environment.

Program Goals and Objectives

The UTRGV MS in Social Work – Administration and Community Practice develops leaders with the advanced skills necessary to strengthen and improve human services within the Latino community.

Coursework in this degree is designed specifically to help students develop the leadership skills and commitment necessary for strengthening agencies and improving human services for at-risk Latino communities.

Develop clinical and macro assessment skills and understand the practice implications and characteristics of Latino populations, in order to serve the border region of South Texas and beyond. In this program, you will:

  • Learn how to work with diverse populations, including members of minority, vulnerable, at-risk and disenfranchised groups, including needs assessment and asset mapping
  • Study organizational administration, including human resource development, policy development, fundraising and project management
  • Gain advanced, real-world experience applying community organizing, social advocacy and social action mobilization practices during a 500-hour practicum in a field setting of your choice

At the completion of this degree program, you will be eligible to sit for exams to attain Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) credentials.

Potential jobs for graduates include administrative or leadership roles in a social service organization, policy or advocacy organizations, or community action agencies

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Courses

This course prepares students for effective professional intervention in a diverse world, and provides an understanding of how discrimination and oppression operate to limit the life opportunities of members of minority, vulnerable, at risk, and disenfranchised groups. A conceptual framework for understanding diversity, discrimination and oppression is presented and used to understand discrimination based on factors such as race, ethnicity, social class, gender, and sexual orientation. Selected theoretical perspectives are used to critically analyze the manifestations of discrimination and oppression and their impact on affected populations. Social world’s responses to discrimination and inequality, including strategies for intervention, are also examined.
Social work practice implications of the characteristics of the Latino population of the Southwest. The course will analyze distinctive practice in engagement, communication, and service with Latino clients, differential modalities and helping processes for clinical and macro practice with this population.
A variety of methods to assess macro social systems are studied and experiences are provided to develop macro assessment skills. This includes the logic frameworks for assessment, organizational assessment and use of standardized measures for documenting organizational functioning. The course teaches community asset mapping and traditional community needs assessment methods
Students gain advanced skills in organizational administration and management. Organizational assessment, human resources development, financial and board management, fund raising, policy planning and development, project management, and program evaluation are addressed. Students explore "use of self" as they develop leadership skills and a commitment to excellence necessary for strengthening agencies and improving human services critically needed in the Border Region of South Texas and beyond.
Students gain advanced skills in community organizing and social advocacy. Community assessment, volunteer management, fund raising, campaign management, networking and project management are addressed. Students will continue to explore their "use of self" as they further develop the leadership skills necessary to strengthen at-risk Latino community groups in the Border Region of South Texas and beyond. SOCW 6341 taken concurrently with SOCW 6379.
This course provides advanced skills in policy formulation, analysis, evaluation, advocacy, social marketing, lobbying, international development policy, and social action mobilization.
Examination of current policies of government-sponsored child welfare programs and current issues in the service delivery aspect of practice with cases of child abuse and neglect.
This practicum course requires completion of 250 clock hours in an approved field setting which prepares interns for community practice and administration. Course may be taken concurrently with the second internship course (SOCW 6379).
This practicum course requires completion of 250 clock hours in an approved field setting which prepares Interns for macro practice. SOCW 6379 may be taken concurrently with SOCW 6378 or after completing SOCW 6378. SOCW 6379 must be taken concurrently with SOCW 6341.
Emphasis on processes for monitoring and evaluating for evidence-based programming.
This course examines perspectives on human well-being within diverse spiritual and religious traditions; models of spiritual development; the role of spirituality and religion in fostering well-being or contributing to the oppression of diverse, at risk, and vulnerable populations; and values and ethics for spiritually sensitive practice. Tools for spiritual assessment and spiritually-based interventions are explored.

Calendar - Next Module

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Tuition & Financial Aid

UT Rio Grande Valley's 100% online accelerated graduate programs offer affordable tuition, and financial aid is available for those who qualify.

Total Program Cost

Per Credit Hour

Per 3-Credit-Course

*We estimate that tuition and fees will total no more than the rates shown above; however, rates are subject to change.

Scholarships

For more information on our Graduate Scholarships, please visit our Scholarships page.

Financial Aid

UTRGV is an equal opportunity institution in the administration of its financial aid programs. In keeping with this policy, financial aid is extended to students without regard to race, creed, sex, national origin, veteran status, religion, age or disability. For additional information regarding funding please visit our Financial Aid for Accelerated Online Programs page.

Additional Fees

No Application Fee
Graduation Fee: $50


Admissions

Please review all the admission requirements for the Master of Science in Social Work Online - Administration and Community Practice (Advanced Standing) degree program. For specific questions or more details, contact an enrollment specialist at 1-833-887-4842.

Admissions Criteria

Online Application

Submit your application online.

Official Transcript

Submit transcripts from all colleges/universities

GPA

3.0 (on a 4.0 scale)

References

3 References from Professional or Academic sources