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Master of Science in Social Work FAQs

School of Social Work Division of Health Affairs

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Master of Science in Social Work - Related Links

  • Admission Criteria
  • Application Deadlines
  • Degree Plan
  • MSSW Campus Program Description
    • Program Director
  • MSSW Accelerated Online Program Description
    • Program Director
  • Prospective Students
  • Graduate Certificate in Sustainable Community Health Promotion in Social Work
  • FAQs
  • MSSW Student Handbook

Contact Us

Romeo Escobar, PhD, LCSW, ACSW - MSSW Program Director
Romeo.escobar@utrgv.edu
Phone: 956-665-2179
Phone Alt.: 956-665-3575

Denise A. Longoria, PhD, LCSW – Director of Online Programs and Distance Learning
denise.longoria@utrgv.edu
Phone: 956-286-8184
Phone Alt: 956-665-3575

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School Homepage Message from the Dean Accreditation Faculty

FAQs

Commonly asked questions about social work programs and modalities

What is the difference between an MSW and MSSW?

The MSW is a Master of Social Work, and the MSSW is a Master of Science in Social Work. Both are recognized by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), social work program’s accrediting body. Both are recognized as master’s level social work degrees for employment purposes and allow the graduate to test for the LMSW license and later the LCSW license (see “Questions about licensing” below).

What are the differences between “Traditional” and “Accelerated Online” (AOP)?

Our MSSW program is offered via two different modalities – Traditional and AOP: 

  • The traditional program is offered in a combination of in-person (i.e., face-to-face) and “online courses. Some of these may be synchronous. Synchronous means students and faculty meet in real time; online meetings require attendance. The traditional program follows the standard, fifteen-week semester format. 
  • The AOP program is completely online and “asynchronous”. Asynchronous means that the class is online, but there are no required “real time” meetings: students complete the work on their own time. AOP courses are offered in a 7-week module format, with two modules in each semester (fall, spring, and summer). There is a 1-week break between modules. Students complete 2 courses per module (4 courses per semester).

If I am admitted into one program, can I transfer to the other?

Yes, students may transfer between programs ONCE during their graduate education.  Students must meet with the Director for Online Programs and Distance Learning or the MSSW Director (respectively) to review and update the plan of study consistent with change in program.

Do I have to attend full time?

No. Many of our students work full time and attend school part-time.  

What is Advanced Standing?

Advanced Standing refers to our 33-hour MSSW program, which can typically be completed in one-year. It is for students who already have a Bachelor’s in Social Work (BSW) from a program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). Advanced Standing is available in both the Traditional and AOP program options. Both of our concentrations are available to Advanced Standing students:

  • Direct Practice with Latino Individuals, Families and Groups (micro)
  • Administration and Community Practice (macro)
In addition to having a BSW from a CSWE-accredited program, to qualify for Advanced Standing, applicants must have a 3.2 GPA or higher in the social work core courses.

What is the difference between the “micro” and “macro” concentrations?

  • The “micro” concentration focuses on direct practice with individuals, couples, families, and groups. This concentration is for individuals who want to work as social workers in mental health or substance abuse, schools, healthcare settings, etc.
  • The “macro” concentration focuses on practice at a more mezzo or macro level, such as political social work, legislative affairs, grass roots efforts, advocacy, administration, program evaluation, and work with communities and organizations.

Does the School of Social Work offer any scholarships?

No.  The University offers graduate scholarships and information can be found at https://www.utrgv.edu/graduate/funding/scholarships/index.htm.



Commonly asked questions about Field Placements

What type of field placements are available?

There are a variety of field placement opportunities. These include schools, hospitals, nursing homes, mental health facilities, community health centers, community-based organizations, and others.

Can my work experience be substituted for the field practicum?

No, a student’s work experience cannot count for field practicum hours.

Students may complete their hours at their place of employment, but it must be preapproved by the field office. The field hours must be completed in a different department from their paid employment position and must meet the learning expectations per the Council on Social Work Education.

When does field practicum preparation begin?

Students should contact the Field Office during the semester prior to entering field practicum. Students will need to attend a scheduled field preparation meeting to ensure that all field requirements are met.

When does field practicum begin, and how many hours of field practicum am I required to complete?

Students in the 63-hour program are required to complete two field placements:    

  • The first practicum requires 400 hours, and it is completed at the end of the first year.

  • The second practicum requires 500 hours, and it is completed at the end of the second year.

Students in the 33-hour program (Advanced Standing) are only required to complete the latter, 500 hours at the end of the second year, as they have already completed a practicum in their respective Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) programs.

Students should begin to work with their employer to accommodate work schedules needed to meet the required field practicum hours between 8:00 a.m.– 5:00 p.m.

I do not live in Texas; will I be responsible for securing my own practicum

Our Office of Field Education personnel work diligently to secure field placements in many different areas of the country. Students who are out of state, or in Texas but outside the Rio Grande Valley region, are asked to explore potential field sites within their area and provide the Field Office with the names and contact information of three (3) agencies they have an interest in. The Office of Field Education will then work with the student to secure the placement. 

What are the requirements for field instructors?

Field instructors must have a Master’s in Social Work (e.g., MSW or MSSW) from a CSWE-accredited program plus a minimum of 2 years post-MSW experience.



Commonly Asked Questions About Courses and Course Schedules

Are my classes going to be scheduled during the workday or in the evening?

Many of our students work full-time. We offer all of our graduate courses in the evenings.  Additionally, some courses in our traditional program are offered online. In the AOP, all courses are online.

How can I fulfill the statistics course requirement?

Students can take any basic undergraduate statistics course to fulfill this requirement.  This includes courses offered through the departments of Social Work, Psychology, Sociology, Criminal Justice, Mathematics, etc.  

Can I substitute a research course for the statistics course?

No. Research courses typically focus on research methods, not on statistical analyses.

Can my work experience be substituted for any of the course work?

We recognize many of our students bring valuable work experience to our programs. These work experiences enrich the student’s work and the discussions in class. However, we are not able to substitute work experience for coursework because it is not allowed by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), social work program’s accrediting body.

I have an undergraduate degree in a closely related field. Can some of my course work be substituted?

No. The foundation year of the 63-hour program is intended to provide students with a strong understanding of generalist social work. These courses are like the ones in most bachelor’s social work programs. This program is available for students with a non-social work undergraduate degree.

Can I “transfer in” courses taken at another institution?

With approval from the Program Director, you can transfer up to 9 hours from another institution.  The courses must be equivalent or similar in content, and they cannot be more than 7 years old by the time the student is scheduled to graduate. 

What GPA must I maintain to remain in “Good Standing”?

Students are required to maintain a 3.0 GPA. If the GPA falls below a 3.0, the student will be placed on academic probation. 

Can I earn a grade of C in Graduate School?

A student can earn no more than two Cs in the program to remain in good standing. A third C will result in automatic dismissal from the program. 



Commonly Asked Questions About Licensing in Social Work

Will this degree allow me to obtain the Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) license?

In the state of Texas, the MSSW/MSW is a pathway for licensing.    After graduation, students must pass the Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) exam.  Then the individual must complete two years post-graduate work in a clinical setting under the supervision of a board approved supervisor and pass the LCSW exam. While most states have similar requirements, we encourage applicants in other states to check with their respective social work state boards.



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