Master of Science in Social Work (58B0) M.S.S.W.

Department of Behavioral Sciences

The mission of the University of TN-Martin Master of Science in Social Work (MSSW) program is to equip students with the necessary tools to meet the escalating demand for advanced social work practitioners in rural communities, adept at serving individuals, families, groups, and communities in an ever-diversifying world. MSSW graduates will emerge as proficient practitioners, possessing a shared foundation of social work knowledge, values, and skills, alongside specialized expertise tailored for client systems within rural communities. They will be prepared to practice with integrity, guided by the ethical principles delineated in the NASW Code of Ethics, and equipped to provide advanced practice service to various human service settings and diverse demographic groups.

The Master of Science of Social Work (MSSW) program offers a diverse range of elective options to cater to various interests within the field of social work. Students are exposed to a combination of theoretical knowledge, practical skills, and specialized training to prepare students for diverse roles within the field of social work, with a particular focus on rural communities.

An important aspect of the program is its strong emphasis on rural social work. This focus acknowledges the unique challenges and opportunities present in rural communities and prepares students to address these specific needs effectively.

To ensure practical experience and skill development, each student is required to complete 900 hours of field instruction under the supervision of a qualified social worker. This hands-on training is essential for students to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world settings and develop professional competence. Upon successful completion of the program, graduates will be eligible for professional licensure in social work.

Admission Requirements

Applicants may be admitted as degree seeking (Unconditional, Conditional, Advanced Standing, or Early) or non-degree seeking and must meet the university requirements listed under types of admissions.

A. Unconditional Admission

Proof of undergraduate degree from an accredited four-year college or University
Cumulative GPA of at least 2.7 on a 4.0 scale
Complete application packet requirements
Applicant must have a positive review from the Master of Science in Social Work Graduate Admissions Committee.

B. Conditional Admission

Proof of undergraduate degree from an accredited four-year college or University
Cumulative GPA of at least 2.5 on a 4.0 scale
Complete application packet requirements
Applicant must have a positive review from the Master of Science in Social Work Graduate Admissions Committee.

C. Advanced Standing Admission

Applicants must hold a BSW/BSSW degree from a school of social work accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)
Have graduated within five years of entry to the MSSW program
Minimum cumulative undergraduate GPA of 2.7 on a 4.0 scale
Minimum social work GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
Complete application packet requirements
Applicant must have a positive review from the Master of Science in Social Work Graduate Admissions Committee.

D. Unclassified or Non-Degree Admission

Applicants who do not meet requirements for either unconditional or conditional admission may be eligible for unclassified or non-degree admission and must submit all required admission materials. See university requirements listed in Types of Admission.

E. Early Admission for UT Martin Undergraduate Seniors

Early admission is available to a degree-seeking Social Work major who has completed all SWRK core coursework and has at least a B (3.00) cumulative GPA in addition to the university requirement for admission. Students meeting these criteria will be allowed to take two courses prior to completing their baccalaureate degree. Students taking graduate and undergraduate course work together cannot exceed 15 total credit hours per semester.

MSSW Degree Requirements

Students must meet the following requirements for the M.S.S.W. degree:

All graduate and University requirements as stated in the University of Tennessee- Martin Graduate Catalog;
Regular Standing Students- earn a minimum of 60 semester credit hours, which includes the following:
a. generalist courses and field practice (30 hours) and
b. concentration courses and field practice (30 hours);
Advanced Standing Students - earn a minimum of 30 credit hours.
Comprehensive Examination (COMP) in the semester prior to graduation;
An overall GPA of 3.0 or better on all graded courses and satisfactory performance in field. Students earning an overall GPA of less than 3.0 will be placed on academic probation. Students placed on academic probation will have one semester to raise their overall GPA to 3.0 or higher to prevent dismissal from the MSSW program;
A grade of C or higher must be earned in all required courses. A student may repeat one course in which he/she had earned a grade of D or F. Required courses may not be repeated to receive a higher grade; and
Professional conduct appropriate for a social worker at all times according to the Code of Ethics of the National Association of Social Workers.

Field Experience Requirements (Internship)

Each graduate student enrolled in UT Martin’s MSSW Program is required to complete 900 hours of field experience prior to graduation. Regular standing (two year) students complete field experience over three semesters while under the supervision of a qualified social worker. Advanced standing (one year) students compete field experience over two semesters while under the supervision of a qualified social worker. Successful completion of all field experience is required for the MSSW degree.

Comprehensive Examination (COMP)

A comprehensive examination (COMP) is required to be taken by all students pursuing the Master of Science in Social Work degree. The examination will evaluate a student’s competencies and knowledge of information presented in core courses as well as in the student’s chosen area of specialization. A student is eligible to take the comprehensive examination upon successful completion of courses required for graduation. Students are required to take the COMP exam in the last semester leading up to graduation.

Transfer Credits

Applicants must meet UT Martin’s graduate admission requirements as well as those of the UT Martin MSSW Program.
Transfer course work equivalent to the first year of the M.S.S.W. program, completed in another accredited graduate social work program, can be accepted toward degree requirements.
Transfer courses must be approved as equivalent to required and/or elective courses taken for graduate credit and passed with a grade of B or better.
Decisions regarding credit transfer are made independently of admissions decisions. Transfer courses must be approved by the MSSW Program Director.
Transfer courses must be listed on the Admission to Candidacy form and will be placed on the student’s university transcript only after admission to candidacy.
Students are not eligible to receive academic credit for life experiences or previous work experiences and should be aware that transfer credit is not guaranteed for all courses.

MSSW Curriculum

Regular standing (two year) graduate students are required to complete 60 hours of graduate course work. Advanced standing (one year) graduate students are required to complete 30 hours of graduate course work. Course requirements for Regular Standing and Advanced Standing students consist of required core curriculum and additional elective courses based on the graduate student’s chosen area interest.