Online MSW: Admissions Requirements
Find Your Path to an MSW in Clinical Practice
At New Mexico Highlands University, you’ll find multiple paths to a Master of Social Work (MSW) in Clinical Practice. Students with bachelor’s degrees in other areas can pursue our traditional track to prepare to enter this field. If you earned a CSWE-accredited BSW in the last five years, you can apply to our advanced standing track to graduate in less time. Review the admission requirements below to find the right track for your educational background.
Prepare to Enter the Social Work Field
Spring Semester October 15 Priority Deadline
Spring Semester December 1 Application Deadline (or when the cohort is full)
Fall Semester May 15 Priority Deadline
Fall Semester July 1 Application Deadline (or when the cohort is full)
About the Traditional Track:
Our largest and most popular MSW program is designed for students from all academic backgrounds who are passionate about making a difference through social work. The Online MSW program offers a concentration in Clinical Practice Social Work with a special emphasis on serving rural and tribal communities of the Southwest. Students move through the program in a cohort model, building strong connections and support networks as they take each class together from start to finish. Flexible pathways allow you to complete the degree in just 2 years full-time or 3 years part-time. With rolling admission for both fall and spring cohorts, you can apply when the time is right for you—spots fill quickly, so early application is encouraged!
| Online Application Form | Apply today Now accepting applications. |
|---|---|
| Application Fee | $60 |
| Degree | Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited university or college. |
| Minimum GPA | A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher. GPAs lower than 3.0 may still be considered based on prior work experience and strong references. |
| Transfer Credits | The Online MSW program accepts up to 31 credit hours. |
| Transcripts | Official copies of all college transcripts. |
| Professional References | Three professional references provided by professors from a previously attended college or university or supervisors if you currently work in the social work field. |
| Additional Requirements |
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Earn Your MSW in 1 Year to 1.5 Years
Spring Semester Deadline October 1 Students will be notified by November 7
Fall Semester Priority Deadline February 2 Applicants will be notified by March 6
Fall Semester Final Deadline March 30 Applicants will be notified by April 1
About the Advanced Standing Track:
The Advanced Standing track in the Online MSW is an intensive program designed specifically for students who have already earned a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) from a CSWE-accredited school. This track allows you to move directly into advanced-level coursework. Just like the traditional Online MSW, the Advanced Standing option offers a concentration in Clinical Practice Social Work with a unique emphasis on serving rural and tribal communities of the Southwest. Students can complete the Advanced standing track in just 1 year (full-time) or extend to 1 ½ year (part-time). Admissions for Advanced Standing are reviewed three times a year for fall and spring entry. Because the Advanced Standing program builds directly on your BSW foundation, the admissions review process is more detailed and conducted in one comprehensive round rather than on a rolling basis. Applicants are expected to demonstrate a strong grasp of generalist social work practice and the ability to clearly communicate their understanding of key concepts, theories, skills, ethics, and values. This approach ensures that every student admitted is fully prepared to succeed in advanced coursework and thrive in the rigorous MSW curriculum.
| Online Application Form | Apply today Now accepting applications.* |
|---|---|
| Application Fee | $60 |
| Degree | CSWE-accredited Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) earned within the last five years. |
| Minimum GPA | Minimum 3.5 GPA in social work major. Students who do not meet the 3.5 GPA requirement may be considered based on the strengths of other application materials. |
| Transfer Credits | The Advanced Standing program does not accept transfer credits. |
| Transcripts | Official copies of all college transcripts. |
| Professional References | Three professional references. One reference must be from a field placement supervisor (or another professional who can speak to work in a human service setting). At least one reference must be from an instructor. The third reference must also be professional, not from a family member, friend, or coworker who is not a supervisor. |
| Work Experience | Current resume inclusive of employment and volunteer experience. Work experience is recommended but not required. Applicants ARE assessed on work experience. It can include volunteer experience as well as internships. |
| Client Assessment | The Client Assessment (a biopsychosocial-spiritual assessment) paper should demonstrate advanced writing skills and mastery of prior BSW coursework and the core social work competencies. You will conduct a comprehensive biopsychosocial-spiritual assessment based on a specific case scenario provided in the application packet. Applicants should demonstrate generalist social work practice knowledge and should be proficient in communicating their comprehension of key social work concepts, theories, skills, ethics, and values. |
| Personal Essay/Narrative | See below for details. |
*If you are not admitted to the advanced standing program, you will be considered for the two-year (Full-time) or three-year (part-time) online program.
Share Your Experience and Aspirations in Your Personal Essay/Narrative
Applicants are required to address six essay prompts, which constitute a substantial component of the application for the online MSW program. The Faculty Admissions Committee uses these essays to evaluate both your writing proficiency and academic preparedness, as well as to gain a deeper understanding of your unique qualifications.
We encourage applicants to refrain from submitting overly concise or underdeveloped responses. Instead, we seek well-elaborated and comprehensive narrative essays for each question, demonstrating your best professional writing skills and allowing you to effectively communicate your thoughts and experiences.
Describe your academic and professional background and life experiences as they relate to your interest in the profession of social work. Include any specific work or volunteer experience you have had in helping other persons. Explain how these experiences have contributed to your decision to pursue graduate study in the profession of social work.
Describe any life, volunteer, work or school experiences that have contributed to your understanding of and desire to work with vulnerable or marginalized groups, ethnic and cultural minorities and other diverse populations.
Discuss your understanding of the social work profession and address how your experience and character will benefit you in becoming an effective social worker. What skills and knowledge do you want to develop through your social work education? What do you currently see as your strengths and limitations?
Why is the MSW online program at the Facundo Valdez School of Social Work at New Mexico Highlands a good fit for you?
What is your interest in working with rural and/or tribal populations in New Mexico or similar communities?
Share how you plan to manage and fulfill your advanced field practicum requirements totaling 448 hours (5000-level practicum) and 480 hours (6000-level practicum) over four semesters (averaging 16-22 hours per week)?
It’s important to note that the first-year placement, covering the initial two semesters, requires 448 hours, while the second-year placement, encompassing the subsequent two semesters, requires 480 hours – totaling 928 cumulative hours. Additionally, these practicum hours must be completed in blocks of at least four (4) continuous hours each. The practicums require students to commit to an average of 16 hours per week (during the Fall and Spring semesters) and between 19- 22 hours per week (during the Summer semester).
Advanced Standing students take Field Practicum 3 & 4 (6320/6340) only over two semesters. They need to describe how they plan to manage and fulfill their advanced field practicum requirements totaling 480 hours over two semesters (averaging 16-22 hours per week).
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