| Online Application Form | Apply today Now accepting applications. |
| Application Deadline Date | Spring Semester:
Priority Deadline: October 15
Application Deadline: December 1 (or when the cohort is full)
Fall Semester:
Priority Deadline: May 15
Application Deadline: July 1 (or when the cohort is full) |
| Advanced Standing Application Deadline Date | Spring Semester:
Priority Deadline: September 1
Students will be notified by October 30
Fall Semester:
Priority Deadline: March 1
Applicants will be notified by April 30 |
| Degree | Bachelor’s degree from an 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. |
| Transcripts | Official copies of all college transcripts. |
| Additional Requirements | - Three professional references
- An up-to-date resume or CV
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| Additional Requirements for Advanced Standing Applicants* | - CSWE-accredited Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) earned within the last five years.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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 (a biopsychosocial-spiritual assessment)
- The Client 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.
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| Personal Essay/Narrative | Applicants are required to address five essay prompts, which constitute a substantial component of the application for the online Master of Social Work (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 NMHU 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) |
