Why New Mexico State University?
New Mexico State University, a large public research university in Las Cruces, New Mexico, recruits students for its online Master of Social Work program. Applicants to the program should hold an undergraduate degree with well-rounded coursework in a range of subjects. Prerequisite courses are as follows: 2 humanities; 3 social sciences (including 1 in psychology or sociology); 2 natural sciences (including 1 in human biology, and 1 course in statistics or research methods.
Standardized test scores are not required, and a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.00 is expected.
Program Snapshot
| University Name | New Mexico State University |
| Location | Las Cruces |
| State | New Mexico |
| Niche.com Grade | B+ |
| Name of Degree | Master of Social Work |
| School or Department Administering Program | School of Social Work |
| Credits | 60 |
| Cost per credit | $907.10 |
| Tuition for Entire Program | $54,426 |
| Test Requirements | No |
| Minimum GPA | 3.00 |
| Prerequisite Courses and Skills | 2 humanities; 3 social sciences (including 1 in psychology or sociology); 2 natural sciences (including 1 in human biology; 1 statistics or research methods |
| Campus Visit Required? | No Visit Required |
| Typical Time to Complete | 3 years |
| When Can Students Start the Program? | Fall |
| Program Concentrations | Advanced Generalist |
| Synchronous Classes | No |
| Required Courses |
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| Does the Program Include a Capstone? | No |
| Does the Program Include a Practicum or Internship? | Yes |
| Other Features that Make the Program Unique | emphasis on populations and communities of the Southwest including Latix and indigenous communities; Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT) Health Professionals Training Program. SBIRT@NMSU is a collaborative and interdisciplinary effort to prepare students in social work, nursing, and counseling to use an integrated behavioral health model that addresses alcohol and substance abuse issues. |
| Program Objectives (quoted directly from the program) | Demonstrate ethical and professional behavior. Engage diversity and difference in practice. Advance human rights and social, economic, and environmental justice. Engage in practice-informed research and research-informed practice. Engage in policy practice. Engage with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities. Assess individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities. Intervene with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities. Practice evaluation with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities. |
| Program Description | This 60 prepares students to concentrations are offered. A capstone is not required but all students must complete a practicum. |
What will I Learn?
As with all programs that are accredited by the Council on Social Work Education, the Master of Social Work program at Rutgers focuses on teaching students professional ethics and foundations. Students learn to engage with issues of diversity and difference, and to understand the role of human rights and social justice in social work theory and practice. All coursework is guided by a basis in evidence and research, and students learn to assess and evaluate their own practice, and to be active in policymaking.
Students begin their required courses with an introductory course in Generalist Practice. Students learn to understand their clients in Socio-cultural concepts, Human behavior in the Social Environment, and Social Problems and Social Welfare Policy. Key skills for evidence-based practice are taught in Social Work Research, Applied Research Methods and Policy Analysis and Change. Students learn key professional skills in Practice with Individuals, Practice with Groups, Practice with Families, and Practice with Organizations and Communities. Required practicum experience is accompanied by a Field Work course and an Advanced Generalist Field Experience.
How much will the program cost?
Students finish their degree within 3 years and pay $907.10 per credit for a total of 60 credits, or just over $54,000.
How does the program fit into my life?
All classes are asynchronous. No campus visit is required. Most students complete the program within 3 years. Students enter the program each Fall.
Summary
With an emphasis on populations and communities of the Southwest including Latinx and indigenous communities, the New Mexico State University program offers flexible asynchronous classes and a curriculum designed to prepare practitioners for advanced generalist practice. Students can participate in the Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT) Health Professionals Training Program, a collaborative and interdisciplinary effort to prepare students in social work, nursing, and counseling to use an integrated behavioral health model that addresses alcohol and substance abuse issues. The program is in the middle of the range in terms of cost.