Western New Mexico University Online Master of Social Work, New Mexico

Why Western New Mexico University?

The online Master of Social Work program at Western New Mexico University offers students the chance to pursue social work training aimed at the New Mexico context and community. Applicants may apply to the program regardless of the subject of their undergraduate degree. Western New Mexico University is a large public university in Silver City, New Mexico.  

Standardized test scores are not required, and a minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.75  is expected.  

Program Snapshot

University Name Western New Mexico University
Location Silver City
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 $371.04
Tuition for Entire Program $22,262.40
Test Requirements No
Minimum GPA 2.75
Prerequisite Courses and Skills none
Campus Visit Required? No Visit Required
Typical Time to Complete 2-3 years
When Can Students Start the Program? Fall, Spring, Summer
Program Concentrations Advanced Generalist
Synchronous Classes Some
Required Courses
  • Cultural Competence in Social Work Practice
  • Introduction to Advanced Generalist Social Work
  • Human Behavior and the Social Environment
  • Generalist Social Work Practice
  • Professional Writing in Social Work
  • Group Dynamics in Social Work Practice
  • Theories and Techniques of Clinical Social Work
  • Foundation Field Practicum I and II
  • Social Work Supervision and Leadership
  • Clinical Intervention and Assessment
  • Advanced Psycho-Social Approaches to Social Work Practice
  • Community Organization and Development
  • Social Welfare Policy
  • Applied Social Work Research
  • Advanced Field Practicum I and II 
Does the Program Include a Capstone? No
Does the Program Include a Practicum or Internship? Yes 
Other Features that Make the Program Unique Graduate certificates in Rural Community Social Work Services; Social Work Services for Military Families; School Social Work; Outdoor Behavioral Health
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-credit program prepares students to be ethical professionals who can advance human rights, social justice, and diversity perspectives. Graduates are equipped for research and evaluation as social work practitioners, prepared to intervene with individuals, communities and groups.  The program can be completed within 2-3 years, including required practicum. Graduate certificates are offered in a number of areas

What will I Learn?

The learning objectives for this program follow the general objectives of all programs accredited by the Council on Social Work Education. The emphasis throughout the program is to demonstrate ethical and professional behavior, engage diversity and difference in practice, and advance human rights and social, economic, and environmental justice. Students are trained to engage in practice-informed research and research-informed practice, and engage in policy practice. They become practitioners who can assess and serve individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities, and who can evaluate the results of their work. 

Students begin the program by laying theoretical groundwork in required courses Cultural Competence in Social Work Practice, Introduction to Advanced Generalist Social Work and  Human Behavior and the Social Environment. They learn key skills in Generalist Social Work Practice and Professional Writing in Social Work. As they learn more about the social work profession, they complete Group Dynamics in Social Work Practice and Theories and Techniques of Clinical Social Work. In their first year, they complete Foundation Field Practicum I and Foundation Field Practicum II. Advanced theory and practice classes include Social Work Supervision and Leadership, Clinical Intervention and Assessment, Advanced Psycho-Social Approaches to Social Work Practice, and Community Organization and Development.  Issues in Social Welfare Policy and Applied Social Work Research are addressed in courses of the same name. In their second year, or equivalent, students complete Advanced Field Practicum I and Advanced Field Practicum II.

In addition to the required curriculum, the University of Western New Mexico offers students the opportunity to complete a graduate certificate in rural community Social Work Services; Social Work Services for Military Families; School Social Work; and/or Outdoor Behavioral Health. 

How much will the program cost?

Students finish their degree within 2-3 years and pay $371.04 per credit for a total of 60 credits, or just over $22,000.

How does the program fit into my life?

Students can enter this program Fall, Spring or Summer semesters. Some courses are taught synchronously, at a set time each week, allowing for real-time conversation with professors and peers. However, flexibility is offered through some asynchronous courses, completed on  the student’s own schedule. No campus visit is required, lowering the program’s cost. Most students in the Traditional degree program complete their coursework in 2-3 years. 

Summary

The online MSW program at Western New Mexico University offers students a comprehensive and fully-accredited curriculum at a cost that is lower than most comparable programs. Students who would like the interpersonal contact offered by asynchronous classes, and/or students who are interested in serving the distinctive communities of Western New Mexico should be attracted by this program.  The range of graduate certificates offered also provides a distinctive draw.