MSW Program Options

Accepting Applications for Summer and Fall 2025 - Apply Today!

 

   MSW Foundation - First Year

 

     ALL TRADITIONAL STUDENTS MUST COMPLETE THE FOUNDATION COURSEWORK FIRST

  • Fall start foundation cohorts (face-to-face, Monday and Wednesday evenings) or online - 12 months
  • Spring start foundation cohorts online only - 12 months
  • Start Fall, Spring or Summer Regular/Non-Cohort face-to-face or online

 

               Face-to-Face Foundation Cohort                                                                                   Online Foundation Cohort

               Foundation Year required courses for Traditional MSW students (Non cohort)

Traditional students who complete the foundation coursework requirements can with the approval of their Academic Advisor start in an Advanced Year Cohort or matriculate as a regular/non-cohort student. These traditional students will take one less course than the Advanced Standing students (BSW grads) in these same cohorts. For example: A traditional student interested in the Aging or CAP specialty who completes their foundation coursework by the end of the summer, can start with the 12-Month Online Aging or CAP cohort (or any Fall or Spring start cohorts) in the fall semester pending their Academic Advisor approval.
 

  MSW Advanced - Second Year

 

MSW Advanced Coursework Year & Advanced Standing Students (BSW grads only not starting in a CohortMSW Advanced Coursework Year & Advanced Standing Students
  (BSW grads meeting advanced standing requirements start in the Second Year)

  • Fall, Spring and Summer start
  • Take online & face-to-face classes in Arlington
  • 16-week long classes
  • Take classes full-time or part-time at your own pace and when they are offered per the degree plan
  • Program length depends on student & course availability
  • If choosing cohort for your advanced year, see chart below

*Requires Academics Advisor approval to verify availability

 

MSW Program Offerings

+ The crosses indicate that these specialties are only offered in certain modes. Aging and CAP specialties only offer online courses. Health has a face-to-face component so you will not be able to complete the specialty taking only online courses.

 

12-Month Advanced Year Online Cohorts12-Month Advanced Year Online Cohorts

  • Advanced Coursework students only — 12 months
  • Fall and Spring starts (Aging and CAP Cohorts start only in Fall semester)
  • All classes online
  • 8-week, 11-week or 16-week long classes depending on degree plan

 

Direct Practice Specialty in Aging                                                   Direct Practice Specialty with Children and Families

Direct Practice Specialty in Mental Health & Substance Misuse                            Community Administrative Practice

16-Month Advanced Year Online Cohorts16-Month Advanced Year Online Cohorts

  • Advanced Coursework students only - 16 months
  • Fall start only
  • All classes online
  • 16-week long classes
  • Children and Families cohort students receive Administrative Certificate

 

          Direct Practice Specialty in Mental Health & Substance Misuse                                        

 

12-Month Advanced Year Arlington Face to Face Cohorts12-Month Advanced Year Face-to-Face Cohorts

  • Advanced Coursework students only - 12 months
  • Fall start only
  • Face-to-Face classes at Arlington campus
  • 16-week long classes on Monday & Wednesday evenings

 

Direct Practice Specialty with Children and Families                                                  Direct Practice Specialty in Health

Direct Practice Specialty in Mental Health & Substance Misuse

     12-Month UTA Fort Worth Face-to-Face Cohorts12-Month UTA Fort Worth Face-to-Face Cohorts

 

  • Advanced Coursework - 12 months (Fall Start only)
  • Take face-to-face classes at UTA Fort Worth

 

Direct Practice Specialty in Mental Health & Substance Misuse

What is a cohort?

A cohort is a group of students starting together at the same time, completing a sequence of prescribed courses each semester, and graduating from the program together. The purpose, broadly speaking, of cohort groups is to encourage a more dynamic, collaborative, and supportive learning environment to carry students through the program. Students in cohorts receive priority placement with course offerings. If there are not enough students registered for a particular cohort, students may be asked to move to another cohort or matriculate without being in a cohort. Although there are numerous benefits to being in a cohort, students are not required to choose a cohort. You can also choose to complete the MSW program as a non-cohort/regular matriculating student.

What is Advanced Standing?

Advanced Standing is a designation for students who earned a BSW degree from a CSWE accredited institution within the past six years and before the start of their MSW Advanced Coursework matriculation. The student must also have met the 3.0 GPA quick admissions standard and earned a B or better in all social work undergraduate required courses.

What is Traditional?

Traditional is a designation for students who earned a bachelor’s degree in another discipline/field/major or BSW graduate who does not meet the Advanced Standing criteria for whatever reason. Traditional students must complete both the Foundation and Advanced Coursework, which consist of 61 credit hours and includes two field internship placements. More than 65% of our MSW students are traditional (non-BSW graduates) students.

What is the Foundation Coursework and Advanced Coursework?

Foundation Coursework is the first year of the MSW program. Traditional students (non-BSW grads) must first complete the Foundation Coursework which consists of 26 credit hours including a field internship placement. After completion of the foundation coursework, traditional students can then select a specialty and move to the Advanced Coursework completing the final 35 credit hours which includes a second field internship placement. The Foundation Coursework is waived for Advanced Standing students (BSW grads meeting the criteria). Advanced Standing students will select a specialty and begin their MSW program matriculation in the Advanced Coursework year which for them consists of a total of 38 credit hours including a field internship placement.

How long does it take to complete the MSW program?


Students with Advanced Standing who attend full time (taking 3-4 courses each term) can choose to complete the MSW Program in as few as 3 semesters, or 12 months.

Traditional students who attend full time (taking 3-4 courses each term) can complete the MSW program in as few as 6 semesters, or 24 months.

Students who choose to complete the MSW program on a part-time basis (taking 2 courses each term), can complete the program in 12 semesters, or 4 years. 

Students MUST complete the MSW program within 6 years of the semester they begin their MSW coursework. Courses older than 6 years must be repeated for credit.

Attend an Info Session

Attending an Graduate Admissions Information Session provides you with a unique opportunity to meet with representatives from the School of Social Work and discuss the MSW program.

Reserve Your Spot

GET IN TOUCH WITH SSW ADMISSIONS

Brianna Gibbs
Academic Recruiter
Primarily Graduate Admissions
Email: brianna.gibbs@uta.edu
Phone:817-272-2551
Office:  SWSH 203O

Dolores Bevins
Admissions Counselor II
Email: doloresbevins@uta.edu
Phone: 817-272-1044
Office:  SWSH 203Q

Darlene Santee
Manager for Recruiting and Admissions
Email: santeed@uta.edu
Office:  SWSH 203U

Antwan C. Williams, J.D.
Assistant Dean of Communications, Marketing, and Recruitment
Email: antwan.williams@uta.edu
Office:  SWSH 203S

Questions About School of Social Work Admissions?

Get information about School of Social Work Academic Programs, Admissions Requirements, Complete Future Student Interest Form, and more.

Get More Information