The University of Texas at Arlington’s (UTA) School of Social Work has offered online MSW courses as part of its campus-based program for several years, and recently developed a fully online MSW program with concentrations in Direct Practice with Children and Families, Direct Practice in Mental Health and Substance Abuse, and Direct Practice in Aging. UTA offers two entry points into their online MSW program, one designed for students who have not earned a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) (full-length program) and one for students who have earned a BSW from a CSWE accredited undergraduate program (advanced standing program). At this time, UT Arlington’s online MSW program only accepts Texas residents living in Texas.

Learn More: Interview with Dr. Jane C. Hickerson – Assistant Dean of Field Education at UT Arlington
“We use our history and experience to build an online program of the highest quality.” Read more from Dr. Jane C. Hickerson’s interview

UTA’s online program uses a cohort model, with students entering the program as a group during the fall semester, and progressing through classes together. Students in the traditional full-length program complete 61 credits over the course of 126 months (part or full time), while advanced standing students are required to complete 38 credits over 12 months accelerated or 16 months full-time study. Part time options are also available for online students, who have up to six years to complete their degree. Classes may be delivered in an asynchronous or synchronous format, depending on the instructor.

Students in the traditional standing program must complete 960 hours of field education over two, 480 hour placements. Advanced standing students only need to complete one 480-hour field practicum. UTA actively assigns students to affiliated agencies in their region, and students are responsible for completing agency interviews and completing all practicum requirements under the supervision of a field instructor.

UTA’s online MSW adheres to the same curriculum and course standards as their on-campus MSW programs. The online MSW program is fully accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). UTA is also regionally accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

Department: School of Social Work
Degree Types: Traditional and Advanced Standing
Concentrations: Direct Practice with Children and Families, Direct Practice in Mental Health and Substance Abuse, and Direct Practice in Aging

Program Structure: Online with field practice (no campus requirement)
Instruction Methods: Program follows a cohort model – program may have both synchronous and asynchronous instruction as it depends on the class and instructor.

Disclaimer: Currently the program is only open to Texas residents living within Texas

Program Overview
Program Name: MSSW Online Program
Website: University of Texas at Arlington’s School of Social Work
Phone Number: (817) 272-1044

Program Requirements
Field Education Requirements: A total of 960 hours (two field placements: 480 hours each)
Number of Credits Required: 61 credit hours needed to graduate

Program Length
Program Options: Full-time or part-time options
Program Length:26 months full time, must complete part time degree within 6 years, though it typically takes 4 years
Program Start Dates: Fall admission only

Admission Requirements
GPA: Minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 in the last 60 hours of study otherwise the GRE is required
GRE Information: Only required for students with a GPA lower than 3.0 (minimum GRE score of 1000)
Tuition: Inquire with school

Program Overview
Program Name: MSSW Online Program
Website: University of Texas at Arlington’s School of Social Work
Phone Number: (817) 272-1044

Program Requirements
Field Education Requirements: A 480-hour placement
Number of Credits Required: 38 credit hours needed to graduate (at least 38 credits depending on number of classes that can be waived)

Program Length
Program Options: Accelerated and full-time options
Program Length: Accelerated program is 12 months, full-time is 16 months
Program Start Dates: Fall admission only

Admission Requirements
BSW Requirement: Students must have completed a CSWE accredited BSW program within the last six years
GPA: Minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 in the last 60 hours of study otherwise the GRE is required
GRE Information: Only required for students with a GPA lower than 3.0 (minimum GRE score of 1000)
Tuition: Inquire with school

University of Texas at Arlington’s MSW program information was last updated in March 2020. For more information, visit the university’s website above.

If you have additional information about this program, email us at contactus@onlinemswprograms.com.