Learn More: Interview with Dr. Beth Walker – Professor and Chair of Social Work at WNMU
“I know that we love our students, and we work hard to get them to succeed.” Read more from Dr. Beth Walker’s interview.
Western New Mexico University (WNMU) Online MSW Program
Western New Mexico University’s School of Social Work offers a fully online Master of Social Work (MSW) program available in two tracks: a Non-Advanced Standing track for applicants with a bachelor’s degree in any discipline, and an Advanced Standing track for qualifying BSW holders. Both tracks are fully online and available on a flexible schedule — students may pursue full-time or part-time study, vary their course load each semester, and begin the program in fall, spring, or summer. On-campus visits are not required.
The program is grounded in an Advanced Generalist practice framework, equipping graduates with clinical and macro practice skills to serve diverse populations across the lifespan. The curriculum emphasizes cultural humility, scientific inquiry, and a global perspective, preparing students as champions of social, racial, economic, and environmental justice. Students may customize their degree through a wide range of electives in specialized areas including gerontology, school social work, military social work, child welfare, medical social work, and more.
Sponsored Online MSW Programs
WNMU is a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) and a Military Friendly institution. The School of Social Work is recognized for its small class sizes, faculty who are licensed practicing social workers, and strong individual student support. A Title IV-E Child Welfare stipend program is also available through the New Mexico Children, Youth, and Families Department for eligible students.
WNMU’s online MSW program is fully accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), and the university is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
Western New Mexico University Online MSW Program: Overview
Department: Western New Mexico University’s School of Social Work
Degree Types: Non-Advanced Standing; Advanced Standing
Concentrations: Advanced Generalist Practice
Program Structure: Fully online with local field placements (no campus visits required)
Instruction Methods: Combination of synchronous and asynchronous instruction; flexible scheduling with loosely structured cohorts
Program Contact
- Phone: 575-538-6421 / 1-800-872-9668 ext. 6000
- Email: msw@wnmu.edu
Program Information – Non-Advanced Standing Students
The Non-Advanced Standing track is designed for applicants who hold a bachelor’s degree in any discipline from a CHEA-recognized, accredited college or university.
Program Requirements
- Field Education Requirements: 900 hours — Foundation Field Practicum I (225 hours) + Foundation Field Practicum II (225 hours) + Advanced Field Practicum I (225 hours) + Advanced Field Practicum II (225 hours)
- Number of Credits Required: 60 credit hours
Program Length
- Program Options: Full-time or part-time
- Program Length: Flexible; two-year option available for students taking maximum course load
- Start Dates: Fall, Spring, and Summer
Admission Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university recognized by CHEA
- Minimum GPA of 2.75 on the most recently completed 64 credit hours of college or graduate coursework
- 3 professional/academic references (at least one professional and one academic; references from family members, personal friends, or co-workers are not accepted)
- Personal statement essay
- Professional resume (listing all work and volunteer experiences)
- Official transcripts
- GRE: Not required
Program Information – Advanced Standing Students
The Advanced Standing track is designed for applicants who hold a BSW or BSSW from a CSWE-accredited program completed within the previous 8 years.
Program Requirements
- Field Education Requirements: 450 hours — Advanced Field Practicum I (225 hours) + Advanced Field Practicum II (225 hours)
- Number of Credits Required: 39 credits
Program Length
- Program Options: Full-time or part-time
- Program Length: Flexible; one-year option available for students taking maximum course load
- Start Dates: Fall, Spring, and Summer
Admission Requirements
- BSW or BSSW from a CSWE-accredited program completed within the previous 8 years
- Minimum GPA of 3.0 on the most recently completed 64 credit hours of college or graduate coursework
- 3 references: at least one must be from a full-time faculty member from the institution where the BSW was earned, and at least one from an agency field instructor from the BSW field experience; the third may be academic or professional
- Personal statement essay
- Professional resume (listing all work and volunteer experiences)
- Official transcripts
- GRE: Not required
Elective Areas of Specialization (both tracks)
Students in both tracks may customize their degree through elective courses. Available elective areas include: gerontology; military social work; school social work; child welfare; medical social work; human trafficking; disabilities and empowerment; psychopharmacology; intimate partner violence; rural community practice; outdoor behavioral health; eco social work; spirituality in social work; dialectical behavioral therapy; and clinical reasoning and case formulation, among others. Elective availability varies by semester.
Western New Mexico University’s MSW program information was last updated in March 2026. For more information, visit the university’s website above.
If you have additional information about this program, email us at contactus@onlinemswprograms.com.