The University of Tennessee at Knoxville’s (UTK) College of Social Work offers both part-time and full-time traditional and advanced standing online Master of Science in Social Work (MSSW) programs. An MSSW is equivalent to an MSW as both are recognized as a Master’s in Social Work by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). Students have the option to choose between two different concentrations: Evidence Based Interpersonal Practice, which is a clinical social work program, and Management, Leadership and Community Practice, which is a macro social work program.
Learn More: Interview with Professor Kate Chaffin – Director of the Online MSSW Program at UT Knoxville
“People should consider UTK because we are flexible, affordable, cutting-edge and we provide individualized attention.” Read more
Learn More: Interview with Professor Sarah Keiser – Coordinator of Field Services for the Online MSSW Program at UTK
“We work closely with our students to provide them with a quality field placement that will meet their professional goals. . .” Read more
UTK’s traditional standing program requires the completion of 60 credits and can be completed in two years (full-time program) or three to four years (extended study program). The advanced standing program requires the completion of 36 course credits over 12 months of full-time study or 18 to 24 months of part-time study. UTK’s online MSSW programs feature a combination of asynchronous and synchronous instruction, and abide by the same curriculum standards as the University’s on-campus MSSW programs. Students enter the program as part of a cohort that progresses through the course sequence together.
Students in UTK’s online MSSW programs are not required to visit the campus during the program, but must complete field placements at a local agency (as is required for all MSW programs). Traditional standing students complete one foundation level 352-hour field practicum and one advanced level 672-hour field practicum for a total of 1,024 hours of field education. Advanced standing students only need to complete the advanced level 672-hour field practicum. During their foundation level placement, students fulfill 16 hours of internship work per week. Students in their advanced level field placement complete 24 hours of internship work per week.
The coordinator of field services facilitates all field placements. Students must complete a placement planning form, and engage in conversations with the field coordinator to determine agency placements. Students are responsible for completing their agency interviews.
UTK’s online MSSW program is fully accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). The University of Tennessee at Knoxville is also regionally accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
University of Tennessee, Knoxville Online MSW Programs: Overview
Department: College of Social Work
Degree Types: Traditional and Advanced Standing
Concentrations: Evidence Based Interpersonal Practice (Clinical); Management, Leadership and Community Practice (Macro)
Program Structure: Online with field placements (no campus visits or residency requirements)
Instruction Methods: Both asynchronistic and synchronistic instruction – online students will know well in advance when evening lectures or discussions are scheduled. For students who live within driving distance of the Nashville campus (but are outside of 25 miles), some classes may meet on Saturdays (usually no more than three times per semester), but online students are all online
Program Information – Traditional Standing Students
Program Overview
Program Name: M.S.S.W. Distance Education Program
Website: www.csw.utk.edu
Phone Number: (865) 974-1096
Program Requirements
Field Education Requirements: A total of 1,024 hours (two field placements: 352 hours, 672 hours)
Number of Credits Required: 60 credits are needed to graduate
Program Length
Program Options: Full-Time and Part-Time Options
Program Length: Full-Time: 2 years (four semesters); Part-Time: 3 to 4 years (six credits per semester)
Program Start Dates: Fall admission only
Admission Requirements
GPA: Minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0
GRE Information: GRE Required (No minimum GRE score required)
Tuition: In-State: ~$40,500 + fees ($675 per credit hour); Out-of-state: ~$101,940 ($1,699 per credit hour)
Program Information – Advanced Standing Students
Program Overview
Program Name: M.S.S.W. Distance Education Program – Advanced Standing
Website: www.csw.utk.edu
Phone Number: (865) 974-1096
Program Requirements
Field Education Requirements: A total of 672 hours (one field placement)
Number of Credits Required: 36 credits are needed to graduate
Program Length
Program Options: Full-Time and Part-Time Options
Program Length: Full-Time: 1 year (Summer, Fall and Spring Semesters); Part-Time: 1.5 to 2 years
Program Start Dates: Summer admission only
Admission Requirements
BSW Requirement: Students must have a BSW or BSSW from a CSWE accredited program
GPA: Minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0
GRE Information: GRE Required (No minimum GRE score required)
Tuition: In-State: ~$24,300 + fees ($675 per credit hour); Out-of-state: ~$61,164 ($1,699 per credit hour)