University of Tennessee, Knoxville Online MSW Programs

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.