New Mexico Social Work Masters (MSW) Programs

In this article, you will find more details on the best social work master’s programs in New Mexico.

Among the things to discuss are New Mexico MSW study routes, courses available, internships, tuition fees, the applicant’s entrance requirements, and more.

Let’s get right down to business.

MSW Programs New Mexico

New Mexico is proud to host some universities offering the best US MSW studies.

Their programs are built with theoretical and practical courses which endow academics with advanced knowledge in social work.

Graduating from one of their institutions will make you qualified enough to work in different contexts.

Degree Options for MSW in New Mexico

MSW studies in New Mexico fall under two categories.

We have advanced standing studies and regular standing studies. MSW scholars can enter into any of these study paths on a full-time or part-time basis.

The advanced standing study is designed to assist scholars with basic knowledge or level of social work experience obtained from their MSW studies in a short period.

Consequently, its syllabus does not include introductory courses. Only specialized courses are offered during the term of study.

The regular standing study is open to those who lack social work knowledge or experience. That is why its syllabus is structured through introductory classes.

Scholars must offer these courses in their first study year (s).

Top New Mexico MSW Schools

Schools in New Mexico deliver quality training to interested MSW applicants.

Their curriculum mainly centered on educating social workers to work with diverse societies. Following graduation, you can serve as an administrator, community organizer, researcher, clinician, and more.

As you hang on to this page, you’ll come across the academic establishments in New Mexico with superb MSW studies. Luckily, all these schools are fully certified by CSWE, among other agencies.

Without wasting any time, let’s get on with our discussion.

  • New Mexico State University

MSW studies in this institution equip graduate-level social workers with the needed expertise, values, and competence. That way, they can practice in a multicultural society.

Students can enroll in both accelerated and extended classes.

If you have a BA in social work, the accelerated MSW classes are for you. The study curriculum includes only focus courses.

Besides coursework, you’ll also satisfy 950 hours of supervised site-based field research. Students who opt for this learning route can graduate within a year or two.

It all depends on which study format you choose.

For those without a social work background, the extended classes are for you. The course content consists of foundational and specialization subjects.

Before you graduate, you’ll satisfy 950 hours of field research in related agencies within the state. Study duration ranges from two to three years.

  • New Mexico Highlands University

You’ll appreciate earning your social work masters in this institution.

The school offers suitable study options for potential scholars. Whether you have social work competence, you’ll find a fitting program.

Additionally, you can sign up for your studies either full-time or part-time.

If you have a BSW from a certified institution, their advanced standing classes will fit you. The study curriculum features only specialization courses.

In addition to that, you’ll also cover 480 hours of fieldwork in related agencies within the state. Students who opt for this learning route finish their education in under 12 months or two years.

For those with bachelor’s degrees in other fields aside from social work, the extended programs are for you. The course contents feature foundational and concentration subject areas.

You’ll be expected to cover 63 credits and 928 hours of field research. It’ll take you two or three years to finish depending on your chosen study format.

  • Western New Mexico University

Do you wish to work in a macro and mezzo social work setting? Then consider earning your Master of Social Work at this institution. They accept scholars with and without BA in social work.

However, they have separate study routes for both applicants. Their progressive programs will fit you if you hold a bachelor’s degree in social work.

The study curriculum for such studies entails specialization courses only. Within 12 months or two years of learning, you’ll cover your schoolwork and 450 hours of fieldwork.

You’re to complete your field research in agencies related to your specialization within the state.

Meanwhile, students without social work backgrounds can opt for extended classes. The study curriculum features both foundational and concentration fields.

In this case, you’ll cover around 60 credits and 900 hours of field research. Within two or three years, you can be done with school.

These are primarily the academic establishments that offer Masters of Social Work in New Mexico. You can choose one of them that meets your career and professional goals.

Until then, you’ll need to research their entry conditions, tuition, available courses, and more.

Available courses

Most New Mexican universities offer courses for their MSW studies.

They include core courses, electives, and specialized courses. Regardless of your study option, you will take some courses described below.

  • mental health and substance abuse
  • social welfare
  • child, family, and school social work
  • the foundation of social work practice
  • clinical social work
  • advanced social work policy
  • violence and injury prevention
  • social justice innovation and Entrepreneurship
  • disability studies
  • criminal justice
  • administration and community practice, and so on.

Time to Spend In School

The length of study for MSW in New Mexico depends on the study option you choose and whether you are a full-time or a part-time researcher.

Regular standing studies comprise 59-67 credits. Researchers participating in this study stream full-time may complete these studies within two years.

Then, those on part-time have between three and four years, depending on the field in which they specialize.

Since advanced continuing studies contain no introductory courses, only 30-38 credit courses are available for MSW researchers. Those who opt for this study stream full-time can complete their education within the year.

Whereas part-timers are likely to spend up to two years.

Entry Requirements

There are some essential elements that all applicants who wish to obtain an MSW certificate in New Mexico must satisfy. Any academic who couldn’t meet those standards would not be offered admission.

See these essentials below.

  • Scholars need a minimum GPA of 3.0 to be eligible for MSW studies in New Mexico.
  • You must obtain a BSW from a CSWE-approved institution to be eligible for advanced standing studies. Then those interested in regular-standing studies can present any undergrad certificate besides social work.
  • Scholars must also present at least three letters of reference from a previous university or employer.
  • In addition to your result, you might be required to submit your undergrad transcript.

About MSW Traineeships in New Mexico

Internships are an integral part of the MSW study in New Mexico.

Virtually every university that provides MSW across the province has made it a mandatory program. Before MSW grads, they must complete at least 900 hours of field education.

Field placement allows MSW researchers to apply their theoretical knowledge. This is another time to gain more experience, skills, and value while working with clients.

There’re many organizations in New Mexico where you can complete your MSW internships.

That depends on your area of expertise. These organizations include hospitals, correctional centers, recovery homes, schools, business establishments, etc.

MSW Tuition

Tuition fees for MSDs in New Mexico are based on two factors. They include the number of credit classes and residency status.

Fellows that state residents pay around $278.60 per credit price. Next, nonstate residents are billed at $907 per credit course.

To know how much you will spend on tuition during your academic period, multiply the rate by the number of courses you offer. For example, resident scholars offering 35 courses of credit will pay approximately $9,752.

Then, non-resident researchers who offer the same number of classes will pay approximately $31,745.

Financial Assistance

New Mexico’s universities offer MSW scholars some financial opportunities to help them reduce their school spending. Some of these economic opportunities are in the form of scholarships, grants, and mortgages.

However, you must meet some criteria before a scholar receives these aids. You must consult the financial aid department of your institution for more information on these criteria.

Some of the funding available for MSW researchers in New Mexico includes the following: Paul D. Coverdell Fellows Program,

Becoming a Licensed MSW in New Mexico

You must hold a State license before you can work as a certified MSW in New Mexico. This designation requires an MSW certificate from an institution approved by the CSWE.

Once you receive your MSW, the steps below will guide you in becoming a certified social worker in that province.

  • Get the LMSW form and fill it out.
  • Upon completing the form, you submit it to the appropriate department for review.
  • Until the review is complete, you may receive a one-year provisional permit.
  • You will be required to write the ASWB examination using your temporary permit.
  • Once you have passed the test, you must complete the New Mexico Cultural Course.
  • You submit your complete evidence to the New Mexico Social Labor Council when you’re done with that. Without further ado, you’ll get a work permit.

These points should convince you that studying in New Mexico is not a waste of time.

There’re several things to enjoy besides their quality and affordable education. When you graduate, you can work in different settings.

Last, MSW grads working in the province are well paid.