Social Work (MSW)
Champion the vulnerable and advocate for those who feel unheard. In social work, your voice can spark change when it matters most.
- Offered 100% Online.
- 1 year (AGP) and 2-4 years (Foundation)
- 33 credit hours (AGP) and 57 credit hours (Foundation)
- No thesis required
- No foreign language credits required
Empower Lives Through Advocacy
Elevate your professional journey with a master's in social work. Our program is specifically tailored for aspiring advanced social workers, offering a comprehensive curriculum that builds essential skills for effective practice. Accredited by the Council on Social Work Education, this program embraces the advanced generalist model, preparing you to tackle a wide range of social issues. Successfully completing the program enables you to pursue licensure as a Licensed Master Social Worker in Texas. Please consult the MSW Student Handbook for more information on program details, curriculum, student conduct and other essential resources.
$500/Semester Quick Start Grant
You may be eligible for this renewable $250 or $500 grant if you are a new student starting your master’s degree program in Summer 2026, Fall 2026 and Spring 2027.
What Are My Job Opportunities?
Discover the many ways an MSW can help you serve, lead and advocate for others.
Careers and Salaries
Current Median Salaries from US DOL Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2023
Program Details
A Master's in Social Work aims to provide a strong foundation in advanced practice, blending practical experience with theoretical insight.
What Might I Learn?
You will have the opportunity to gain experience in a number of key areas.
Advanced Practice Skills
Develop the ability to conduct in-depth assessments, implement effective interventions and evaluate outcomes, equipping you to tackle complex social challenges head-on.
Cultural Competence
Learn to engage meaningfully with communities, fostering respect for cultural differences and promoting unity and fairness in your practice.
Research Methods
Gain expertise in research design and methodologies, empowering you to apply evidence-based practices that enhance the effectiveness of your interventions.
Clinical Skills
Master a range of therapeutic techniques for working with individuals, families and groups, enabling you to provide holistic support in various settings.
Taking Classes
Designed for your life
With asynchronous online classes, you can access course materials on your own schedule, allowing for a flexible learning experience tailored to your pace.
Online
Our program is a fully online, asynchronous experience designed to accommodate the needs of today's professionals. This format allows you to pursue your degree without the constraints of traditional in-person classes, enabling you to effectively balance work, family and other responsibilities.
For an up to date listing of current course offerings, please check the schedule of classes, which is subject to change.
Curriculum
Our program is designed to meet the educational needs of advanced-level social workers. Curriculum follows an advanced generalist practice model crafted to prepare you to work effectively across different social work settings and with varied client populations. At East Texas A&M, our program is fully accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), ensuring high academic and professional standards. Upon completion, you’ll be eligible to sit for the State of Texas Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) licensure examination, facilitating entry into professional practice.
To learn more about the classes you will take, check out the MSW degree plan and consult the schedule of classes below.
MSW Field Education
The frame of reference you develop through your field experience is a valuable tool that encourages you to put your knowledge, skills and values into practice. As a practitioner, you’ll have the opportunity to work in one of several affiliated agencies offering a multitude of services to individuals, families, groups, communities and organizations. Prepare for career advancement and grow as a professional during your field experience.
All social work students are required to purchase a TK20 account prior to their first semester in field. The MSW Field Education Manual includes all essential information regarding the Field Education experience. If you have questions about your field practicum, contact the MSW field director at [email protected].
Adding Value with Certificates
Enhance your experience at East Texas A&M University with a graduate certificate. These certificate programs provide targeted expertise designed to equip you with additional skills to excel in your career.
Chemical Dependency Counseling Graduate Certificate
This certificate will prepare you with the necessary theories, assessments and modalities to counsel, prepare, and implement treatment plans for substance abuse clients, their families and co-workers.
Post Graduate Certificate Family Nurse Practitioner
Take your master’s in nursing to the next level. Our program will help you prepare to fulfill the family nurse practitioner academic requirements, so you can advance your career and broaden the scope of your professional impact.
Finding My Community
We believe that education thrives in an environment where collaboration, support and mutual respect flourish. Our community of students and professors embodies these values, creating an enriching and dynamic atmosphere for learning and growth. Our students come from a variety of backgrounds and bring a wide range of experiences and perspectives to the table. Our professors are not only experts in their respective fields but also dedicated mentors who are committed to guiding and nurturing the next generation of scholars.
Ahfiya Howard, Ph.D.
Faculty
Leanne Farquhar
Alum Staff
Benjamin May, Ph.D., LCSW
Faculty
Student Organizations
Our campus has many ways to engage and get involved. At East Texas A&M, student organizations can empower you through collaboration and innovation. Our organizations strive to foster a supportive community that promotes professional development, networking and advocacy for student success.
I’m Looking For Something Different
Is this program close, but still not right for you? Check out our related degrees!
Financing My Future
Financial Aid
Financial aid includes a variety of programs, like scholarships, federal and state grants, and federal and state work-study programs. Find out how you may be eligible for scholarships, grants, loans and/or a graduate assistantship. Financial Aid and Scholarships
On-Campus Employment Opportunities
Enhance your expertise through on-campus employment opportunities.
Graduate Assistant/Research/Teaching
Graduate assistant teaching (GAT), graduate assistant research (GAR), and graduate assistant non-teaching (GANT) assistantships at East Texas A&M offer financial support and professional development for graduate students. Assistantships are available in academic and non-academic departments.
Cost Before Financial Aid
East Texas A&M is one of the most affordable colleges around the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. Our tuition rates are some of the most competitive in Texas.
$3,669
for Texas residents
/
$7,341
For non-residents
Tuition and fees for graduate students taking nine credit hours are $3,669 for Texas residents and $7,341 for non-residents. But don’t worry: there are
Additional Fees May Apply
- Online Courses ($50 per hour)
- Remote Locations ($20 per hour)
- Lab Fees ($5 – $30 per course)
How Do I Get Started?
If you have not already done so, complete the Request Information form. You will be connected with your enrollment specialist, who can answer your questions. When you’re ready, go ahead and follow the steps below to apply.
Admissions Requirements
To be considered for admission, you must first meet the following criteria.
- Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution
Admission Process
Note: This program is not available to international students.
Advanced Standing Program Deadlines
Fall admission consideration: August 1
Spring admission consideration: November 1
Summer admission consideration: April 1
To go through the admissions process for our MSW Advanced Standing program, you must meet the following criteria:
- CSWE-accredited BSW degree within six years of your anticipated start date
- A cumulative bachelor's GPA of 3.0 or higher, or at least 3.0 overall GPA on the last 60 hours of undergraduate work
- Create an ApplyTexas account or login if you already have one
- Complete your profile section first once you log into your account
- Select “School Search” and select East Texas A&M
- Choose the semester you wish to begin
- Select “Social Work, MSW” as your “Program.”
- Pay the $50 application fee.
Wait to receive an application confirmation email before proceeding to the next step.
- Within two business days of your application, the Graduate School will send a confirmation email to the personal email account you used for ApplyTexas.
Submit the following documents after you receive an application confirmation email.
- Upload your documents at myLeo > Apps > Check Admissions Application Status & Test Scores or email your documents to your graduate coordinator unless otherwise specified below.
Your Graduate Coordinator
Domestic Transcripts
Contact your previous institution(s) and request that they send your official transcripts to your Graduate Student Services Coordinator. We accept transcripts officially via email (directly from the institution), through Parchment, and any other official transcript providing agency. If your university does not offer an electronic transcript service, you may request them to be sent via regular mail to:
East Texas A&M University
Attn: Graduate School
2600 S. Neal St.
Commerce, Texas 75428
If your degree is from East Texas A&M University, you do not have to order a transcript. We will access your transcript.
If we already have your transcript, we will reuse it for a new application as long as it is still on file.
International transcripts
WES ICAP evaluations will be required for certain countries; those are listed below:
- Transcripts/Degrees from universities in Nigeria
- Transcripts/Degrees from universities in China that do not come from CSSD (formerly CHESICC)
- Any country where the official transcript is not in English
For all other countries, an evaluation is not initially required. Original official transcripts are required for admission consideration.
Please know that upon receipt of your official transcript, the Graduate School reserves the right to require an external evaluation at that time.
Contact your previous institution(s) and request that they send your official transcripts to:
East Texas A&M University
Attn: Graduate School
2600 S. Neal St.
Commerce, Texas 75428
We will need official/original documents.
If those documents are the only copies you have, the Graduate School can mail them back to you upon request. Contact your graduate coordinator for more information.
Complete and submit the MSW Application Package.
Have your references submit their assessments online using the MSW References Form.
Look for application updates in myLeo > Apps > Check Application Status
- Once an admission decision has been made, you will receive an email to your student email account at myLeo > Apps > Leomail.
- Apply for scholarships and graduate assistantships once you are admitted.
- Apply for financial aid by submitting a FAFSA and sending it to school code 003565.
- Contact your financial aid advisor with any questions.
Once registration opens and you are eligible to enroll, your graduate enrollment specialist will contact you to complete registration.
View Degree Plan
DegreeWorks is where you track your progress through your program and make sure you are meeting all your requirements for graduation.
- Sing in to myLEO
- Navigate to “Student Resources”
- Select “Grad School DegreeWorks”
Register for Classes
- To register for classes, go to myLEO > Student Resources > Registration Menu.
Contact your graduate enrollment specialist if you have any questions regarding your degree plan and registration.
Your Graduate Enrollment Specialist
Foundation Program Deadlines
Fall admission consideration: August 1
Spring admission consideration: November 1
Summer admission consideration: April 1
Applicants with one of the following degrees must complete all steps below:
- A bachelor's degree in social work (BSW) from a CSWE-accredited program that is older than six years from your anticipated start date (regardless of GPA); or
- A bachelor's degree (BSW) from a CSWE-accredited program and whose overall bachelor's GPA is less than a 3.00 overall; or
- A bachelor's degree (BSW) from a non-CSWE accredited program (regardless of GPA); or
- A bachelor's degree (non-BSW) from an accredited college, university or equivalent institution (regardless of GPA).
- Create an ApplyTexas account or login if you already have one
- Complete your profile section first once you log into your account
- Select “School Search” and select East Texas A&M
- Choose the semester you wish to begin
- Select “Social Work, MSW” as your “Program.”
- Pay the $50 application fee.
Wait to receive an application confirmation email before proceeding to the next step.
- Within two business days of your application, the Graduate School will send a confirmation email to the personal email account you used for ApplyTexas.
Submit the following documents after you receive an application confirmation email.
- Upload your documents at myLeo > Apps > Check Admissions Application Status & Test Scores or email your documents to your graduate coordinator unless otherwise specified below.
Your Graduate Coordinator
Domestic Transcripts
Contact your previous institution(s) and request that they send your official transcripts to your Graduate Student Services Coordinator. We accept transcripts officially via email (directly from the institution), through Parchment, and any other official transcript providing agency. If your university does not offer an electronic transcript service, you may request them to be sent via regular mail to:
East Texas A&M University
Attn: Graduate School
2600 S. Neal St.
Commerce, Texas 75428
If your degree is from East Texas A&M University, you do not have to order a transcript. We will access your transcript.
If we already have your transcript, we will reuse it for a new application as long as it is still on file.
International transcripts
WES ICAP evaluations will be required for certain countries; those are listed below:
- Transcripts/Degrees from universities in Nigeria
- Transcripts/Degrees from universities in China that do not come from CSSD (formerly CHESICC)
- Any country where the official transcript is not in English
For all other countries, an evaluation is not initially required. Original official transcripts are required for admission consideration.
Please know that upon receipt of your official transcript, the Graduate School reserves the right to require an external evaluation at that time.
Contact your previous institution(s) and request that they send your official transcripts to:
East Texas A&M University
Attn: Graduate School
2600 S. Neal St.
Commerce, Texas 75428
We will need official/original documents.
If those documents are the only copies you have, the Graduate School can mail them back to you upon request. Contact your graduate coordinator for more information.
You’ll need to submit one of the following items
- Undergraduate degree in Social Work from a Council on Social Work Education accredited program that is older than six years from your anticipated start date; or
- Undergraduate degree in Social Work from a non-Council on Social Work Education accredited program; or
- Undergraduate degree in a related discipline from an accredited college, university or equivalent institution.
- Undergraduate degree in Social Work from a Council on Social Work Education accredited program with a minimum grade point average of 3.0 overall.
Complete and submit the MSW Application Package.
Submit a resume or curriculum vitae (CV) which includes your academic and professional history and achievements.
Have your references submit their assessments online using the MSW References Form.
If you’re transferring from another Master of Social Work program, you’re required to sign a release of information form, which will allow us to communicate with your previous MSW program.
Look for application updates in myLeo > Apps > Check Application Status
- Once an admission decision has been made, you will receive an email to your student email account at myLeo > Apps > Leomail.
- Apply for scholarships and graduate assistantships once you are admitted.
- Apply for financial aid by submitting a FAFSA and sending it to school code 003565.
- Contact your financial aid advisor with any questions.
Once registration opens and you are eligible to enroll, your graduate enrollment specialist will contact you to complete registration.
View Degree Plan
DegreeWorks is where you track your progress through your program and make sure you are meeting all your requirements for graduation.
- Sing in to myLEO
- Navigate to “Student Resources”
- Select “Grad School DegreeWorks”
Register for Classes
- To register for classes, go to myLEO > Student Resources > Registration Menu.
Contact your graduate enrollment specialist if you have any questions regarding your degree plan and registration.
Your Graduate Enrollment Specialist
I Still Have Questions
We are here to help! Send us an email. We can answer your questions and assist you in the application process.
Contact the Department
- School of Social Work
- 903.468.3047
- 903.468.3221
- [email protected]
- PO Box 3011, HEN 311
- Commerce, Texas 75429