Master of Science in Social Work

A New M.S.S.W. Curriculum (Became effective Fall 2007)

Educating masters’ level social work students for competent and accountable practice with and on behalf of at-risk populations in the 21st century requires that the College of Social Work' s Master of Science in Social Work (M.S.S.W.) curriculum provide students with cutting-edge knowledge across client systems that are situated within a complex, multilayered, multicultural, ever-changing global community.

Beginning in Fall 2007, the College began offering a new M.S.S.W. curriculum that is informed by state-of-the-art knowledge and grounded upon core social work values and ethics. The concepts of critical thinking, evidenced-based practice, complexity, culturally affirming practice, social and economic justice, and at-risk populations permeate the new M.S.S.W. curriculum. The Master of Science in Social Work program seeks to prepare M.S.S.W. graduates to make demonstrable improvements in the quality of life of at-risk and vulnerable populations across individuals, families, groups, organizations, communities, the state of Tennessee, the nation, and society.

Click here for more detailed information on the new curriculum.

Click here for new curriculum course descriptions (effective 2007-2008 school year).

Distance Education Program

The College of Social Work will be offering a Distance Education M.S.S.W. program for students who are unable to come to campus for classes due to their physical location. Please click here for more detailed information.

History, Campuses, and Accreditation

The Master of Science in Social Work program at the University of Tennessee College of Social Work is the first and oldest graduate social work program in the state of Tennessee. Founded in 1942, it has been accredited continuously since 1945. The M.S.S.W. program provides concentrations in clinical social work practice and social welfare management and community practice.

The College offers the M.S.S.W. degree in Knoxville, Memphis, and Nashville. The Knoxville campus is located in Henson Hall on the main campus of The University of Tennessee, Knoxville. The Memphis campus is located in the Boling Center on the campus of the University of Tennessee Health Science Center (HSC). The Nashville campus is located just outside of downtown Nashville at the Polk Center at 193 Polk Avenue, Suite E. All three campuses have state-of-the-art computer labs and access to on-campus or nearby library facilities. The College is administered by the dean, whose office is in Knoxville, and three associate deans, one at each of the three campuses.

The College of Social Work M.S.S.W program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.