East Texas A&M University MSW

East Texas A&M University, a 135-year-old institution, has a rich heritage in higher education. Known as Texas A&M University-Commerce until November 2024, the university changed its name to reflect its East Texas roots while staying part of the prestigious Texas A&M University System.

The university ranks as the third-largest institution in the Texas A&M University System and serves about 13,000 students of all types. On top of that, it has earned the “R2: High Research Spending and Doctorate Production” classification, which shows its steadfast dedication to academic excellence.

East Texas A&M University’s Master of Social Work program serves the educational needs of advanced-level social workers. The School of Social Work runs this program, which celebrated its 25th anniversary recently. The school’s Bachelor and Master of Social Work programs have secured reaffirmation of accreditation, ensuring quality education for eight more years.

The MSW program’s full accreditation by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) confirms it meets national standards for professional practice. This credential allows MSW graduates to take the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Licensure exam in their chosen state of practice.

Students learn through an advanced generalist practice model that gives them versatile skills useful in social work settings of all types. Graduates can become Licensed Master Social Workers in Texas. The program’s alumni work successfully in healthcare, child welfare, and mental health practice.

The university’s 17:1 student-to-faculty ratio ensures you get tailored attention throughout your academic trip. Students from 41 states and 59 countries create an inclusive environment on campus.

The university sits 65 miles from downtown Dallas on the northeastern edge of the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. Beyond its main Commerce campus, satellite locations in downtown Dallas and Mesquite offer courses along with other partner institutions across Texas.

East Texas A&M University changes lives through quality education that’s available to all. The university prepares you for meaningful careers dedicated to serving others.

Programs offered

East Texas A&M University’s Master of Social Work program gives you two educational paths based on your background and career goals.

The Foundation Generalist Practice (FGP) Track needs 57 total credit hours. Students qualify with a bachelor’s degree in any field except social work, a social work degree older than six years, or a social work degree from a non-CSWE accredited program. The track starts with 24 foundation credit hours to build your knowledge in generalist practice at micro, mezzo, and macro levels. Full-time students finish this track in two years with four regular semesters and one summer semester. Part-time students need about four years.

The Advanced Generalist Practice (AGP) Track requires 33 credit hours and welcomes recent BSW graduates. You need a BSW degree from a CSWE-accredited program earned in the last six years. Full-time students can complete their MSW in just one year. Part-time students typically finish in about two years.

Both tracks focus on advanced generalist practice. Foundation courses teach Human Behavior in the Social Environment, Foundations of Social Welfare Policy, and Research for Practice. Advanced curriculum builds specialized skills through courses in Advanced Generalist Practice with Individuals, Families, Small Groups, and Social Work Supervision and Administration.

Field education serves as the substance of social work training. Foundation track students complete 300 hours of practicum experience. Advanced track students need 500-600 supervised field hours through partner agencies. Students apply their theoretical knowledge in ground settings to build valuable experience.

The program has specialized training in Clinical Practice in Mental Health. This prepares you to become a licensed clinical social worker. Students must complete a three-credit elective course. Options range from Business Practices and Social Work and the Law to Study Abroad experiences.

Graduates can take the Association of Social Work Boards licensure exam in their intended practice state. Licensed social workers find opportunities in healthcare, mental health, child welfare, and many other social service settings.

About the online program

Since 2018, East Texas A&M University has offered their MSW program completely online. The program gives working professionals and others who can’t attend regular classes the flexibility they need. Students can access materials and complete assignments at their own pace. This setup works great for anyone who needs to balance their education with work and life commitments.

The online program matches the quality of traditional classroom learning but delivers everything digitally. Students and teachers work from different locations, but the program’s digital resources keep education standards high. You won’t need to attend live lectures – just work on the course material whenever it fits your schedule.

Full-time students in the Foundation Generalist Practice track can finish in six semesters. Part-time students usually take 10 to 12 semesters. Students with a recent BSW can join the Advanced Generalist Practice track. This track needs 33 credit hours and takes one year full-time or about two years part-time.

The program starts with a required online orientation. This introduction helps you understand the program layout, meet faculty, and learn about available resources. You must complete this orientation before taking any classes to start your studies prepared.

The program runs online but includes real-life field experience. This hands-on work lets you use what you learn in actual settings and builds vital skills for your career. Distance learners get full access to academic support services throughout their studies.

Graduates leave ready for advanced generalist social work practice. The program gives you skills to work in direct practice, advocacy, supervision, administration, and leadership roles. Every graduate can take the Association of Social Work Boards licensure exam in their state.

East Texas A&M University’s online MSW program offers a clear path to a rewarding social work career. It combines excellent academics with the flexibility today’s students need.

Accreditation

East Texas A&M University’s Master of Social Work program has earned full accreditation from The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). This recognition shows the program meets national professional standards and marks a key milestone for students who want to become clinical social workers.

The School of Social Work just got great news – both its Bachelor and Master of Social Work programs have secured reaffirmation of accreditation. The programs will stay accredited for eight more years. Students can now feel confident their degrees will meet all the professional standards they need.

Accreditation proves educational excellence, which really matters in fields like social work where clinical skills are crucial. Your degree from an accredited program lines up with national standards that employers value and trust.

CSWE accreditation plays a huge role in getting your license. When you graduate from East Texas A&M’s accredited MSW program, you can take the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Licensure exam in your state. This lets you become a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) and collect hours toward becoming a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW).

The MSW program is now 25 years old – quite a milestone. East Texas A&M has grown into a leader in social work education over the last quarter-century. The curriculum keeps evolving to meet new professional needs while sticking to core educational standards.

Students who want to transfer from another MSW program need to sign a release-of-information form. This helps the university talk to your previous school and makes your move to an accredited program smoother.

The Advanced Standing Program has specific rules about accreditation. You’ll need a CSWE-accredited BSW degree that’s less than six years old when you start. This rule makes sure all students have the basic knowledge they need for advanced studies.

East Texas A&M University’s renewed CSWE accreditation shows its steadfast dedication to excellent social work education. Your degree will get you ready for professional practice and help you meet all licensing requirements.

Admission Requirements

East Texas A&M University’s MSW program admission depends on several criteria that show your readiness for graduate-level social work education.

Qualified applicants need a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college or university. The program looks for a grade point average of 2.8 overall or in the last 60 hours of coursework. Notwithstanding that, students with lower GPAs can submit GRE scores and might gain acceptance when space permits.

The application needs these essential components:

• Three professional reference letters from employers, professors, or both (students in college within five years must include at least one faculty reference)
• A resume showing work and volunteer experience (human services experience adds value though not mandatory)
• A detailed critical thinking essay that addresses your program interest, defines a relevant social problem, and describes your experience with diversity
• A non-refundable application fee ($50.00)

The Advanced Standing Program offers a faster path for qualified BSW graduates with specific deadlines: July 15 for fall admission, November 1 for spring, and April 1 for summer. Eligibility requires a CSWE-accredited BSW degree earned within six years of your predicted start date and a cumulative bachelor’s GPA of 3.0 or higher.

Students receive confirmation emails within two business days after application submission. The Graduate Student Services Coordinator must receive official transcripts directly from previous institutions. International students might need WES ICAP evaluations for transcripts from non-English speaking countries.

New students must complete a mandatory orientation before class enrollment. This session introduces the program’s faculty and resources needed throughout your academic experience.

Graduation requirements include maintaining a 3.0 graduate GPA, earning a B or better in field courses, and passing the Social Work Comprehensive Examination.

Tuition

East Texas A&M University’s MSW degree program provides budget-friendly tuition rates compared to other institutions. Students pay $2,390 per semester for graduate program tuition and fees, making it one of the most affordable options in Texas.

The university’s Guaranteed Tuition Plan lets you lock in your tuition costs. This plan covers your tuition and mandatory fees from when you register until graduation. Texas residents starting graduate studies pay $3,683 per semester based on 9 credit hours under a 2-year rate plan. Doctoral students get a 4-year rate plan at $3,773 per semester.

Students should expect these extra fees:

• Online courses have a $50 per credit hour distance education fee
• Remote location costs $20 per credit hour[204]
• Course lab fees range from $5 to $30[204]
• Business program courses include a $25 per credit hour fee

MSW online program students pay a distance learning fee of $50 per credit hour on top of regular tuition and mandatory fees.

Financial aid is available to more people at East Texas A&M – more than 70% of students receive some type of assistance. The university gives out over $10 million in scholarships each year. Graduate students can access various funding options, including the Next Step Senior Scholarship – a $1,000 award for East Texas A&M bachelor’s graduates.

Beyond tuition, students typically spend $758 on books and supplies, $6,372 for housing and food, $78 for loan fees, $1,380 for travel, and $2,484 for personal expenses. These costs total $11,072.

East Texas A&M University combines affordable tuition with multiple financial aid options. This makes your journey toward clinical social work excellence financially manageable.

Additional Information

East Texas A&M University gives MSW students complete support services to help them succeed. The TRIO Student Support Services Program helps eligible students who are first-generation college attendees, meet federal income requirements, or have documented disabilities. Students who use this program get better academic skills and tools that improve retention rates.

East Texas A&M connects students with great professional resources from organizations such as:

• Social Work Helper – online magazine covering social work topics
• The Clinical Social Work Association – providing news on legislation affecting social workers
• The National Association of Social Workers – the largest professional organization for social workers worldwide

MSW graduates work in many areas beyond clinical work. These include benefits management, case management, counseling, community outreach, higher education, and policy analysis. The job market looks promising with 7% more jobs expected through 2033.