New Mexico Highlands University Social Work Masters

The Facundo Valdez School of Social Work at New Mexico Highlands University shines as a leader in social work education. Accredited by the Council on Social Work Education since 1978 and secured through 2028, this program is New Mexico’s oldest accredited social work program with more than 25 years of accreditation. The North Central Accreditation has also named it an Academic School of Excellence.

NMHU’s social work program excels at preparing professionals to work with Hispanic and Native American populations in New Mexico and the Southwest. This cultural and regional focus is essential to the school’s educational philosophy. Students learn core professional values while developing respect for cultural differences. They also learn how poverty impacts the region’s well-being.

The school has graduated over 3,000 students who now serve the social work profession in many ways. These graduates have built successful careers as administrators, researchers, community organizers, clinicians, elected officials, and in many other roles. Their achievements show how well the program prepares competent practitioners.

The school also offers an online program option, making quality social work education available to students whatever their location.

The Facundo Valdez School of Social Work leads the way in multicultural education breakthroughs. It remains the only social work program in the country that offers a concentration in bilingual social work practice for Spanish-speaking clients. This unique focus, combined with cultural competence training, helps graduates make real changes in diverse communities.

The program teaches students to practice social work skillfully with multicultural populations. This vision shapes both the curriculum and field practicum experiences. Students get hands-on experience by applying classroom knowledge in mental health facilities, healthcare organizations, substance abuse programs, schools, and other settings.

NMHU’s social work program blends academic excellence, cultural awareness, and practical experience. This combination creates skilled professionals ready to tackle complex social needs in New Mexico and beyond.

Programs offered

NMHU’s Master of Social Work degree program comes with several options that match your career goals and life situation. Students can specialize in three areas: clinical practice, leadership & administration, and bilingual/bicultural clinical practice. NMHU stands out as the only school in the country with a bilingual/bicultural clinical practice concentration. This unique program helps students develop Spanish-speaking abilities and cultural understanding to work effectively with Hispanic communities in New Mexico and the Southwest.

The Dual Degrees MSW/MBA program gives professionals a chance to build both social work and business expertise. Students can finish this 73-credit program in seven full-time semesters. You can attend classes at either the main campus or Rio Rancho location.

You can pick from three program formats based on your education and schedule:

• Regular MSW Program: Students with any undergraduate degree can complete this program in 24 months full-time or 36 months part-time. The traditional program needs 63 credit hours, including 16 core classes, 4 focus courses, and 2 field practicums that give you four semesters of hands-on experience.
• Advanced Standing Program: This option is only for students who earned their BSW from a CSWE-accredited program in the past five years. You can complete this fast-track option in two academic semesters (9-12 months) with 32 credit hours across 13 core courses. Full-time students can attend either the Las Vegas or Albuquerque campus.
• Online MSW Program: Students can take most classes at their own pace through the 100% online option, with just one weekly Zoom session on Wednesday evenings. Rural students can get quality social work education without moving.

Each program prepares you to become a Licensed Master Level Social Worker (LMSW) after graduation and qualifies you for the ASWB national exam. Students learn about working with indigenous, Hispanic/Latinx, and rural communities, along with core topics in clinical practice, human behavior, social environment, policy, and research.

NMHU offers classes during days, evenings, and weekends at five locations to fit working professionals’ schedules. About 60% of students study full-time, while 40% balance part-time studies with work and family duties.

About the online program

NMHU’s online MSW program gives you a clear path to advanced social work education no matter where you live. The program works well for professionals. You’ll move through your courses with the same group of students. This setup helps build strong peer relationships and creates networking opportunities.

The online MSW differs from campus programs. You can complete most coursework on your own schedule. The program keeps students connected through a weekly Zoom session every Wednesday from 7-9 PM Mountain Standard Time.

Traditional students need 63 credit hours to graduate. The program has 16 core classes, 4 focus courses, and 2 field practicums – adding up to 24 classes total. Each practicum runs for two semesters, giving you four semesters of hands-on experience. You’ll learn everything in social work clinical practice, human behavior and social environment, policy research, plus specialized content about working with Indigenous, Hispanic/Latinx, and rural communities.

Traditional students can finish the online MSW in 24 months full-time or 36 months part-time. Students with a BSW from an accredited program can take the Advanced Standing track. This option cuts completion time to 12 months full-time or 18 months part-time, with just 32 credit hours across 13 core courses.

Classes run in different formats – 8-week, 16-week, and 11-week summer terms. You can also take accelerated 10-day intersession courses. This creates a manageable workload even for full-time students. You’ll study year-round, including summers, to keep moving forward.

Your program starts with a new student orientation on Zoom the weekend before your first semester. This session sets expectations and prepares you for success.

The program must be completed within five years. The group-based approach helps you finish all requirements on time. This smart design gives you flexibility while you retain control, making NMHU’s online MSW perfect for professionals who want to advance their careers without giving up current commitments.

Accreditation

NMHU’s social work education stands out because of its quality assurance through strict accreditation. The Facundo Valdez School of Social Work has managed to keep continuous accreditation from the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) since 1978. The school’s current accreditation runs through 2028. This is a big deal as it means that the program received the maximum eight-year reaccreditation period.

The CSWE is recognized as the only professional accrediting organization for social work programs across all 50 states and Canada. Your degree will meet national professional standards and qualify you for social work licensure after graduation. After completing your MSW, you can apply for licensure as a Licensed Master Level Social Worker (LMSW) and take the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) national exam.

The program went through a complete evaluation against ten strict standards that cover professional competencies:

• Applying social work principles to guide professional practice
• Engaging diversity and difference in practice
• Advancing human rights and social and economic justice
• Applying knowledge of human behavior and the social environment
• Engaging in research-informed practice
• Applying critical thinking in professional judgments

Faculty prepared an extensive 116-page self-study report and hosted in-person examinations from CSWE representatives. This full evaluation confirmed that both undergraduate and graduate programs exceed all standards of excellence.

New Mexico Highlands University has full accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). The university works on a ten-year accreditation cycle. The next complete reaffirmation visit will happen in 2027-2028.

Students can feel confident knowing they’ll receive high-quality education through a curriculum approved by respected national bodies. This validation matters especially when you have social work licensure requirements that often need graduation from an accredited program.

NMHU proudly stands among all three public universities in New Mexico that offer fully CSWE-accredited MSW programs. The North Central Accreditation has recognized the Facundo Valdez School of Social Work as an Academic School of Excellence. This recognition highlights its outstanding position both regionally and nationwide.

Admission Requirements

You’ll need to meet several requirements to join NMHU’s well-known social work program. The admission criteria differ between the regular program and Advanced Standing option.

The regular MSW program requires a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited university or college. NMHU asks for a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0. All the same, students with GPAs under 3.0 might qualify based on their work experience and strong references.

Your application package must include these documents:

• Official transcripts from all previous schools
• Three professional references from professors or supervisors in social work
• Personal statement essay that answers six specific prompts
• Current resume with employment and volunteer experience
• $60 application fee

The program follows strict application deadlines. Spring semester priority deadline ends October 15, with final submissions due December 1. Fall semester priority deadline runs until May 15, with applications accepted through July 1 or until classes fill up.

Students who earned their Bachelor of Social Work from a CSWE-accredited program in the last five years can apply for the Advanced Standing track. This faster option needs a minimum 3.5 GPA in social work courses. The program might accept students below this GPA threshold if their other application materials stand out.

Advanced Standing applicants need these extra items:

• A client assessment paper that shows advanced writing and BSW course mastery
• One reference from their field placement supervisor

The regular MSW program lets you transfer up to 31 credits. The Advanced Standing program doesn’t accept any transfer credits.

NMHU makes the application process more available by not requiring entrance exams. Advanced Standing applicants hear back by November 7 for spring entry and either March 6 (priority) or April 1 (final) for fall entry.

Tuition

NMHU’s social work degree comes with clear and manageable costs. The Master of Social Work program charges a flat rate of $525.00 per credit hour. This makes calculating your total investment straightforward based on your chosen track.

Students in the traditional MSW track need 63 credit hours, bringing the total tuition to $33,075. Those who qualify for the advanced standing track with 32 credit hours will pay $16,800. These amounts don’t include additional fees and materials.

NMHU has managed to keep competitive tuition rates while offering an advanced degree. Washington Monthly Magazine recognized this value by naming the university a “Best Bang for the Buck” institution. This difference shows the program’s steadfast dedication to quality education at reasonable prices.

Your budget should include these extra costs:

• A $40 special fee for each practicum course
• Textbooks and required supplies

Getting a graduate degree is a major financial decision. NMHU works with students to explore funding options. The university accepts federal student aid and U.S. military benefits while offering scholarships to help fund your education. Your employer’s tuition reimbursement can also be handled directly by NMHU.

The university’s financial aid team helps ensure you can earn your degree without excessive financial pressure. Students can access various financial assistance options, including loans through FAFSA and private institutions.

Military students receive extra perks with special grants and scholarships designed for service members. The admissions team helps maximize all available military benefits.

NMHU’s social work program ended up striking the right balance between affordable education and exceptional career training. This integrated approach to cost and quality makes the program available to aspiring social workers from different financial situations.

Additional Information

NMHU social work graduates can look forward to excellent career prospects in a growing field. Social worker positions are expected to grow 6% between 2024 and 2034, which is faster than most other occupations. After graduation, you’ll be qualified to become a Licensed Master Level Social Worker (LMSW) and ready to take the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) national exam.

Each state has different licensure requirements, but the ASWB exam is standardized and accepted nationwide. Students who want to become Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSW) will need extra clinical work hours and supervision after graduation.

Your academic experience will help you learn valuable skills in interviewing, psychosocial assessments, treatment planning, and providing services to individuals and groups. The university helps students find field placement opportunities in their local areas.

The Center for Professional Development and Career Readiness provides detailed support services during your studies and after graduation. Students can access:

• SkillsFirst career management system with 500+ templates for resumes and cover letters
• Handshake job platform that connects students with over 12,000 employers
• Mock interview practice and feedback
• Career advising sessions

Academic resources like the Writing Center, Library Services, and NetTutor online tutoring, combined with specialized social work support through the Raíces program and Social Work Writing Tutor, will give you everything you need to succeed in your professional experience.