University of Memphis MSW

The School of Social Work at the University of Memphis operates within the School of Urban Affairs & Public Policy, a division of the College of Arts & Sciences. This decades-old institution stands on the pillars of social justice and professional excellence, preparing skilled practitioners who serve people from all backgrounds.

Students can choose from three degree programs: a Bachelor of Arts in Social Work, a Master of Social Work (MSW), and a Doctor of Social Work (DSW). The school also offers four graduate certificates: School Social Work, Clinical Social Work, Substance Abuse, and Play Therapy. The undergraduate and master’s programs have full accreditation from the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), which validates their high professional standards.

The MSW program equips advanced professional social workers to help diverse populations with complex challenges. Students achieve this through three approaches: learning evidence-based direct practice skills across systems, contributing to social work knowledge, and developing leadership skills in policy and programs at local, regional, and global levels.

The DSW program welcomed its first cohort in Fall 2020, with graduates completing their studies in Spring 2023. This doctoral program shapes practitioner-scholars who create new social work knowledge and adapt to complex practice environments. Students develop professional skills in supervision, teaching, management, and data-informed decision-making.

The university’s social work programs come with flexible study options. MSW students can choose full-time, part-time, extended study, or distance learning paths. Outstanding graduates from accredited undergraduate social work programs can fast-track their master’s degree through the Advanced Standing MSW program.

MSW students focus on Advanced Practice Across Systems. They learn ethical practice skills including advanced assessment, relationship building, evidence-based interventions, practice evaluation, and continuous professional growth. This complete education prepares students to work with different populations while customizing their program through electives and certificates that align with their career goals.

Programs offered

The Master of Social Work (MSW) program at University of Memphis prepares students for advanced social work practice. Students can complete the 60 credit hours program in 2 years of full-time study. The program helps social workers develop knowledge, values, and skills for evidence-based direct practice across systems.

Students can choose between two specialized tracks: Advanced Practice with Children, Youth, & Families and Advanced Practice with Adults & Families. These options help students align their education with career goals while building strong generalist practice skills.

The MSW program fits different schedules and career paths through multiple program tracks:

• Advanced Standing Full Time (1 year)
• Advanced Standing Extended Study (2 years)
• Full Time (2 years)
• Spring Start (2.5 years)
• Extended Study (3 Years)
• Fall and Spring Only Extended Study (3-4 years)

The Advanced Standing Program lets qualified graduates of undergraduate social work programs complete their MSW in just 37 credit hours. Students need a BA/BSW from a CSWE-accredited program within five years of application or a Licensed Baccalaureate Social Worker credential to qualify.

The program includes two field placements that total 900 contact hours. Students spend 16-20 hours weekly in real-life settings over two years while completing their coursework. These placements give students valuable hands-on experience.

Students can earn additional master’s degrees with their MSW. The dual degree options include:

• Dual MSW/MS in Special Education/Applied Behavior Analysis
• Dual MSW/MPH (Master of Public Health)

Students can shape their education through electives. They can focus on special topics in social work or take classes from other graduate programs to build interdisciplinary skills.

The University of Memphis MSW program offers flexible paths that match your educational needs and career goals. You can advance quickly through the Advanced Standing option or take more time with extended study options.

About the online program

The University of Memphis offers a fully online Master of Social Work program through UofM Global. Students get the same rigorous education as the on-campus version with added flexibility for working professionals. Traditional students can complete the 60 credit hours program in 2 years.

The online MSW program was designed to be accessible with a mix of asynchronous coursework and some synchronous components. Online students should know they’ll need to attend some synchronous remote meetings in practice courses. This balanced approach will give a strong connection with faculty and peers even in the distance learning format.

The program follows the same academic structure as its campus counterpart, but online students need to know these specific details:

• Field placement requirements are similar, with students completing two placements totaling 900 contact hours (16-20 hours weekly over two years)
• Online students must have daytime availability in their respective time zones (generally Monday-Friday, 8:00 am – 5:00 pm) to fulfill field placement requirements
• Distance learning students need to find their own field placement internships after consulting with field directors

Outstanding BSW graduates can take advantage of the MSW Advanced Standing online option for faster degree completion. This 37-credit program lets students finish in about 12 months. Qualification requirements include:

• A BA/BSW from a CSWE-accredited program earned within five years of application (or hold LBSW licensure)
• An overall undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher
• A GPA of 3.3 or higher in undergraduate social work courses

Advanced Standing students can only apply for summer sessions. Application deadlines are March 1st for scholarship/assistantship consideration and April 15th for regular admissions.

Non-Tennessee residents should contact their state’s licensing agencies before enrollment. This step helps students understand how the program matches their state’s requirements.

The program carries the same CSWE accreditation as the on-campus option and prepares graduates for advanced professional practice. Students can focus on either Advanced Practice with Children, Youth, & Families or Advanced Practice with Adults & Families. This choice helps them arrange their education with their career goals.

Students interested in financial support should check the Financial Aid and Scholarships page for current funding details.

Accreditation

The Master of Social Work (MSW) program at the University of Memphis has full accreditation from the Council of Social Work Education (CSWE). This 20-year-old credential shows that students receive education meeting professional standards. The program demonstrates its ability to prepare students through rigorous academic measurements.

Students pursuing their MSW degree get several major benefits from CSWE accreditation. You need to graduate from an accredited program to qualify for social work licensure anywhere in the United States. Your job prospects and professional credentials might face roadblocks without this important designation.

A detailed evaluation of curriculum quality, faculty qualifications, student services, and program outcomes forms the accreditation process. The University of Memphis MSW program’s review shows both specializations meet professional standards. These specializations include Advanced Practice with Children, Youth, & Families and Advanced Practice with Adults & Families. Students choosing the advanced standing option can trust the accelerated curriculum’s quality standards.

The University of Memphis also has accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). This institutional accreditation lets the university award various degrees – bachelor’s, first professional, master’s, educational specialist’s, doctoral degrees, and graduate certificates. You can reach the Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097 or call 404.679.4500 with questions about university-wide accreditation.

Accreditation and licensure work together but serve different purposes. Each state and territory has its own licensure and certification requirements. Your CSWE-accredited degree might need to meet additional requirements from licensing agencies or boards.

The university hasn’t determined if its MSW programs meet every licensure and certification requirement across US states and territories. Students living outside Tennessee or planning to get licensed elsewhere should contact their local licensing agency before enrolling. An academic advisor can help make sure your education matches your career goals.

The Bachelor of Arts in Social Work program’s full CSWE accreditation creates a clear path for students who want to pursue the advanced standing MSW option after their bachelor’s degree.

Admission Requirements

The University of Memphis MSW program looks at several important criteria when reviewing applications. The School of Social Work welcomes applications throughout the year and has different start dates based on your program track.

Every MSW applicant needs a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution. The program prefers an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher (A=4.0) in your final 60 semester hours. Your background in social work-related fields as a paid employee, volunteer, or researcher will strengthen your application.

Your application needs these key components. You must submit EITHER a writing sample OR standardized test scores (GRE or Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators writing test). A professional goal statement should address three areas: your analysis of a current social problem, your path to social work, and your professional qualities (maximum 2 pages per section). Include a professional resume that shows all relevant experience. Three academic or professional references should highlight your qualifications.

Students who want to complete the accelerated 37-credit Advanced Standing program must meet four extra requirements:

• CSWE-accredited BSW obtained within five years of application (Licensed Baccalaureate Social Workers don’t need this)
• Minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 overall
• Minimum GPA of 3.3 in social work courses
• Summer sessions only admission

Application deadlines vary by program:

• Regular Spring Start: November 1st
• Priority Regular Fall and Summer Advanced Standing: March 1st
• Regular Summer Advanced Standing: April 15th
• Regular Fall Start: April 15th
• Graduate Assistantships: March 1st

At least two faculty members review complete applications. You need two positive votes to get accepted. Applications with split decisions go through another review. The program coordinators suggest applying early even after published deadlines until all spots are filled.

Once accepted, you’ll start your path to advanced social work practice. You can choose between the traditional 60-credit program or the faster Advanced Standing option, based on your background and qualifications.

Tuition

Getting your MSW degree at the University of Memphis needs smart financial planning. Graduate tuition rates for 2025-2026 depend on where you live and how you take classes. Tennessee residents pay $678.00 per credit hour for graduate courses. Online MSW courses (marked as Mxx) cost the same amount whatever your location.

Students typically spend between $25,042.00 and $25,527.00 to complete their MSW program. The exact amount changes based on your program track. Full-time graduate students should plan for these yearly expenses:

• Housing and food: approximately $14,163.00 annually
• Books and supplies: $920.00
• Transportation: $3,770.00
• Personal expenses: $4,514.00

Living on or off-campus, in-state graduate students pay around $35,851.00 yearly. Out-of-state students face higher costs at $40,099.00. Students can tap into several funding sources to help cover these expenses:

• MSW-SDS Midsouth Social Work Scholarship offers up to $18,000.00
• Part-Time Masters Fellowships provide $1,500.00
• INTEGRATE Tuition Waiver covers $10,000.00 per year
• Tennessee Behavioral Health Pathways Scholarship gives up to $30,000.00

The school’s data shows 19 students leave their social work program each year because of money problems. Students should apply early for scholarships and assistantships. Most application deadlines fall in spring for the next academic year.

Additional Information

The University of Memphis MSW experience goes beyond classroom learning with several enriching support resources. Students can attend information sessions during fall and spring semesters to learn about career paths, academic options, and internship opportunities.

Faculty members have created a detailed Community Resource Directory that serves as a helpful reference during your studies. The Clinical Supervision Directory helps new graduates connect with licensed clinical supervisors to meet post-degree licensure requirements.

Your student fees cover many support services at no extra cost. Students can access counseling, career guidance, and educational support with tutoring assistance.

Professional development through field education plays a vital role in the program. Students need NASW membership ($60 annually) and student liability insurance ($15-25 yearly). MSW Field Directors work with students to manage clinical affiliation contracts and placement arrangements.

The university’s Alumni Association keeps graduates connected through networking events and professional development resources.