University of Tennessee Knoxville MSSW
The College of Social Work at the University of Tennessee has been essential to social work education since 1942. Eight decades of educational excellence have helped the college build its reputation. Students become skilled professionals who make meaningful changes in Tennessee’s communities and beyond.
The college’s social work programs rank 24th among all social work programs nationwide. Students receive a perfect blend of academic rigor and practical experience that leads to success in the field. This prestigious ranking shows the quality of education students receive at the Knoxville campus, Nashville location, or through flexible online programs.
Student support at the college stands out with a 94% retention rate among BSSW and MSSW students. This rate substantially exceeds comparable programs. Students receive extensive financial support, with $189,707 in scholarships awarded during the 2023-2024 academic year.
Students who select the University of Tennessee Knoxville MSW program learn at one of America’s oldest and most respected public research universities. Research activities thrive here as the college secured $27 million in new external grant funding in fiscal year 2025 to expand its work in the field.
Henson Hall houses the College of Social Work. The building sits at Cumberland Avenue and Volunteer Boulevard’s intersection on the Knoxville campus. This central spot gives students easy access to campus resources. Faculty offices and classrooms support BSSW, MSSW, PhD, and DSW programs from this administrative hub.
Students can choose from three distinct learning environments:
UT’s flagship location in Knoxville offers complete access to university resources and city amenities. The Nashville campus provides an intimate yet dynamic setting. Students who need flexibility can access the same high-quality education online from any location.
The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) fully accredits all College of Social Work programs. This accreditation ensures degrees meet top professional standards and prepare students for licensure eligibility throughout the nation.
Programs offered
The University of Tennessee Knoxville’s College of Social Work awards a Master of Science in Social Work (MSSW) degree instead of the typical MSW. Students should know that both degrees carry equal weight – the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) recognizes them as equivalent qualifications that lead to the same career paths.
UT Knoxville stands out with two specialized concentrations. The Clinical Practice (CP) concentration shapes future therapists and clinicians who use evidence-based treatments in individual and group settings. The Organizational Leadership (OL) concentration—Tennessee’s only macro program—gives you the skills needed to lead nonprofit and governmental agencies through management, social-economic development, and policy practice.
The program shines with its flexible study options:
- Full-time Traditional Program: Complete 60 credits in two years
- Part-time Extended Study Program: Finish 60 credits over three to four years, perfect for working professionals
- Advanced Standing Program: BSW/BSSW holders need only 37 credits over 12 months full-time or 18-24 months part-time
Students can enhance their expertise through three innovative dual degree programs:
- MSSW/JD: Blends social work with legal knowledge
- MSSW/MLS: Links social work practice to the legal system
- MSSW/MBA: Prepares you to lead where human services meet business
Students can also choose from five certificate programs that include Treatment of Trauma, Veterinary Social Work, Forensic Social Work, and Gerontology.
Field practice serves as the substance of MSSW education. Traditional students complete foundation (352 hours) and advanced (672 hours) placements totaling 1,024 hours. Advanced standing students focus on the 672-hour advanced placement. These placements help students gain hands-on experience in ground settings.
The online MSSW program matches its on-campus counterpart perfectly. Students follow identical curriculum and academic standards with the same expert faculty—location remains the only difference. This option lets students maintain flexibility without compromising on educational quality or CSWE accreditation.
UT MSSW graduates build successful careers in a variety of settings—from mental health facilities and government agencies to hospitals, schools, and nonprofit organizations.
About the online program
UT Knoxville’s online MSSW program has achieved 17 years of excellence in online education. Students get the same quality education as on-campus programs through well-designed delivery methods.
Work commitments, family responsibilities, and location no longer need to stop you from pursuing advanced education. This flexible format removes these barriers effectively. The application process makes things easier since no GRE is required for admission.
The program’s success comes from its hybrid learning approach. Students experience both synchronous and asynchronous methods. Live synchronous classes happen during late afternoons and evenings where you can interact directly with professors and classmates. Students can complete their coursework between these live sessions at their own pace.
Students who need extra flexibility can choose the Extended Study Program’s part-time option. This path lets you complete the required 60 credit hours over three to four years. Many professionals find this perfect to balance their work and studies.
Distance won’t separate you from the university community. The online platform offers many activities to connect with your cohort and build new skills. You’ll become part of the “Volunteer family” whatever your location.
Field placement, the core of social work education, remains central to the online program. Students apply their classroom knowledge in ground settings under professional supervision. Field coordinators help find appropriate placements in your area.
The best part? You’ll receive the same education as on-campus students. The same professors teach you, hold you to similar academic standards, and the Council on Social Work Education fully accredits the program—all while you keep your current commitments.
Accreditation
CSWE accreditation is a vital quality marker for your social work education. The University of Tennessee Knoxville’s MSSW program has full accreditation from the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). Your education quality stays the same whether you study at the Knoxville campus, Nashville location, or through online classes.
CSWE accreditation means much more than just another credential. This recognition confirms your education meets strict national standards for social work preparation. Your academic experience will follow a clear mission that aligns with professional social work practice expectations.
The College of Social Work maintains accredited status for all master’s level programs. This includes both thesis and non-thesis options. You’ll get the same high-quality education whatever pathway or location you choose. The college works hard to prepare graduates who can serve communities effectively with evidence-based practices.
The college’s Doctor of Social Work (DSW) program got eight-year accreditation from CSWE’s Board of Accreditation. This puts UTK in an elite group as one of only three fully accredited social work doctoral programs in the country. Such a long accreditation period shows the program’s outstanding performance and academic integrity.
The University of Tennessee at Knoxville also has regional accreditation from the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. This institutional backing further confirms your education’s overall quality.
What does all this mean for you? A CSWE-accredited degree will be recognized by:
- Employers looking for qualified social workers
- Licensing boards in different states
- Academic institutions if you decide to study further
CSWE-accredited programs set high standards to educate respectful, responsible practitioners ready for work in different communities. The accreditation involves careful peer review that ensures similar outcomes across programs while adapting to each program’s unique setting.
Your investment in education at the University of Tennessee Knoxville MSW program is safe. The program’s detailed accreditation status shows it will give you the knowledge, skills, and preparation you need to succeed in your field.
Admission Requirements
The University of Tennessee Knoxville MSW program has several important admission requirements. The college reviews applicants based on their academic performance, professional potential, and personal qualities that match social work practice needs.
You’ll need a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution that the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) recognizes. Students with foreign degrees must have credentials equivalent to U.S. bachelor’s degrees from recognized institutions.
U.S. degree holders must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.7 on a 4.0 scale or at least a 3.0 during their senior year. Students with previous graduate coursework need a minimum 3.0 GPA. Non-U.S. degree requirements are slightly higher – a minimum 3.0 GPA equivalent to a ‘B’ average, or 3.3 for those with previous graduate work.
Your academic record should show a strong liberal arts foundation. We looked for:
- At least three-fourths of undergraduate coursework in social sciences, humanities, physical sciences, and liberal arts
- Coursework from at least four of these areas: economics/mathematics, government/political science/history, sociology/anthropology, psychology, and philosophy/literature/arts
Advanced Standing program candidates must have a BSSW/BSW from a CSWE-accredited program. International students need CSWE’s evaluation process to confirm their degree’s equivalency.
The application package should include:
- A personal statement about your motivation (500-word limit per question)
- Three professional/academic references (not personal contacts)
- Official transcripts from all institutions attended
New applicants should know that no GRE scores are required for admission to the MSSW program. This applies to both campus-based and online options.
The College of Social Work continues accepting applications until classes fill up. The Advanced Standing program starts in summer, while Full-time and Extended Study programs begin in fall. Early application submission increases your chances of securing a spot.
Students from other CSWE-accredited programs can transfer credits by submitting their course syllabi for review. Notwithstanding that, graduate credits previously used toward another degree can’t count toward the MSSW.
Tuition
Your MSSW degree is a major financial investment that needs careful thought. The University of Tennessee Knoxville bases its tuition on where you live. Graduate students pay $13,720 for in-state and $32,208 for out-of-state each year. These amounts cover your direct education costs. Your total expenses with indirect costs can reach $40,216 for residents and $58,704 for non-residents.
The Social Work master’s program charges an extra $250 fee each semester. This fee helps provide specialized resources and experiences you need for professional growth.
Online MSSW students follow a different payment structure. You’ll pay per credit hour, which covers the maintenance fee, out-of-state tuition (if applicable), and library fee. Any course-specific fees plus an Online Support Fee of $100 per credit hour apply. The online support fee funds technology infrastructure and new course materials.
The online program gives you a unique money-saving advantage. You can adjust your course load each semester based on your budget. Taking one or two courses per term helps you manage costs while moving toward your degree.
Graduate students pay a $5 per-credit-hour Library Fee. A Technology Fee of $14 per credit hour also applies, with a cap at $129.
These costs might seem daunting at first glance. The College of Social Work makes education available through several financial aid options. Tennessee residents with household adjusted gross income of $75,000 or less can get help through the UT Promise scholarship. This covers remaining tuition and mandatory fees after other financial aid.
Check the university’s Online Program Tuition Calculator to estimate your program costs before enrolling. The UT Board of Trustees sets official tuition rates yearly each June/July.
Additional Information
The University of Tennessee Knoxville’s College of Social Work goes beyond classroom learning with research activities that make your education better. The college manages $40.41 million in total grant funding for its research centers and programs. This money supports projects that tackle important social issues and lets students get hands-on experience.
Our faculty’s research output speaks for itself. They published 97 articles and received over 5,400 citations in 2024. 60% of tenure-track and research faculty bring in external grant funding, which shows the college’s strength in research.
SWORPS (Social Work Office of Research and Public Service), the college’s community outreach arm, has been 49 years old. It teams up with public, private, and nonprofit groups to help people across Tennessee. Students can tap into SWORPS’ network of community partners for field work and job opportunities.
Your academic success matters here. The college offers detailed academic advising that helps you build a path to reach your goals. The Office of Information Technology makes sure you have uninterrupted access to learning resources whenever you need them.
These resources create an environment where your success becomes our top priority. You’ll find a supportive atmosphere that boosts both your learning and career growth.