TWU-UNT Joint Master of Social Work Degree Program
Texas Woman's University and the University of North Texas (TWU-UNT) are proud to offer Texas' first Joint Master of Social Work (M.S.W.) degree program. Our students are prepared to become effective Advanced Generalist social workers with a focus on ethical practice and leadership training across a variety of social work settings. Social workers empower communities, individuals and groups to create positive change. Program graduates are trained and qualified to work in many roles such as clinicians, administrators, case managers, supervisors, fundraisers and program managers.
Graduate opportunities
U.S. Department of Labor job statistics indicate continued high demand in social work occupations. Anticipated growth areas include addiction, child welfare, disability, gerontology, health care and mental health. Job settings include advocacy organizations, criminal justice systems, family service agencies, hospitals, inpatient and day treatment facilities, intensive case management programs, managed care systems, schools, and veterans' affairs and military facilities.
Upon successful degree completion, an M.S.W. graduate is eligible to become a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW), one of the most highly recognized professional titles in health and human services. Students can pursue their licensure by meeting state requirements, including passing an examination approved by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB). Social workers who earn two years of postgraduate supervision may take the examination to become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW).
Joint M.S.W. opportunities
Joint M.S.W. students have a broad range of opportunities and resources. Students may carry a caseload, write grants, develop programs, implement evidence-based social work practices, develop surveys, perform quantitative and qualitative research, facilitate the work of professors, present at conferences and connect with peer networks.
Attending TWU and UNT
TWU and UNT have developed the Joint M.S.W. degree program to provide students and faculty with the unique opportunity to draw on the strengths and resources of both universities.
Through the Joint M.S.W. program, students are considered members of both the TWU and UNT communities. Students have access to resources on both campuses and will be jointly awarded a degree from TWU and UNT.
Program Details
The Joint M.S.W. offers an Advanced Generalist Practice curriculum. Advanced Generalist Practice is performed by social workers with advanced competency in multilevel, multimethod approaches, who are equipped to work in complex environments. It is the fastest growing area of concentration for M.S.W. programs in the nation.
The Joint M.S.W. program boasts an academically rigorous curriculum. An exciting diverse array of electives and field placement experiences help students explore interests and expand beyond their current knowledge and skills.
Program eligibility
- A bachelor's degree from an accredited university/college
- Minimum GPA of 3.0 on the last 60 hours of bachelor's level coursework
- No Graduate Record Exam (GRE) required
- International applicants: must meet English language proficiency examination requirements for TWU and UNT
Generalist program
Students with a bachelor's degree in a discipline other than social work are eligible for the two-year Generalist program, which has the following characteristics:
- The Generalist Year (Year I) focuses on the foundational knowledge and skills of Generalist social work practice.
- The Advanced Year (Year II) provides a concentration in Advanced Generalist social work practice.
- Practicums allow students to apply theory and skills in community and state agencies under the supervision of practicing social workers.
Advanced Standing program
Students with a Bachelor of Social Work (B.S.W.) degree from an accredited program may be eligible for the one-year Advanced Standing program, which has the following characteristics:
- The Advanced Year (Year II) provides a concentration in Advanced Generalist social work practice.
- Practicums allow students to apply theory and skills in community and state agencies under the supervision of practicing social workers.
Both the Generalist and Advanced years may be taken on a part-time or full-time basis. Generalist students have the option to complete a part-time program in four years. Advanced Standing students have the option to complete a part-time program in two years.
Admission Requirements
To guarantee full consideration, applicants must complete and submit a TWU-UNT Joint M.S.W. program application for admission to the Generalist or Advanced Standing program before the application priority date. You can complete the application and learn about the priority date here.
Required materials for the program application:
- Recent résumé reflecting your education and your volunteer and professional experience
- Personal statement answering six essay questions
- Three references from professors or professionals who are familiar with your work
- Interview by program personnel, if requested
- Additional letter of recommendation from chair or M.S.W. program director if you are currently enrolled in another program
Submit program application and ALL required materials at twu-unt-msw.com/apply.
After program personnel review your program application to ensure that you are eligible, you will be provided with a "home institution," either TWU or UNT. You will be instructed to submit a formal application to your designated home institution through ApplyTexas.
There is a fee to submit applications through ApplyTexas.
If you are accepted, you will register at your home institution and will be granted full access to the resources and services provided at both universities.
Financial assistance
As a graduate student, you may be eligible for loans and grants by filing your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) through your home institution. Graduate assistantships also may be available through the Joint M.S.W. program or your home institution's graduate school. Regardless of home institution, all Joint M.S.W. students will pay approximately the same amount for tuition and fees.
Out-of-state and international students who receive half-time assistantships may become eligible to pay in-state tuition rates.
Financial assistance also may be provided through scholarships and first-year fellowships. Information about these financial assistance opportunities is available through program personnel or the financial aid office of your home institution.
Learn more about funding your graduate education:
| UNT | TWU |
|---|---|
| graduateschool.unt.edu | twu.edu/gradschool |
| financialaid.unt.edu | twu.edu/finaid |