Master of Social Work
Prepare for advanced professional practice in clinical, community, and policy settings helping individuals, families, and groups thrive. Tennessee Tech’s MSW program equips you with the knowledge, skills, and real-world experience to make a lasting impact. Now offering an MSW Pathway! Undergraduate students from any major can earn graduate credit that can apply to the MSW.
TAKE THE FIRST STEP
The MSW Pathway is open to motivated students who are passionate TOWARD YOUR MSW about helping others and pursuing advanced study in social work. Pathway admission requirements include: • Minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA • Faculty recommendations • A short essay describing interest in social work • Application during junior year Admission to the pathway does not guarantee admission to the MSW program, but it provides a strong foundation for graduate study.
EXPLORE DIVERSE FIELDS OF PRACTICE
Students can engage with specialized topics reflecting the wide reach of social work practice, including: • Advanced policy analysis, systems intervention, and structural approaches to inequality • Social work practice in school, healthcare, and forensic settings • Clinical, community, and policy practice considerations in rural areas • Social work with children and youth • Assessment and intervention for substance use disorders and co-occurring conditions • Human behavior and development across the lifespan These courses prepare graduates to address complex needs across communities and systems.
START YOUR GRADUATE DEGREE AS AN UNDERGRADUATE
Tennessee Tech’s MSW Pathway allows qualified undergraduates — from any major — to begin working toward their MSW before completing their bachelor’s degree. How it works: • Complete Social Work minor coursework • Take dual undergraduate/graduate courses • Earn graduate credit during your senior year • Accelerate progress toward the MSW The Fast Track pathway allows students to reduce overall graduate coursework and enter professional practice sooner. If admitted to the MSW program, eligible graduate credits earned through the pathway can apply toward your degree.
FLEXIBLE. PRACTICAL. IMPACT-DRIVEN. Tennessee Tech’s MSW degree prepares students for professional practice through a strong foundation in social justice, human behavior, policy, and specialized fields of practice. Our program addresses the unique challenges and strengths of rural communities, including access to care, workforce shortages, and community-based solutions. Program highlights: • Focus on real-world social challenges • Emphasis on rural and community needs • Interdisciplinary opportunities • Courses taught by experienced faculty • Preparation for diverse career paths • Opportunities to specialize in areas of interest Students complete supervised field placements in community agencies, healthcare systems, schools, and behavioral health settings while exploring complex issues such as poverty, inequality, addiction, public policy, and human development across the lifespan.
A CAREER THAT MAKES A DIFFERENCE
Social workers serve on the front lines of change — supporting people through challenges, advocating for justice, and strengthening communities. The MSW is the recognized professional degree required for advanced practice and clinical licensure in social work. With an MSW degree, you can pursue careers in: • Schools and education systems • Hospitals and healthcare settings • Mental health and counseling services • Child welfare and family services • Criminal justice and forensic settings • Community organizations and nonprofits • Policy and advocacy work According to national labor projections, social work continues to grow across healthcare, behavioral health, and school systems, making this degree both meaningful and versatile.
READY TO MAKE AN IMPACT?
Learn more about the Master of Social Work program at Tennessee Tech and begin your journey toward a career that changes lives.
Office of Admissions Jere Whitson Building 805 Quadrangle Campus Box 5006 Cookeville, TN 38505 931-372-3888 admissions@tntech.edu tntech.edu/admissions
Tennessee Tech University
Department of Sociology & Political Science
Campus Box 5052
Cookeville, TN 38505-0001
For more information, please contact one of the follow:
Steven Seiler, Ph.D., MSW, CPS I
sseiler@tntech.edu
Matthew Silvey, MSSW, JD
msilvey@tntech.edu