Our top-ranked Master of Social Work Program is CSWE accredited, affordable and convenient with options for full-time or part-time, advanced standing and dual degree programs.
Few professions offer the chance to make a tangible difference in people's lives the way social work does. Social workers stand at the intersection of individual struggle and systemic change — supporting families through crisis, strengthening communities, shaping policy, and advocating for those whose voices too often go unheard. As our world grapples with growing mental health needs, aging populations, health disparities, and economic uncertainty, skilled, compassionate social workers are more essential than ever.
We're glad you're exploring this path, and even more glad you're considering doing it with us. Choosing where to pursue your MSW is a significant decision, and we want to make sure you have a clear picture of what a degree from the University of Texas at Arlington School of Social Work looks like — and how it can help you build the career you're envisioning.
The UTA MSW is a 61-credit-hour program built to prepare you not just to enter the field, but to lead within it. The curriculum blends rigorous coursework with hands-on field education, ensuring you graduate ready to practice — not just to theorize. To fit your life and learning style, the program is available both on campus and fully online, so you can pursue your degree in the format that works best for you.
For students who already hold a BSW degree, UTA also offers an Advanced Standing option, allowing you to build on the foundation you've already established and complete your MSW on an accelerated timeline.
To help you focus your studies around the kind of impact you want to make, the program offers two specializations:
The Direct Practice specialization prepares students to work one-on-one and with families, groups, and small systems to address individual and relational challenges. Students develop advanced clinical skills in assessment, intervention, and treatment planning, learning to apply evidence-based practices across a range of settings — from hospitals and schools to private practice and community mental health centers. Graduates of this track are equipped to become licensed clinicians who provide therapeutic support to individuals navigating some of life's most difficult moments.
The Community & Administrative Practice specialization is designed for students who want to drive change at a broader level — within organizations, communities, and systems. This track builds expertise in program development, nonprofit and human services management, community organizing, policy advocacy, and leadership. Graduates leave prepared to lead organizations, shape public policy, and design and manage programs that address the root causes of social problems at scale.
Within the Direct Practice specialization, students can further tailor their education by choosing a curated sequence of courses built around a specific population or area of practice. This allow you to graduate with focused expertise in the area where you're most eager to make an impact. Our Direct Practice offerings include the following and more (talk to our advisors!):
This prepares students to work with older adults and their families, addressing the unique physical, emotional, and social challenges that come with aging. As the population of older adults continues to grow rapidly, social workers with specialized gerontological training are in high demand across healthcare systems, long-term care facilities, and community-based aging services.
This equips students to work within medical and healthcare settings, supporting patients and families as they navigate illness, treatment, and the healthcare system. Students learn to collaborate within interdisciplinary care teams and address the social determinants of health that so often shape patient outcomes.
This focuses on the assessment and treatment of mental illness and substance use disorders. Students build clinical skills for working with individuals facing psychiatric conditions, addiction, and co-occurring disorders, preparing them for careers in behavioral health settings where the need for skilled practitioners continues to grow.
The Children and Families courses prepares students to support young people and their family systems through challenges such as abuse, neglect, trauma, and family disruption. Students gain specialized skills in child welfare, family therapy, and youth-focused interventions, preparing them for roles in child welfare agencies, schools, and family service organizations.
A Master of Social Work (MSW) offers advanced skills for helping individuals and communities, opening doors to diverse career opportunities in social services, education, and healthcare. It enhances earning potential, allows for impactful change, and provides pathways for leadership and specialization.
Move to DFW-Arlington metro area with a strong job market with fortune 500 companies, low cost of living and lots of entertainment, sports, and nightlife and music opportunities.
UTA Top-tiered research institution; work closely with world renowned professors.
Social Work is a growing career field (positive job-outlook, one of the fastest growing career fields with 16% increase in demand) and the versatility of the social work degree (good preparation for law, medicine, education, communication, health and business career fields).
SSW reputation (high ranking program for 50 years), Affordability, Convenience/Flexibility, Military/Veteran friendly (rated #1 in Texas and #5 in the country) with more than 800 agencies to choose for required field internships.
Attending an Graduate Admissions Information Session provides you with a unique opportunity to meet with representatives from the School of Social Work and discuss the MSW program.
Sophia Fantus, PhD, MSW
MSW Program Director
Assistant Professor
sophia.fantus@uta.edu
Brianna Gibbs, MS
Academic Recruiter
Email: brianna.gibbs@uta.edu
Phone: 817-272-2551
Office: SWSH 203O
Tamia King
Academic Recruiter
Email: tamia.king@uta.edu
Phone: 817-272-9123
Office: SWSH 203N
James Brown, MS
Manager of Strategic Enrollment
Email: james.brown2@uta.edu
Office: SWSH 203R
Antwan C. Williams, JD, MS
Assistant Dean of Communications, Marketing, and Recruitment
Email: antwan.williams@uta.edu
Office: SWSH 416L