Western New Mexico University School of Social Work

www.socialwork.org is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.

Western New Mexico University (WNMU) opened its doors in 1893 and now enrolls more than 3,500 students. Half of WNMU’s undergraduate student body identify as Hispanic, earning the university the Hispanic Serving Institution designation. In addition to an 83-acre home campus in Silver City, students can attend classes at four campus locations across the state and online.

Known for providing exceptional early childhood development and family counseling programs, WNMU also offers three social work degrees. All three degrees are available both online and on-campus, and hold accreditation from the Council for Social Work Education (CSWE).

Featured Programs in Social Work

Western New Mexico University School of Social Work

The School of Social Work at Western New Mexico University offers associate, bachelor’s, and master’s programs that create competent, culturally aware social workers. Students can earn a bachelor’s or master’s in social work, and an associate degree in human services.

Built on a liberal arts core, WNMU’s undergraduate social work programs prepare candidates for both entry-level positions and graduate education. All social work curricula emphasize ethics, social and economic justice, and research skills.

Western New Mexico University is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). The Western New Mexico University School of Social Work’s programs are accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).

Online Social Work Programs

WNMU students can earn two different MSW degrees and a BSW. All programs include minimal synchronous requirements. Online learners can take courses part or full time at both degree levels.

The bachelor’s in social work consists of 120 credit hours, including general education requirements. Learners complete 50 credit hours of core social work coursework, including a field placement in the student’s local community.

Applicants to the advanced standing MSW program must hold a BSW from a CSWE-accredited program. Master’s students complete a minimum of 39 credit hours, including a field placement While the 60-credit non-advanced standing option does not require candidates to hold a BSW, students must also complete a field placement.

On-Campus Social Work Programs

WNMU’s on-campus social work programs are identical to the university’s online options, and all prospective students must adhere to the same admission requirements. On-campus students and distance learners take the same courses and complete field experiences.

BSW and MSW candidates work with an internship coordinator to arrange field placements. However, on-campus students must attend a weekly conference with their advising professor for the duration of their field placement.

Western New Mexico University Online Social Work Programs

Online Associate’s in Human Services

Program Overview

  • Department: School of Social Work
  • Program Name: Associate of Arts in Human Services

Delivery

  • Format: Online
  • Instruction Style: Asynchronous

Program Requirements

  • Credit Requirements: 60 credits

Program Length

  • Program Options: Full-time or part-time
  • Program Length: 1-2 years
  • Program Start Dates: Spring, summer, fall

Admission Requirements

  • Application Deadline: Rolling (priority is 30 days before the semester start date)

Online Bachelor’s of Social Work

Program Overview

  • Department: School of Social Work
  • Program Name: Bachelor’s of Social Work

Delivery

  • Format: Online, plus field placement
  • Instruction Style: Synchronous and asynchronous

Program Requirements

  • Credit Requirements: 120 credits
  • Field Education Requirements: 9-credit field practicum, to be completed in the student’s local community

Program Length

  • Program Options: Full-time or part-time
  • Program Length: 3-4 years
  • Program Start Dates: Spring, fall, summer

Admission Requirements

  • Application Deadline: Rolling (priority is 30 days before the semester start date)
  • GPA: 2.5 minimum

Online Master’s of Social Work (Non-Advanced Standing)

Program Overview

  • Department: School of Social Work
  • Program Name: Master’s of Social Work (Non-Advanced Standing)

Delivery

  • Format: Online, plus field placement
  • Instruction Style: Synchronous and asynchronous (some web conferencing required)

Program Requirements

  • Prerequisites: Bachelor’s degree
  • Credit Requirements: 60 credits
  • Field Education Requirements: 12-credit field practicum, to be completed in the student’s local community

Program Length

  • Program Options: Full-time or part-time
  • Program Length: 3 years
  • Program Start Dates: Spring, summer, fall

Admission Requirements

  • Application Deadline: Rolling (priority is 30 days before the semester start date)
  • GPA: 2.75 minimum for academic probation admission status; 3.0 minimum for full admission

Online Master’s of Social Work (Advanced Standing)

Program Overview

  • Department: School of Social Work
  • Program Name: Master’s of Social Work (Advanced Standing)

Delivery

  • Format: Online, plus field placement
  • Instruction Style: Synchronous and asynchronous (some web conferencing required)

Program Requirements

  • Prerequisites: BSW from CSWE-accredited program
  • Credit Requirements: 39 credits
  • Field Education Requirements: 6-credit field placement, to be completed in the student’s local community

Program Length

  • Program Options: Full-time or part-time
  • Program Length: 2 years
  • Program Start Dates: Spring, summer, fall

Admission Requirements

  • Application Deadline: Rolling (priority is 30 days before the semester start date)
  • GPA: 2.75 minimum overall; 3.0 minimum in social work courses