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).
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