The mission of the MSW Social Work Program at Middle Tennessee State University is to provide a learning environment where students are taught to think critically, be creative, participate actively in their education, and grow as individuals while respecting the rapidly changing and diverse world in which they will live and practice social work. We believe classwork and special student work experiences must demonstrate how to relate effectively to all types of people and to appreciate how emotional, social, economic, political, and spiritual forces influence the behavior of those we are helping. Our goal is to develop competent, ethical professionals with the knowledge, values and skills for effective practice with individuals, families, groups, agencies, communities, inform and develop local, state and national policy, and provide outstanding leadership in the field of social services.

The Master of Social Work (M.S.W.) degree is offered through a program consisting of in-person classes, online classes, and internships

The demand for social workers has been projected to grow 19% overall in the decade through 2022 and varies by specialty area of employment. Social workers are employed in a variety of settings, including mental health clinics, schools, child welfare and human service agencies, hospitals, nursing homes, home care agencies, residential treatment programs, and private practices. Mental health and substance abuse social workers are one of the two hottest careers in the state requiring a master’s degree, according to the Tennessee Department of Labor. Some possible professional paths for those with the Master of Social Work include

Child and family social worker
Clinical social worker
Clinical therapist
Geriatric social worker
Healthcare social worker
Hospice and palliative care social worker
Medical social worker
Mental health and substance abuse social worker
School social worker