The Master of Science in Social Work program at the University of Tennessee College of Social Work is the first and oldest graduate social work program in the state of Tennessee. Founded in 1942, it has been accredited continuously since 1945. The M.S.S.W. program provides concentrations in clinical social work practice and social welfare management and community practice.

Educating masters’ level social work students for competent and accountable practice with and on behalf of at-risk populations in the 21st century requires that the College of Social Work' s Master of Science in Social Work (M.S.S.W.) curriculum provide students with cutting-edge knowledge across client systems that are situated within a complex, multilayered, multicultural, ever-changing global community.

Beginning in Fall 2007, the College began offering a new M.S.S.W. curriculum that is informed by state-of-the-art knowledge and grounded upon core social work values and ethics. The concepts of critical thinking, evidenced-based practice, complexity, culturally affirming practice, social and economic justice, and at-risk populations permeate the new M.S.S.W. curriculum. The Master of Science in Social Work program seeks to prepare M.S.S.W. graduates to make demonstrable improvements in the quality of life of at-risk and vulnerable populations across individuals, families, groups, organizations, communities, the state of Tennessee, the nation, and society.

The M.S.S.W. degree is offers at the Knoxville and Memphis campuses, as well as online through our Distance Education* program (*must be a  resident of Tennessee residing more than 25 miles from Knoxville or Nashville).