College of Health, Education and Social Transformation

Social Work

College of Health, Education and Social Transformation

Social Work

Empower Lives. Strengthen Communities.
Begin Your Journey in Social Work

Social work is a rewarding and meaningful career choice where you can make a real impact on the lives of your community. With the NMSU Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree program, you’ll be prepared with the knowledge, values and skills essential for professional social work practice in a multicultural society. 

We are a leader among schools for social work in the United States. Our program is committed to serving people impacted by poverty and oppression through the promotion of empowerment, cultural humility and competence and social and economic justice. 

Learn more about the experience
Quick Facts

Admission Deadlines

There are no fixed deadlines*


  • Total classes: 40
  • Total credit hours: 120
  • Cost per credit hour: $223.58**

Delivery Format

In-person or 100% online
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Career Pathways

With the Bachelor of Social Work degree, some of your many rewarding career options include:

  • Case Manager
  • Child Welfare Specialist
  • Director of Social Services
  • Habilitation Specialist
  • Mental Health Technician
  • Outreach Worker
  • Probation Officer
  • Social Worker
  • Substance Abuse Counselor
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Degree questions, answered

Have questions about the Bachelor of Social Work? Fill out our inquiry form.

The Experience

Take the First Step Toward a Career in Social Work

Students drawn to NMSU’s Social Work program are compassionate, justice-driven individuals, often from diverse backgrounds, who are committed to serving underrepresented communities and creating positive change through ethical, community-focused practice. 

The BSW program prepares you for entry-level professional generalist social work practice with an understanding and appreciation of the cultural diversity of the Southwest. To be admitted as a BSW candidate, you must have a 2.5 grade-point average and formally apply for admission to the program.

Once accepted into the program, students also need to meet a Cultural Emphasis requirement and a one-year second language requirement. The number of credits a student needs to take may vary depending on their fluency in another language. 

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CSWE Accredited

The BSW program is fully accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).

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Scholarships Available

Get up to 100% of tuition covered with the New Mexico Opportunity Scholarship.**

The School of Social Work’s CSWE accredited Bachelor of Social Work educational program is designed to prepare students for ethical and evidence-informed professional social work practice.  

Preparation for entry-level professional social work requires a thorough knowledge of theory and skills, therefore, the high number (57) of core social work credits is required. A grade of C- or better is required for all social work courses. 

The Bachelor of Social Work program consists of 120 credits. To earn this degree, you need to complete all University degree requirements, which include General Education requirements, Viewing a Wider World requirements and elective credits, with 48 credits in courses numbered 300 or above. 

Take classes like:

  • SOWK 3110 – Sociocultural Concepts
  • SOWK 4240 – Professionalism in the Field of Social Work
  • SOWK 3120 – Human Behavior and the Social Environment
  • SOWK 4210 - Generalist Social Work Practice with Organizations and Communities
View more courses and degree road map
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Scholarships and Financial Aid

At NMSU, we strive to offer competitively priced tuition to keep your tuition costs affordable. If you need financial aid, we’re ready to work with you to determine the best ways to finance your education.

Financial assistance includes loans, grants, and scholarship opportunities. To apply, use NMSU’s convenient Scholar Dollar$ one-stop scholarship application, which serves all students in the NMSU system.

NMSU students are also eligible for loans and grants. The first step in applying for financial aid is to complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Learn more about financial aid opportunities at NMSU.



Contact Financial Aid
Phone: 1-888-729-6678
Email: financialaid@nmsu.edu

Accreditation

New Mexico State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Specialized accreditation from other accrediting agencies is also granted for some programs. NMSU’s accreditation ensures that your education meets high-quality standards and that your credits are transferable.