West Texas A&M University Social Work Programs
West Texas A&M University’s social work programs open doors to a career field that’s growing faster than most – jobs are projected to increase by 13% between 2019 and 2029, which substantially exceeds the job market’s overall 4% growth rate. You’ll find opportunities in hospitals, schools, government agencies, outpatient services, and nursing care facilities after graduation.
West Texas A&M University’s social work education offers great value for your professional growth. The program costs just $12,700 for in-state students and $14,200 for out-of-state students. The university’s Master’s in Social Work program stands out with rankings in 5 programs and 2 specialties. Your 24-month trip from classroom to licensed professional will give you detailed training in the micro, mezzo, and macro systems of social work practice as defined by the National Association of Social Workers.
Social Work Degrees Offered at West Texas A&M
WTAMU’s social work programs offer complete undergraduate and graduate degree options to prepare students for roles in the field. Students can choose between a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) or Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Social Work. The main difference lies in their course requirements – B.A. students take foreign language courses, while B.S. students take additional science classes.
Students seeking advanced education can pursue a Master of Science in Social Work (MSSW) that uses an advanced generalist approach. The program helps students work with systems of all sizes and develop expertise in rural community settings.
WTAMU’s undergraduate social work program stands as one of Texas’ oldest accredited programs since its original accreditation in 1975. The graduate program earned its candidacy in 2010, received full accreditation in 2013, and achieved reaffirmation successfully in 2017.
Students with a CSWE-accredited Bachelor of Social Work degree earned in the last five years qualify for advanced standing in the master’s program. They can complete their MSSW through a fast-track option in one calendar year or choose the standard five-semester track. Students with undergraduate degrees in other fields enter as foundation students and typically finish the program in two years.
The master’s program runs 100% online. The undergraduate program requires campus attendance and has a mandatory 450-hour internship component. BSW graduates can apply for Licensed Baccalaureate Social Worker (LBSW) licensure in Texas. MSSW graduates become eligible for clinical social worker licensure after about 24 months of supervised practice.
Specializations
West Texas A&M University’s social work programs give you specialized skills in multiple practice areas. WTAMU takes a broader approach than narrowly focused programs. The curriculum combines clinical practice with individuals, families, and groups with macro practice at community and organizational levels.
Your education will help you master the three systems of social work practice defined by the National Association of Social Workers (NASW):
- Micro social work: Direct practice with individuals and families
- Mezzo social work: Interventions with small to medium groups like neighborhoods or schools
- Macro social work: Large-scale work addressing societal issues through policy, research, and community organization
WTAMU’s master’s social work education stands out with its unique emphasis on rural social work. This specialization becomes especially valuable when you consider the Texas Panhandle’s demographic needs. The rural focus prepares you to handle unique challenges in underserved communities where resources may be limited but your work can create significant change.
The program aims to develop change agents ready for our “rapidly changing, culturally diverse, global society”. Your specialized coursework will build competencies that enable you to:
- Differentially assess complex problems
- Employ specialized interventions
- Develop rigorous evaluation techniques
- Lead effectively in systems of varying sizes and complexity
WTAMU’s social work graduates build careers in schools, hospitals, outpatient services, nursing facilities, family services, and government agencies. Your versatile training will prepare you for positions that address specific client needs in different settings.
Students can choose elective coursework in specialized practice areas that match their interests. This personalized approach combined with the program’s detailed foundation creates a unique educational experience. You’ll be ready for professional practice immediately after graduating from WTAMU’s social work programs.
Online and Hybrid Options
At the time of choosing program flexibility, West Texas A&M University’s social work programs provide unique online options that differ by a lot between graduate and undergraduate levels. Understanding this difference helps you plan your educational experience better.
The Master of Science in Social Work (MSSW) program excels in accessibility with its 100% online delivery. Students can complete their entire graduate curriculum remotely from any location. This setup allows working professionals and distance learners to advance their social work education without moving or interrupting their careers. The WTAMU Graduate School webpage’s application portal accepts applications for the online MSSW program.
West Texas A&M University’s social work department handles undergraduate degrees differently. The program guidelines state clearly that “this degree cannot be completed online, nor are all classes offered at night”. Students must attend classes on campus throughout their studies.
West Texas A&M is a 25-year old pioneer in digital education and has been “a leader in online learning since 1997“. The university’s extensive background in virtual instruction benefits its master’s social work program, which operates in a well-developed online educational system. The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools accredits these online programs to maintain high standards.
The university offers three distinct program delivery categories:
- 100% Online: The entire course/program is delivered online, including the master’s social work degree
- Fully Online (86-99%): Programs with mandatory face-to-face sessions totaling no more than 15% of instructional time
- Hybrid/Blended (51-85%): Programs where the majority occurs online, but less than 85%
Students should review each program’s specific delivery format before applying since many graduate programs in West Texas A&M’s social work department include online components. The varying online accessibility between graduate and undergraduate programs shows the unique teaching approaches and professional preparation needed at each level.
Graduation rates
Success rates paint a clear picture of how well academic programs perform. A look at West Texas A&M’s graduation metrics gives you valuable insights about what to expect from their social work education.
The numbers tell an interesting story. West Texas A&M has a 6-year graduation rate of 49% according to the National Center for Education Statistics. Students complete their degrees at different rates – 24% finish in four years, while 51% graduate within eight years.
Different student groups show varying levels of success. White students graduate at 51%, and Hispanic students at 40%. International students lead the pack with a 53% success rate. The numbers drop for Black/African-American students (24%) and American Indian or Alaskan Native students (25%).
The university sets clear targets to boost these numbers. Recent data shows promise – the 6-year graduation rates hit 48.2% for both 2017 and 2018 cohorts, surpassing their acceptable threshold of 44%. This growth reflects the university’s dedication to student success.
First-time, full-time students make up 51% of the student population. Transfer and returning students tend to do better, with a 6-year completion rate of 61%. This suggests that previous college experience might help students succeed in the West Texas A&M masters social work program.
Student retention rates, which help predict graduation success, range from 57.57% to 83%. Full-time students stick around more often, showing a 67% retention rate compared to 46% for part-time students.
These graduation metrics help you plan your education at West Texas A&M’s social work programs realistically. Students typically need 4.45 years to earn their bachelor’s degree – a crucial detail to factor into your educational plans.
Career outcomes
Social work graduates from West Texas A&M step into a field rich with career opportunities and growth potential. The profession is growing faster than ever – employment numbers are expected to grow 7% between 2023 and 2033, which is a big deal as it means that the overall economy’s 4% growth rate.
Your education level shapes your career path after graduation. A bachelor’s degree in social work from WTAMU qualifies you for licensure as a Licensed Baccalaureate Social Worker (LBSW) in Texas. The next step up comes with a master’s degree, which lets you pursue licensure as Licensed Master Social Workers (LMSW).
WTAMU master’s social work program graduates start their journey toward clinical practice right after graduation. The path typically takes 24 months of supervised field experience before you can take the exam to become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). This advanced credential opens doors to higher-paying roles with more responsibility.
WTAMU social work graduates build careers in many settings:
- Healthcare facilities (hospitals, clinics, hospice)
- Schools and educational institutions
- Government agencies and child welfare services
- Mental health and substance abuse centers
- Aging and gerontology services
- Criminal justice and corrections
Your specialty choice affects your earning potential. Texas healthcare social workers earn a median annual salary of $62,500. “All other” social workers earn $68,500, while child/family/school social workers make $49,810. Mental health and substance abuse social workers earn $44,100.
An advanced degree pays off financially. Social workers with an MSW in medical settings earn over $20,000 more annually than those with bachelor’s degrees. Medicare and Medicaid rules list an MSW as an entry-level requirement for many medical facility positions. This makes WTAMU’s master’s social work degree valuable for moving up in your career.
Unique Features about the Social Work Programs at West Texas A&M
West Texas A&M University social work programs stand out with their dedication to rural social work practice. Rural communities don’t deal very well with unique challenges like limited resources, geographic isolation, and mental health service gaps. Students learn to serve communities in the Texas Panhandle and similar regions through a curriculum designed for these specific needs.
The program’s shared approach makes it unique. Faculty members work closely with community partners in the region to create meaningful links between classroom learning and real-world practice. These partnerships are a great way to get field experience where students can tackle community needs and build professional relationships.
West Texas A&M University social work education features faculty who remain within reach. Professors stay connected with students and provide personal attention that larger programs rarely match, even with online study options. Faculty advisors help shape each student’s educational path to align with their career goals.
Advanced technology and evidence-based practices form the core of the curriculum. Students master both theoretical foundations and practical uses of current research methods in modern social work.
Student organizations and networking events help build a strong professional identity. These activities connect students with peers, alumni, and working professionals to create lasting relationships that benefit their careers.
The program keeps tuition rates lower than similar programs across the country. This makes professional social work education available to more aspiring practitioners by removing financial obstacles that might keep qualified candidates from entering this essential field.