The University of Tennessee at Martin is introducing a new Master of Science in Social Work program, set to start in August 2026, as reported by an announcement from the university on August 18th. Hoping to serve rural communities, the program will be conducted entirely online, offering both full and part-time options with two admissions tracks catering to students with varied academic backgrounds.
Applications for the MSSW program are expected to open later this month, while the inaugural MSSW degree is anticipated to be awarded in May 2027. Catered to individuals who have already obtained an undergraduate social work degree, the advanced-standing admission allows for the degree to be earned in a brisk one year. The regular-standing admission, however, is open to applicants with non-social work undergraduate degrees and can be completed in two years.
The format of the online curriculum is designed expressly to prepare social workers for the unique challenges of rural service, focusing on empowering individuals, families, and groups. The demand for social workers goes beyond traditional roles, as Alicia Maya Anderson, UT Martin Bachelor of Social Work program director, highlighted in a statement released by the university, "A degree in social work enhances any profession that works with people: law, health care, education, business, even sports."
Dr. Katrinna Matthews, an associate professor of social work at the university, will lead the new program. With a history stretching back to 1970, the social work program has deep roots at UT Martin, a connection reinforced by the extension of the Bachelor of Science degree in Social Work to several UTM regional centers since 2010, enabling students spread across the state to obtain their qualifications.
Those interested in more details about UT Martin's social work offerings can reach out to Anderson at 731-881-7521 or via email at [email protected] or contact Matthews at 731-881-7520 or at [email protected].
