New Mexico is home to six MSW programs. Of the available options, three of them are traditional, campus-based programs, while three of them offer online MSW programs (either online only or hybrid options).
If you are looking for an MSW program in New Mexico, check out the full school listings below, which provide the latest program highlights, tuition information, and other relevant details designed to help you compare and contrast degree options.
In this guide- Online MSW listings
- MSW programs listings
- MSW overview
- Online MSW overview
- How to become a social worker
- License requirements
- Social work salaries
- Career outlook
Online MSW programs in New Mexico
New Mexico Highlands University
Las Vegas, NM
Credits: 63
Cost per credit: $525
Plan of Study: Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing, Weekends/Evening
Area of specialized practice: Clinical or Direct Practice, International Social Work, Management or Administration, Immigrants and Refugees
Dual Degree Option(s: Business Administration
Certification: Addictions
Program Highlights:- Comprehensive, Forward-Thinking Curriculum
- Engaging courses and hands-on field practicums
- Field placement opportunities in your area
New Mexico State University
Las Cruces, NMCredits: 60
Cost per credit: $444
Plan of Study: Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing, Weekends/Evening
Area of specialized practice: Advanced Generalist
Dual Degree Option(s: Public Health
Certification: Public Health
Program Highlights:- MSW/MPH Dual Degree Program available
- Emphasis on advanced generalist practice in multi-cultural settings with vulnerable populations
Western New Mexico University
Silver City, NMCredits: 60
Cost per credit: $343 in state | $425 out of state
Plan of Study: Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing
Area of specialized practice: Advanced Generalist
Certification: School Social Work, Military, Rural Social Work
Program Highlights:- Develop the knowledge, skills, and values necessary to provide social work services to people of all ages in a variety of settings.
- GRE not required
- Tuition Assistance for NM School Social Workers
MSW programs in New Mexico
New Mexico Highlands University
Albuquerque, Farmington, Las Vegas, Rio Rancho, Santa Fe & Roswell, NMCredits: 63
Cost per credit: $321 in state | $539 out of state
Plan of Study: Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing, Weekends/Evening
Area of specialized practice: Clinical or Direct Practice, International Social Work, Management or Administration, Immigrants and Refugees
Dual Degree Option(s: Business Administration
Certification: Addictions
Program Highlights:- Practice social work competently with the diverse, multicultural populations of New Mexico and the Southwest
- Complete this degree in 24 months (full-time) or 36 months (part-time)
New Mexico State University
Las Cruces, Albuquerque & Roswell, NMCredits: 60
Cost per credit: $288 in state | $360 out of state
Plan of Study: Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing, Weekends/Evening
Area of specialized practice: Advanced Generalist
Dual Degree Option(s: Public Health
Certification: Public Health
Program Highlights:- Holistic social work practice that uses theory, research, and experience
- Classroom education and practicum practice experience
Western New Mexico University
Silver City, NMCredits: 60
Cost per credit: $343 in state | $437 out of state
Plan of Study: Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing
Area of specialized practice: Advanced Generalist
Certification: School Social Work, Military, Rural Social Work
Program Highlights:- Develop the knowledge, skills, and values necessary to provide social work services to people of all ages in a variety of settings.
- Post-Graduation Opportunities
- Grants for students intending on becoming employed within child welfare in New Mexico.
MSW programs overview
Before you can dive into your social work career, you’ll need to complete the formal education requirements set forth by the New Mexico Board of Social Work. The good news is that New Mexico has several in-state colleges that offer CSWE-accredited master of social work (MSW) programs. Let’s look at the three options:
- New Mexico Highlands University – New Mexico Highlands University offers a dual-degree MSW/MBA program so students can pursue both degrees simultaneously. Their MSW program offers three different areas of specialization: clinical, leadership and administration, and bilingual/bi-cultural clinical practice (Spanish/English). There is also an advanced standing MSW program for students who have completed their BSW within the last five years from an accredited school. The advanced standing program can only be completed as a full-time program.
- Western New Mexico University – The CSWE-accredited MSW programs at Western New Mexico University boast small class sizes. They offer both a standard and an advanced standing MSW program. To qualify for the advanced standing program, students need a BSW from a CSWE accredited institution within the last eight years.
- New Mexico State University – New Mexico State University offers a CSWE accredited MSW and BSW programs. This MSW program was designed with an advanced generalist focus to help prepare students for a wide variety of professional opportunities. New Mexico State University offers four different courses of study for their MSW program: full-time, part-time, advanced standing, and part-time advanced standing.
Online MSW programs overview
While attending classes in-person is the more traditional form of higher education, online, hybrid, and asynchronous classes can offer increased flexibility. The increased scheduling flexibility is valuable for students who are already working or who have other personal time commitments that may otherwise prevent them from returning for higher education.
Currently, only one school in New Mexico offers an online MSW program. Western New Mexico University offers both traditional on-campus and online MSW programs for maximum flexibility. Students will need to complete at least 60 credit hours to graduate with an MSW in both cases.
How to become a social worker in New Mexico
Understanding the exact steps you need to take to get your license in New Mexico can be confusing. According to the New Mexico Board of Social Work, there are three different licensure levels that you can apply for: licensed baccalaureate social worker (LBSW), licensed master social worker (LMSW), and licensed clinical social worker (LCSW). To help clarify the process, we’ve outlined a list on how to obtain each of these licenses in New Mexico
LBSW
- Obtain your BSW from a CSWE accredited university.
- Apply for your LBSW license.
- Receive a one-year provisional license. During this time frame, you’ll need to take and pass the ASWB Bachelor’s exam.
- Complete New Mexico cultural coursework and submit proof of completion to the New Mexico Board of Social Work.
LMSW
- Obtain your MSW from a CSWE accredited university.
- Apply for your LMSW license.
- Receive a one-year provisional license. During this time frame, you’ll need to take and pass the ASWB Master’s exam.
- Complete New Mexico cultural coursework and submit proof of completion to the New Mexico Board of Social Work.
LCSW
- Obtain your MSW from a CSWE accredited university.
- Complete 3,600 hours of supervised experience. This must be completed within two to five years.
- Apply for your LCSW license.
- Receive a one-year provisional license. During this time frame, you’ll need to take and pass the ASWB Advanced Generalist or Clinical exam.
Social work license requirements in New Mexico
No matter which license you pursue, New Mexico does require some type of higher education for each level. The LBSW is the only license you can obtain without having an MSW. And while none of the license levels specifically requires a PhD in social work, have your DSW can significantly boost your job and earnings potential.
New Mexico does offer limited reciprocity licensure for those who have already been licensed in another state. To qualify for reciprocity, you need at least five years of out-of-state licensure and complete an application form that demonstrates that you meet New Mexico’s licensing requirements. Additionally, you will also need to provide evidence of taking a New Mexico cultural course before you can become licensed in New Mexico.
Social worker jobs and social worker salary in New Mexico
The demand for social workers in New Mexico will continue to grow, especially as its population grows and continues to diversify. Currently, there are 4,250 social workers employed in New Mexico. The salary range for social workers in the state is $44,430 and $58,720 a year. Of those 4,250, the following numbers show how they break down into specializations according to BLS data:
Child, family, and school social worker — There are 2,170 child, family, and school social workers in the state. The average annual salary for this group is $46,870.
Healthcare social worker — There are 870 healthcare social workers in New Mexico. This type of social worker makes an average salary of $60,320 a year in the state.
Mental health and substance abuse social worker — There are 490 mental health and substance abuse social workers making an average salary of $52,810.
All other social workers — There are 470 social workers in this group which includes administrators, private practice, etc. The average salary for this group is $61,000.
Social work outlook in New Mexico
According to the BLS, New Mexico has a higher concentration of (and demand for) social workers when compared to the national average. From 2014 to 2024, the health care and social assistance industry is expected to lead job growth across the state. So much so that this growth will represent over 43 percent of overall employment growth during this decade. You won’t need to worry about finding a job after you graduate and obtain your license; there is no end in sight for the explosion in demand for social workers in New Mexico.