Western New Mexico University and New Mexico State University are the only institutions in the state that offer fully online MSW programs. Instruction for both of the programs is a mix of asynchronous and synchronous coursework Beyond the online coursework, the programs also require students to complete field education at local health services agencies.

Please note: All online MSW programs require students to complete field education at a local health services agency.

Western New Mexico University’s School of Social Work offers both traditional and advanced standing tracks, as well as an Advanced Generalist concentration. The traditional track is 60 credits and requires 900 hours of field education split evenly between four semesters. Full-time and part-time options are available, with the former to be completed in two years and the latter to be completed in three years. The advanced standing track is only 39 credits and requires 450 hours of field education. Full time and part time options are also available for this track, with the former to be completed in one year and the latter in one and a half to two and a half years, depending on the course load.

New Mexico State University offers an Advanced Generalist Practice concentration with Populations of the Southwest. The program is offered full time to students in both traditional and advanced tracks.

In addition to in-state options, students residing in the state have several out-of-state online MSW options. There are many out-of-state universities with online MSW programs that accept students from New Mexico, and the majority of these programs are fully online, meaning they do not require students to visit campus while earning their degrees. Some of these programs do necessitate a limited number of visits, and these may be the ideal medium for students who want the flexibility of an online program yet would still prefer to meet their professors and classmates in person.

Several out-of-state online MSW programs also offer the same tuition rate to in-state and out-of-state students, so aspiring social workers in New Mexico would be wise to research as many options as possible. To learn more about a particular program below, click on the name of the school.

All online MSW programs require field education at a local health services agency. Programs that are 100% online do not require students to visit the campus during the program.

The New Mexico Board of Social Work Examiners issues three types of social work license: Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW), and Licensed Bachelor Social Worker (LBSW). Below are some common steps to become a social worker in New Mexico, which you should confirm with New Mexico’s board of social workers. Information regarding licensure in New Mexico was last retrieved in August 2020.

For more detailed information on becoming a social worker in New Mexico, visit the New Mexico Board of Social Work Examiners.

You can also refer to our guides on general requirements for becoming a social worker and becoming an LCSW.

Last updated: September 2020