This is an archived copy of the 2020-21 catalog. To access the most recent version of the catalog, please visit http://catalog.utexas.edu/.

Steve Hicks School of Social Work

Master of Science in Social Work
Doctor of Philosophy

For More Information

Campus address: School of Social Work Building (SSW) 2.222, phone (512) 471-5457, fax (512) 471-9600; campus mail code: D3500

Mailing address: The University of Texas at Austin, School of Social Work, 1925 San Jacinto Boulevard Stop D3500, Austin TX 78712

E-mail: utssw@lists.cc.utexas.edu

URL: http://socialwork.utexas.edu/

Facilities for Graduate Work

The School of Social Work Building houses classrooms, faculty and administrative offices, and a student lounge. The building also houses the school’s Learning Resource Center, which contains computer and video laboratories and reading rooms; the center provides an extensive reference library of social work–related journals and other materials.

The school offers students several other services and resources, including the Office of Academic Affairs, which coordinates advising, registration, and other academic matters. Career planning is available through the DiNitto Center for Career Services. The Office of the Associate Dean for Research administers faculty-conducted research in such areas as substance use and mental health; child welfare; cultural diversity; domestic and community violence; gerontology; families, children, and youth; social work education; organizational structures; restorative justice; health; health disparities; and behavioral health.

Areas of Study

The Steve Hicks School of Social Work offers graduate study leading to the Master of Science in Social Work and the Doctor of Philosophy with a major in social work.

The Master of Science in Social Work program prepares students for advanced social work practice with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities, as well as for policy-related and administrative positions. Two areas of concentration are available: clinical social work or administration and policy practice.

The Doctor of Philosophy degree prepares students to be academicians and researchers.  Students pursuing this degree design their own areas of study based on their academic and research interests.

Graduate Studies Committee

The following faculty members served on the Graduate Studies Committee (GSC) in the spring 2020 semester.


Marilyn Armour
Noel B Busch-Armendariz
Esther Calzada
Yessenia Castro
Namkee Choi
Allan H Cole Jr
Fiona Conway
Catherine Cubbin
Susan De Luca
Diana M Dinitto
Rowena Fong
Cynthia G Franklin
Lauren E Gulbas
Mercedes Hernandez
Lori K Holleran
Barbara L Jones
Michael L Lauderdale
Abena Subira Mackall
Sandy Magana
Yolanda C Padilla
Jose Ruben Parra-cardona
Elizabeth C Pomeroy
Michele Angela Rountree
David W Springer
Calvin L Streeter
Sarah A Swords
Carmen R Valdez
Mary M Velasquez
Shetal Vohra
Kirk L Von Sternberg
Kari L White
Ahmed Whitt
Luis H Zayas

Admission Requirements

Master of Science in Social Work

Applicants for admission to this degree program should have a general liberal arts education with a broad range of studies in the behavioral sciences. All applicants must have completed at least one college-level statistics course that includes inferential applications.

Applicants with a Bachelor of Social Work degree from a school accredited by the Council on Social Work Education may be admitted into a modified program of study.

Doctor of Philosophy

Applicants to the doctoral degree program must have a master’s degree from an accredited school of social work, or a master's degree in a related discipline with extensive experience in human services. Preference is given to individuals with research experience and at least two years of professional experience beyond the master’s degree.

Professional Liability Insurance

Professional liability insurance is required and a criminal background check may be required of all students enrolled in field placement or internship courses. The insurance policy must cover the duration of the course, beginning on or before the first regular class period.