DENTON (UNT), Texas — The University of North Texas Department of Social Work has welcomed its first cohort of a new Master of Social Work degree program.

“Our joint Master of Social Work program with Texas Woman’s University was so successful that student demand exceeded capacity,” said Department Chair Cassidy Baker. “As the College of Health and Public Service and UNT are committed to students, we’re excited to offer an independent Master of Social Work program to welcome more candidates. It’s wonderful that this collaboration led to each institution developing its own program.”

UNT is ready to prepare students to meet the demand for jobs in health and elder care, child and family services, mental health and other fast-growing areas with this new program. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, social work is one of the fastest-growing careers in the country, with nearly 64,000 job openings projected annually through 2032.

As each university now has its own program, the joint program with Texas Woman’s University is no longer active. The new program at UNT will offer two tracks. Students without a social work degree will complete a 60-hour traditional program with two full-time practicums. Those with a Bachelor of Social Work can enter the Advanced Standing Degree Program, waiving 30 hours and finishing in one year with one full-time practicum placement.

The curriculum integrates theoretical and methodological knowledge with research and hands-on experience. Traditional plan students will complete two practicum placements totaling 900 hours, while advanced-standing students complete a 500-hour practicum.

Jessica Sanchez, a graduate of the joint TWU-UNT Master of Social Work program and now coordinator of disability services at Texas Woman’s University, highlighted the importance of the program.

“The joint program taught me how to support diverse populations and inspired my career in serving college students,” Sanchez said. “Social work is about making a difference in various settings, and programs like this are vital for training students to serve the community.”

Social work students are supervised by licensed social workers trained by UNT to be field instructors. The program partners with nearly 100 agencies across the Dallas-Fort Worth area, offering varied placement experiences. Partner agencies include Communities in Schools of North Texas, Child Advocacy Centers and United Way of Denton County.

“An advanced degree in social work will boost students’ careers and offer more field and licensure opportunities,” said Rosalind Evans, clinical assistant professor and Master of Social Work program director. “Our priority is to maintain strong partnerships and grow career opportunities with high employee investment. We believe our initiatives equip students to ignite change, pursue social justice and shape futures globally.”

Mak Martin, a recent Bachelor of Social Work graduate and current master’s student, praised the department’s faculty and supportive environment.

“The faculty are incredibly intentional with their students and always rooting for our success, which has made me feel seen and appreciated,” Martin said. “We are being trained to be changemakers, to be culturally competent, to be problem solvers, to embrace diversity and so much more.”