The School of Behavioral Health Sciences at UTHealth Houston proudly offers a Master of Clinical Social Work (MSW) program designed for individuals passionate about transforming lives through mental and behavioral health care. With a strong clinical focus, this program prepares graduates to become Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSWs) equipped to serve diverse communities across Texas and beyond.
Our MSW program is built on the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) core competencies, with an added emphasis on clinical and medical social work. Students will graduate with the knowledge and skills to:
Build a strong foundation in:
Deepen your expertise in:
Fieldwork is the heart of social work education. Students complete:
Field placements are tailored to your interests and career goals, offering hands-on experience in hospitals, clinics, schools, and community organizations.
Please answer the following questions in no more than 5, double-spaced pages. Use APA style citation for sources.
1. Interest, Motivation, and Commitment to Social Work
Discuss your interest in social work, including personal experiences, academic background, or pivotal moments that led you to this career choice. Explain why pursuing a clinical or medical MSW at this stage in your life and career is the right choice, and how the program aligns with your educational needs and future goals.
Professional Goals and Program Fit: Outline your short-term and long-term career objectives in the field of clinical or medical social work. Explain how the program will help you achieve these professional goals.
2. Understanding of Social Issues
Current Social Problems: Identify the social issues that are of greatest concern to you. Explain your perspectives on how these issues can be addressed or mitigated.
Social Justice and Equity: Discuss how you intend to address social justice issues as a clinical or medical social worker, and how your strengths will help advance equity in your practice.
3. Experience with Disadvantaged Population
Work/Volunteer Experience: Describe your experience working with socially and economically disadvantaged populations. Explain how these experiences have shaped your career goals.
Impact of Experiences: Reflect on how these experiences have influenced your decision to pursue a clinical MSW and how they will contribute to your success in the program.
4. Ethical Considerations
Ethical Values: Address how your personal values align with the NASW Code of Ethics. Reflect on any potential conflicts between your values and professional standards, and how you plan to reconcile them.
Ethical Dilemmas: Provide an example of an ethical dilemma you have faced, how you handled it, and what you learned from the experience.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, both healthcare and mental health social work roles are projected to grow by nearly 10% over the next decade, well above the national average.
Providing counseling and support services to individuals struggling with mental health and substance use disorders.
Advising healthcare teams and organizations on strategies to improve behavioral health outcomes.
Assisting patients and families in navigating medical systems, treatment plans, and psychosocial challenges.
Coordinating care and supervising clinical staff to ensure effective service delivery and compliance.
Promoting mental health awareness and access to resources through outreach and policy initiatives.
