Master of Social Work in Clinical Practice (Social Work Practice with Latinos)

The Face to Face MSW prepares students to move into clinical or macro practice. Students primarily attend face to face classes at the main UH campus and have access to two areas of specialized practice, four specializations and our four dual degree programs. Face to Face program students attend full-time. The Face to Face program is primarily a day-time program and cannot be completed only on evenings. Both program options, Advanced Standing and full program are available Face to Face.

Clinical Practice is the application of theories, methods, skills, values and ethics needed to enhance the cognitive, mental, emotional, behavioral, physical and social well-being of individuals, couples, families, groups and communities. Clinical practice requires leadership in promoting social, economic and political justice. Its methods are relationship-centered, contextualized, culturally sensitive and strengths focused. It includes knowledge about biopsychosocial functioning - and - evidence based interventions. Clinical practice includes, (but not limited to) assessment and intervention, diagnosis and treatment, education and prevention, advocacy, counseling and psychotherapy, supervision and consultation.


The Social Work Practice with Latinos Specialization aims to prepare social workers to work with Hispanic/Latino/Latina populations in clinical, community, and social service settings. In the Greater Houston area, a professional with a Master's degree in Social Work will interact with diverse populations that include Latinos/as from Mexico, Central and South America, and the Caribbean. Houston is the 4th largest city in the United States and one of the most diverse. The Latino population is the fastest growing ethnic group in the U.S., expected to increase from 17% currently to 30% by the year 2050. Designated a Hispanic Serving Institution since 2012, the University of Houston is ripe with opportunities for networking with various Hispanic/Latino cultures on campus. The Social Work Practice with Latinos Specialization creates unique learning opportunities for students to gain effective advanced social work skills for engaging the Latino family and community in social service interventions from a cultural perspective. Through the focused coursework taken in the specialization, a required field component, optional study abroad opportunities, and active exchanges with faculty who teach in the specialization, students benefit from innovative opportunities for increasing professional cultural awareness and understanding of the historical, political, economic, community, social and cultural contexts of Hispanics/Latinos/Latinas.

Hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university. The undergraduate education must reflect a sound liberal arts foundation, including courses in the humanities, arts, and in the social and biological sciences. Scanned copies of official transcripts can be used to make an admissions decision. If admitted, an official transcript showing degree awarded must be sent to the UH Graduate School in order to enroll in classes.

Have achieved a grade point average of 3.0 or better (4.0 scale) for all undergraduate and graduate course work.

The minimum TOEFL score required is 79 for the internet-based test.
The minimum TOEFL score for the paper-based (pBT) exam is 550 or higher.
The minimum TOEFL score for the new revised paper-based exam is: Reading 20, Listening 20, and Writing 20.
The minimum IELTS score required is an overall score of a 6.5.