The new program will start with the Fall 2027 semester as a hybrid online program designed to accommodate the work schedules of employed individuals.
Tennessee Technological University is introducing a new Master of Social Work program that will begin with the Fall 2027 semester. The program will work closely with the university’s Center for Addiction Prevention and Support, which will also be launching a free community mental health clinic in the Fall 2026 semester. The free clinic will serve as a clinical training site for individuals in the Master of Social Work program.
According to an article on Tennessee Technological University’s website, Steven Seiler, who is a professor of sociology, the director of the Master of Social Work program, and the director of the Center for Addiction Prevention and Support, was quoted as saying, “This project is really about making a positive social impact in the Upper Cumberland. The idea is to help fill gaps in access to mental health care while also producing social workers who will serve communities across this region. As we bring in MSW students, those who are interested will have opportunities to work in the clinic as therapists under supervision. That will help expand our capacity to serve the community while also providing meaningful clinical training.”
The Upper Cumberland region of Tennessee is currently experiencing a greater need for mental health support and social services. The new Master of Social Work program is designed to prepare individuals to fill open roles and provide these services to the community. Anyone who currently wants to pursue this degree would have to travel or enroll in online programs from further-away universities, so introducing this program at Tennessee Technological University will be a boon for both students and for the community, who will benefit from the increased local social work and mental health professionals.
Seiler said, “The Upper Cumberland is, in many ways, a social work desert. While there are dedicated professionals serving this area, we simply don’t have enough licensed social workers to meet the need. There’s such a need for support for people struggling with addiction and mental health challenges. If we can help provide a lifeline or create new pathways for care and support in this region, then we’re making a difference for our communities.”
The Master of Social Work program is a hybrid online program, with classes primarily occurring online and limited instruction occurring in person in the evenings. Individuals who graduate from the program will be prepared to seek employment with behavioral health organizations, schools, health care systems, courts, government agencies, and nonprofit organizations.
Both the Master of Social Work program and the Center for Addiction Prevention and Support’s free community mental health clinic are partially supported by a $2.5 million grant from the Opioid Abatement Council.
The free clinic will collaborate with community partners to expand access to mental health care even further. One collaboration with the Upper Cumberland Human Resource Agency will provide the services via telehealth to individuals in rural communities.
For more information about Tennessee Technological University, visit the school’s website.