Tennessee Tech proposes CSWE-accredited MSW to expand behavioral-health capacity in Upper Cumberland

Tennessee Technological University presented a proposed Master of Social Work designed to expand behavioral-health capacity in the Upper Cumberland region. Interim Provost John Liu described the 60-credit program as majority-online with evening in-person classes to accommodate working professionals and said the program will pursue accreditation through the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).

Dr. Liu and Dr. Seiler (program director and director of the Center for Addiction Prevention and Support, CAPS) told commissioners they expect the program to reach an equilibrium enrollment near 80 students and that a $2.5 million grant will help cover start-up deficits during the first three years. Dr. Seiler said clinical placements and a planned free mental-health clinic at CAPS will provide supervised training opportunities and expand regional service capacity. The presenters said hospitals and regional mental-health providers are already engaged as partners.

Commissioners asked why graduates would not appear until year three; Dr. Seiler explained the accreditation timeline and the cautious approach to ensure students graduate from an accredited program. Commissioners also focused on tuition and return-on-investment; a presenter corrected an earlier figure and confirmed tuition reported in the discussion as $7,088 per semester (about $14,176 annually) for a full-time student, and said the full-time program is typically completed in two years.

THEC approved the program by roll call. Presenters said they will continue accreditation steps with CSWE and finalize clinical partnerships.