Admission Criteria
All applicants must fulfill the general admission requirements of both The Graduate School and the College of Social Work. Applicants must be recommended to The Graduate School for acceptance by the MSW Program. Acceptance by The Graduate School and the MSW Program is based on the evaluation of an applicant’s total academic profile. The MSW Program is committed to diversity in its student body. Admission is limited and competitive and is contingent upon admission to The Graduate School.
The Graduate School coordinates online applications to our MSW program. Supporting materials are required
in addition to the application for graduate admission. Applicants are encouraged to review the degree programs & application requirements before applying to the MSW program. Information about official transcripts is available on The Graduate School’s webpage. Only complete applications will be reviewed.
Prospective international students are encouraged to visit International Student Services for more information about visas, immigration and required documents.
Admission Requirements
The minimal requirements for admission include:
- A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
- Applicants to the Advanced Standing program option must have earned a bachelor’s degree in social work from a Council on Social Work Education-accredited institution within the last five years.
- A cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.00 (on a 4.00 scale).
- Applicants to the Advanced Standing program option must have also earned a B or better GPA in the last 60 credit hours of an accredited bachelor's degree and a B or better in all required undergraduate social work classes. Applicants to the Advanced Standing program option should be aware that meeting the minimal requirements does not guarantee admission to this program option.
- Official transcripts of all college and university credits earned.
- Statement of Purpose explaining the applicant’s desire to enter the degree program and outlining long-term professional goals, motivation, and capacity to work with people.
- At least two letters of recommendation should come from individuals who can address
characteristics such as maturity, self-discipline, commitment, cooperativeness and
professionalism. The MSW program requires letters be written by individuals who can
attest to an applicant’s potential for graduate study and social work practice (e.g.,
professor, supervisor or community leader). Letters from those an applicant has a
personal relationship with (e.g., relative, friend or neighbor) will not be adequate.
- Applicants to the Advanced Standing program option are required to submit three letters of recommendation. Of the three letters of recommendation, one must be from the BSW program director or faculty advisor recommending readiness for Advanced Standing and one be must from the undergraduate field supervisor or current social work supervisor if employed.
- A current CV or resume that demonstrates evidence of service and/or work experiences congruent with social work values, skills, and knowledge.
Note: An interview may also be required.
International applicants are required to meet additional requirements such as language
and English proficiency. Please see the International Applicants webpage for more information.
Transfer of Course Credits
You may transfer course credits from another CSWE-accredited master's program in accordance with the policy in the Graduate Academic Regulations Bulletin. Students in the Full-time and Part-time program options may transfer up to 18 semester hours of graduate credit. Students in the Advanced Standing program option may transfer up to 15 semester hours of graduate credit. A formal written request for transfer must be made at the time of application for admission.
Applicants interested in requesting graduate transfer credits must complete the Request for Transfer for Graduate Credit Form and submit transcripts and copies of syllabi to the Admissions Office in the College of Social Work. The MSW Program Coordinator reviews and approves requests for transfer of course credit.