Admission to the M.S.W. program is based on a combination of academic achievement, a respect for diversity, and a sincere desire to improve the lives of individuals, families, and groups by serving as an advocate to effect positive change in communities and society. For more information about the M.S.W. degree, program options, or to meet with a program representative, please attend one of our information sessions.

There are special admission requirements for the Advanced Standing program and the One-Year Residency (O.Y.R.) program.

Master of Social Work (M.S.W.)
Criteria for admission to the M.S.W. program include: 

• A baccalaureate degree with a strong background in liberal arts
• Cumulative grade-point average of 3.0
• Personal values consistent with the Code of Ethics http://www.naswdc.org/code.htm of the National Association of Social Workers 
• paid or volunteer experience within a human service setting is highly desirable. 

International applicants must have achieved a score of 585 or higher on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL).

In addition to the completed application for admission, students must submit:

• personal statement
• signed Access to Information Waver
• completed Data Information card
• official transcript(s) for all colleges and universities attended
• three letters of reference on official letterhead from faculty, field instructors, volunteer or employment supervisors. Personal references are not accepted
• non-refundable $50 application fee. (Application fee will be waived if applicant attends a Social Work Graduate Admissions event.)

Priority admissions apply, with the exception of the Advanced Standing Program.

Advanced Standing Program
It is strongly recommended that applications be received by March 1.

Eligibility criteria include: 

• B.S.W. earned within the last five years from an institution accredited by the Council on Social Work Education
• Cumulative grade-point average of 3.0
• Grade-point average of 3.0 or higher in social work or social welfare courses
• Personal interview may be required in certain cases. 

In general, the Admissions Committee will not accept a student who received more than one grade of C in social work courses.

Advanced Standing applicants must meet the criteria for admission to the M.S.W. In addition to the completed application, students must submit: 

• An official transcript of fall semester grades prior to the March 1 application deadline. A final official transcript should be submitted after graduation and prior to entering the program.
• One of the three required letters of reference must be from the applicant's faculty/field adviser and include a summary of the applicant's academic and field internship performance.

One-Year Residency (O.Y.R.) Program

O.Y.R. applicants must meet the criteria for admission to the M.S.W. In addition to the completed application, students must submit: 

• One of the three required letters of reference must be submitted by the applicant's employer to verify that:
  • the applicant has had a minimum of three years of direct M.S.W. supervision within the last five years of full-time human service employment.
  • the applicant's employer is committed to providing the applicant with an advanced level internship consistent with the School of Social Work's field education criteria and work/study guidelines.