MSW Admissions Criteria
All applicants must meet basic qualifications to be considered for the MSW program. Those applicants considered among the most qualified, based on the evaluation of their application materials, will be offered admission as space is available in the program.
To be admitted to the MSW program, in addition to satisfying the Graduate School admissions criteria, an applicant must demonstrate at a minimum:
- Strong academic preparation including a grade point average (GPA) of 3.0/4.0 or better for the last 60 hours of undergraduate coursework, a liberal arts background, and demonstrated skill in writing.
- In specific cases, courses taken as a graduate student may be included in calculating the GPA for the last 60 undergraduate credit hours.
- A grade of C or better in the liberal arts prerequisite courses
- Clear academic and career goals.
- A strong relationship between his or her interests and faculty interest and school priorities such as public sector practice.
- An understanding of the social work profession.
- An understanding of social issues.
- An appreciation of diversity.
- Self-knowledge.
Applicants who meet the following additional criteria are highly desirable:
- Social work or related employment.
- Cross-cultural experience.
- Computer literacy.
- Research skills.
Applicants who do not meet the 3.0 GPA requirement may submit a Petition for Exceptional Consideration as described on page 22 of the Admissions Bulletin.
Advanced Standing Admissions Criteria
Students admitted with advanced standing generally will not be required to complete coursework in the MSW foundation.
In addition to the MSW general admissions requirements, an applicant for advanced standing must have:
- A degree from a Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) accredited undergraduate social work program within the past six years.
- A grade of C or better in the research, social welfare policy, social work practice, human behavior, and field instruction courses.
