Admission Requirements for Regular Standing Students

An undergraduate degree from an accredited institution is required for admission. No particular undergraduate major is required, but a broad liberal arts preparation is essential. While a major in Social Work is seen as desirable, other undergraduate majors are given equal consideration for the two-year program. A grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or higher in the last 60 credits of undergraduate course work is required. In addition to the University application, M.S.W. applicants must also submit the social work application, a personal statement, three letters of recommendation (on School of Social Work forms), and a current résumé. The total application packet will be considered in making admission decisions.

*If accepted for admission into the MSW program, all incoming students are required to attend an MSW orientation conducted during the week prior to the beginning of the fall term.

Admission Requirements for Advanced Standing Students

The Advanced Standing Program is available to a limited number of applicants who have completed their Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree within the last five years. The BSW must have been earned from a Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)-accredited program. Applicants must meet previously stated admission requirements and have a GPA of 3.5 or higher in the last 60 credits of undergraduate course work with an outstanding recommendation from the field director.

Applicants are required to successfully pass the three-credit transition course. The transition course is intended to assist applicants in transitioning from undergraduate BSW level course work to graduate level MSW course work. The course is only offered during the summer prior to the fall semester. Applicants may be conditionally accepted in the advanced standing program prior to successfully completing the transition course. Those applicants who take the transition course and are not accepted into the advanced standing program may drop the course in accordance with university policy.

Undergraduate course work will be examined by the admissions committee. Successful completion of the Transition course is required prior to beginning the Advanced Standing Program. This course will be offered online (Web-based) during the summer. Students admitted to this program will follow the Advanced Year Curriculum, which consists of 30 credits. One of the three professional letters of reference required must be from the program’s Director of Field Education. Highly promising applicants who do not precisely meet the GPA or GRE admission requirements may petition the College Graduate Admission Committee for exceptional consideration.

• MSW Transition Course Fact Sheet

Advanced Students Applying for Financial Aid

If you are an advanced standing student who is applying for financial aid for the summer Transition Course, you will need to select “summer” as your Entry Term on the University Application to Graduate School. If you are not applying for financial aid for the summer Transition Course, you should select “fall” as your Entry Term.

Admission Requirements for International Students

Graduates of colleges or universities outside of the United States who have completed an academic program equivalent to an American bachelor’s degree may apply for admission. International applicants for whom English is a second language are required to submit a score of 600 or higher (CBT-250 or higher) on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) before enrolling in course work. Applicants must write to Test of English as a Foreign Language, Educational Testing Service, Princeton, New Jersey, U.S.A. 08540, for details. In addition, international applicants must have had previous experience in the social welfare field in their own countries prior to application to the MSW program. Lastly, international applicants must also possess and provide a sound financial plan to cover the costs of tuition, living expenses, and round-trip transportation.

Child Welfare Certificate

The Child Welfare Certificate Program prepares students for a career in working with abused or neglected children and their families. The certificate program provides a foundation of knowledge in practice, policy, and programs that impact vulnerable children’s lives. Students develop practice skills in areas relevant to children’s services, including substance abuse and family violence. Depending on funding, internships may be available. Call 561-297-3234 for information.

Elders Certificate

The Certificate Program prepares students for a career in service of diverse aging populations.  The certificate program provides a specialized knowledge and skill base in practice, practice-evaluation, research and policy areas in order to ensure the delivery of quality services to diverse aging groups.  Call 561-297-3234 for information.

Important Information for MSW Applicants
Information for Recently Accepted MSW Students