A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with appropriate preparation in the social sciences.
At least three-fourths of the applicant's undergraduate work should be in the social sciences, humanities, physical sciences, and other arts and sciences subjects.
Applicants must demonstrate a liberal arts perspective through coursework in at least four of the following five areas economics or mathematics, government, political science or history, sociology or anthropology, psychology, philosophy, literature, or the arts.
Applicants with other academic backgrounds may request consultation to discuss ways that they can meet the requirements.
Have TOEFL scores of at least 550 on the paper test or 80 on the internet-based test or a 6.5 overall band score on the IELTS, if native language is not English.
Submit online application to the Office of Graduate Admissions.
Preference is given to applicants with a GPA of 3.00 or above in their undergraduate work with substantial preparation in the social sciences.
Applicants with a GPA below 3.00 can submit current scores from the GRE General Exam to supplement their application materials. GRE scores are valid for five years from the date of the exam.
Graduate School policy requires a minimum GPA of 2.70 for admission to graduate study. Applicants falling below this average may be considered for probationary admission on the basis of supplemental evidence of the ability to perform at a satisfactory level.
Personal qualifications acceptable for entrance into the professional practice of social work.
Applicants who have a prior conviction, other than a minor traffic violation, may not necessarily be denied admission to the MSSW program. However, such convictions may prevent placement in certain field practice agencies and/or licensure in certain states.
Advanced Standing Program. Admission to advanced standing requires
A BSW from a program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (must have graduated within five years of entry to the MSSW program),
Cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.00 or higher, and
Personal qualifications acceptable for entrance into the professional practice of social work.
These students will follow the curriculum plan and meet all requirements of the concentration during three semesters of study in the program.
The advanced standing program begins summer semester and may be completed on either a full-time or part-time basis.
Application for admission to the advanced standing program is through the regular admission process.
Extended Study
Planned part-time programs are available in all three locations of the college. Admission requirements are the same as for full-time study. Coursework can be completed over a three- or four-year period.
Transfer Credits
Coursework equivalent to the first year of the master's program, completed in another accredited graduate social work program, is usually accepted toward degree requirements.
Applicants must meet the admission requirements of the Graduate School and the College of Social Work.
Transfer courses must be approved as equivalent to required generalist and/or elective courses taken for graduate credit and passed with a grade of B or better.
An S (Satisfactory/No Credit system) for the field practicum is also accepted.
In addition, transfer courses must be part of an otherwise satisfactory graduate program (B average) and be approved by the program director. This coursework must be completed within the six-year period prior to the receipt of the degree.