Master of Social Work program provides two curriculum options: “Standard” and “Advanced Standing." Applicants are only eligible to apply for the Advanced Standing option if they have earned a baccalaureate degree from an accredited social work program and make application within 7 seven years and have attained a minimum GPA of 2.75 for all undergraduate coursework, and a minimum GPA of 3.0 for all undergraduate social work coursework.

• Applicants are to provide the College of Graduate Studies and Research office with sealed, official transcripts (one copy) of ALL undergraduate and graduate work from institution(s) of prior and/or current enrollment.

Please note: If the transcripts do not include the student’s entire undergraduate program, including the award of the bachelor’s degree, copies of the final transcript also must be sent to the College of Graduate Studies & Research after the student has been awarded the bachelor’s degree.

• Applicants are to submit three (3) letters of recommendation. Applicants are asked to list their references and have each reference use the online recommendation form found at the Graduate College website. 

One (1) recommendation is to be acquired from each of three (3) separate sources:

1. One from a professional currently practicing in the field of human services whom has witnessed the applicant’s practice abilities and can assess the applicant’s suitability/promise as a professional social worker.
2. One from a professor, addressing the applicant’s likelihood of success in a graduate level program of study.
3. One from an additional source of your choosing (examples: another academic or professional reference, a former employer or colleague).

Standard Program

The School of Social Work established the following minimum criteria as required of all applicants seeking admission into the Master of Social Work program. Applicants are also encouraged to refer to the College of Graduate Studies and Research application materials for additional criteria set forth by the College of Graduate Studies and Research.

• A baccalaureate degree earned at an accredited institution.
• A minimum overall GPA of 2.75 (undergraduate degree).
• Evidence of a liberal arts background to include at least 15 credit hours in social sciences, 9 hours of humanities and 3 hours of biology content and 1 hour of lab.
• Course credit is not given for life experience or previous work experience.
• Previous experience in the field of human services as an employee, student and/or volunteer is strongly recommended.
• Evidence of interest, ability, motivation and potential for professional social work practice on an advanced level as demonstrated by three letters of recommendation and a personal essay.
• Have a GPA of 3.0 in the last 60 hours of upper-division coursework.