Our curriculum emphasizes strengths-oriented, relational practice guided by principles of social justice and human rights, and a conceptual framework of critical social construction. While social work education at UVM prepares students for the multiple role demands and organizational settings characteristic of social work in Vermont and the current era of social work in the U.S., our MSW program also prepares students with a mindfulness of the global influences on the profession and the dissonance that competing demands among these influences create for social workers everywhere in the U.S. These demands include issues of social justice, human diversity, and the uneven protection and distribution of rights and access to resources and opportunities.

Baccalaureate degree completed in good standing from a college or university accredited by a recognized regional accrediting association. No minimum undergraduate grade point average (GPA) is established for admission, however, this is considered as an indicator of prior academic performance. Evidence of a strong liberal arts background including 18 credit hours of course work in social sciences, behavior and life sciences, humanities, and psychology with an emphasis on human/social issues. Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is considered optional. Prior work or volunteer experience in human services is preferred. International students must submit TOEFL scores of 550 (213 computer based) or higher.