Apply to the Master of Social Work Program

MSW Application Required Materials:

• Applicants to the MSW Program will provide the following materials:
  
  • Application to the University of Utah Graduate School (a separate application is not necessary)
    • Transcripts
    • Three professional recommendations
    • Statement of Purpose
    • Resume
  • The Admissions Committee engages in a holistic review process, drawing information from each source

Minimum Applicant Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree
  
  • A bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited university is required for admission into all graduate programs at the University of Utah
  • Only the Advanced Standing MSW Program requires a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree (earned within seven years of the application deadline)
  • Applicants anticipating a bachelor's degree are eligible to apply when their degree will be awarded before the semester in which the MSW Program begins

Preferred Applicant Qualifications

• 3.0 Cumulative GPA
  • A 3.0 cumulative GPA is required for admission to The Graduate School. However, applicants with lower GPAs may be considered on a case-by-case basis
    • Applicants with a cumulative GPA below 3.0 are required to submit a GPA Statement as part of their application
    • Applicants with a cumulative GPA below 3.0 are encouraged to submit at least one academic recommendation
• Related Experience
  • Although not required, having at least 500 hours of related work and/or volunteer experience strengthens applications and benefits the applicant in several ways, including the following:
    • Shows the ability to take direction, work well with peers, and serve vulnerable client populations;
    • Expands understandings of  how social work is different from other mental health professions;
    • Establishes connections with social work professionals
  • Examples of related experience can be found here: What is Human Service?
• A Clear Understanding of Social Work as a Profession
  • The National Association of Social Workers (NASW) website is a comprehensive and free resource
    • Explore Social Work
    • Understand Social Work Practice
    • Become familiar with the NASW Code of Ethics
• Demonstrated Ability to Write at a Graduate Level
  • If you are a current student at any university, you probably have access to resources to assist with developing your writing skills, should you desire to do so
    • Currently-enrolled students at the University of Utah may utilize the University Writing Center
  • If you are not a current student, Purdue Owl is an excellent resource
  • You will use the APA Style in the MSW Program
    • Purdue Owl's APA Formatting and Style Guide

Admission Requirements

• Applicants who are offered admission must complete the following tasks to accept their seat and begin the program:
  • Pay the $150 MSW seating fee within two weeks of receiving the offer
  • Respond to the offers of admission from both the MSW Program and the University of Utah
    • These are sent separately, and you must respond to each one
  • Fulfill the prerequisite requirements before entering the program
    • Prerequisites do not have to be completed prior to application
    • Admitted students must complete the following prerequisite classes before beginning the MSW Program:
      • Human Development Across the Lifespan (birth through end of life) OR Human Behavior in the Social Environment (HBSE)
      • Reserach Methods
        • Must be of a research/evaluation and methods/design nature
      • Courses must be taken for credit
      • No grade lower than C+ in either course will be accepted
      • Applicants are encouraged to refer to the MSW Prerequisite Courses document for detailed information regarding acceptable prerequisite courses
        • If you took a course which you believe meets the prerequisite requirements but is not listed in the document linked above, you may request a prerequisite review
• No Criminal Background Check
  • Applicants should be aware that the College of Social Work does not conduct criminal background checks
  • Many human service organizations and agencies require individuals to pass criminal background checks before entering field placements (practicum)
    • Practicum is required for completion of both the BSW and MSW Programs
  • The Utah Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing (DOPL) may ask about criminal history in the application for licensure and may request an explanation
    • Candidates with extensive, violent, and/or recent criminal backgrounds may be unable to secure a license
    • Questions regarding licensing should be directed to DOPL