Master of Social Work Admission & Application Requirements
Master of Social Work Application Deadlines
- Summer: January 12
Steps to Apply
You may begin your application before all documents are ready. GradCAS saves your progress, and you may return any time to continue updating your application.
- Create your account in GradCAS
- Select your program from the list and click “+” to add to your cart.
- Complete the three general application sections.
- Complete the fourth, MSUM section (See Application Requirements below).
- Make sure to request all documents before submitting your application. Once you submit, you can no longer amend or upload additional documents.
- Pay the $50 application fee.
The Admission and Graduate Studies Offices will verify your documents and requirements.
Master of Social Work Admission Requirements
- A baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution.
- Advanced Standing: BS in social work from a CSWE accredited program or a baccalaureate degree recognized through CSWE's International Social Work Degree Recognition and Evaluation Service or covered under a memorandum of understanding with international social work accreditors for Advanced Standing Program.
- Foundational Standing: Eligible BS degrees in other academic areas must enroll in the 24-credit foundational curriculum before beginning a specialization.
- Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 or at least 3.25 for the last 30 semester credits.*
- Admission preference will be given to applicants with 2000 or more hours of human service and/or professional experience.
- Applicants not meeting all requirements may apply for provisional admission. Complete the Appeal for Minimum Admission Requirement question. Include special academic considerations and any other factors that would help the admission team make a decision.
- Note: International students needing visa sponsorship are not eligible to apply for the Master of Social Work program since this is an online program. International students who are on a special status inside in the United States, please contact Graduate Studies.
*Students who don't meet admission requirements may be considered for provisional admission. Please address any special circumstances in your application.
Master of Social Work Application Requirements
- GradCAS application
- A current resume (include education, work, and volunteer experience).
- Unofficial transcripts are required from all institutions you list on your application.
- If you attended MSUM or other Minnesota State system institutions, you can retrieve your unofficial transcripts from eServices, contact graduate@mnstate.edu and we can assist.
- Upon admission, you must request official transcripts from your degree-conferring institutions and any other transcripts listing possible graduate transfer coursework. Official transcripts can be requested through Parchment or the National Student Clearinghouse and sent directly to processing@mnstate.edu.
- MSUM or MN system institution students do not need to request official transcripts. The admission team will do this on your behalf.
- Three letters of recommendation from professional and academic sources directly familiar with your skills and experience. One reference from an immediate professional supervisor is preferred. One reference from a faculty member who can speak to the candidate's academic preparation for graduate social work education.
- A professional statement:
- Addressing your understanding of the social work profession and how your qualifications make you a good fit for the profession, and your aptitude for graduate social work education.
- Outlining your professional career goals and how they align with the specializations in the program.
- Drawing from your own cultural and life experiences, discuss a situation that transformed the way you think about someone else's cultural behavior and beliefs.
For questions about the program or the application process please call Graduate Studies 218.477.2134 or email graduate@mnstate.edu.
Visit the GradCAS Applicant Help Center for detailed application instructions.
Questions about completing the application:
Call | GradCAS Customer Service at 857.304.2086
Email | support@gradcas.myliaison.com
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