The application is currently closed. It will open on August 1, 2024, for admission in Summer 2025 (Advanced Standing) or Fall 2025 (all other program options).
Criteria:
The Admissions Committee engages in a holistic review process, drawing information from the following sources:
- Official transcripts
- Three professional recommendations
- Statement of Purpose
- Resume
Requirements:
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 applying to the program).
Minimum GPA:
A 3.0 cumulative GPA is required, though lower GPAs may be considered on a case-by-case
basis. Any applicant with a cumulative GPA below 3.0 is advised to attend an MSW Q&A session prior to applying.
Applicants with a cumulative GPA below 3.0 are required to submit a GPA Statement
as part of their application.
Prerequisite Classes:
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)
- Research Methods – must be of a research/evaluation and methods/design nature
Courses must be earned for credit. No grade lower than a 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 review.
Criminal Background Checks
Applicants should be aware that the College of Social Work does not conduct criminal background checks; however, 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. In addition, the Utah Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing (DOPL) may ask about criminal history in the application for licensure and may request an explanation. In some instances, candidates with extensive, violent, and/or recent criminal backgrounds may be unable to secure a license. Questions regarding licensing should be directed to DOPL: www.dopl.utah.gov.
Equity, Diversity, & Inclusion Statement
According to the National Association of Social Work (NASW) Code of Ethics, “the primary mission of the social work profession is to enhance human well-being and help meet the basic human needs of all people, with particular attention to the needs and empowerment of people who are vulnerable, oppressed, and living in poverty.” To further this mission, the Master of Social Work (MSW) Program is committed to educating and training social workers whose diverse identities, positionalities, backgrounds, and experiences may forge a dynamic bridge between the classroom and the strengths and concerns of these populations. The MSW Program is committed to advancing accessibility, equity, diversity, and inclusion in the admissions process. Therefore, persons from communities historically underrepresented in the social work profession, including persons who identify as Black, Indigenous, and/or of color (BIPOC); LGBTQIA+; veterans; disabled; first-generation students; and/or lower socioeconomic status, are strongly encouraged to apply.
FAQs
No standardized test is required
No, they just need to be completed before beginning the program.
Related experience strengthens applications in many ways and it gives applicants the opportunity to become more familiar with the social work field and to learn how it is different from other mental health professions. What Is Human Service?
A request to transfer from another MSW program into the Advanced Standing MSW program may, under very specific circumstances, be approved.