The UW School of Social Work seeks to enroll well-qualified students with diverse backgrounds. We especially seek applicants committed to working with diverse populations. Admission to the Master of Social Work Program is selective and based on a thorough review of relevant professional and academic background, potential for success in graduate study and potential to contribute to the profession. Our commitment to diversity is elaborated in the document Essential Skills, Values and Standards of Professional Conduct. It outlines the qualities and professional behavior expected of students. All applicants should carefully review these essential abilities before applying.
Before You Begin
- Take a look at our MSW Admission Class Profile for 2020 and 2021.
- Explore our topics-based Zoom events and register for an MSW info session.
- Browse our MSW frequently asked questions as well as our MSW Programs to learn about specialization areas and example practicum sites.
MSW Application Timeline and Applicant Information
MSW applications for the 2022-2023 academic year are now open!
Our MSW Advanced Standing Program starts in July 2022, while our MSW Extended Degree and MSW Day Programs start in September 2022. All applications are due by 11:59pm PST on Tuesday, January 4, 2022; Extended Degree Program applications however will be accepted on a space-available basis until Tuesday, February 15, 2022. Please review our application instructions and materials page to get started on your application.
Notification of Decisions:
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The review of applicant files is an important and time-intensive effort taken by the school’s faculty. Applicants will be notified of an admission decision by email, as early as possible. Typically, notifications are sent by the end of March. Please monitor your spam and other inbox folders if you feel you have missed any communication from us.
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Criminal Background Check: Applicants who are offered admission to the School of Social Work will receive instructions to complete the criminal background check with the admission notice. Prospective applicants with questions or concerns about this requirement should contact the Director of Admissions as you proceed through the application process.
Eligibility Criteria and Special Applicant Groups
Please review the instructions for in-depth details about eligibility requirements and the application process. Admission is competitive, and applicants are evaluated holistically. The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is not required for the MSW program. While there are no prerequisite classes necessary for admission, applicants are strongly encouraged to complete a Statistics course in advance of starting the program.