BASW applications for Autumn 2022 are now open! Apply by Friday, April 15, 2022 at 11:59pm PST for priority consideration. Late applications are considered on a space-available basis until May 17, 2022 at 11:59pm PT. Most applicants will be notified of their admission decision by the end of May (UW transfer applicants may be delayed due to general UW admission decisions).

The School of Social Work seeks individuals who are interested tackling complex social problems, building skills to help individuals, families and communities, and who are committed to becoming social change agents. The admissions committee makes final decisions based on the strength of the overall application materials. Please carefully review the Essential Skills, Values and Standards of Professional Conduct before applying.

 

  • Students may apply January through April 15th of each year, to begin in September
  • BASW students are admitted for Autumn quarter only
  • Transfer applicants must also submit a required UW transfer application (see website for deadlines)
  • UW FAFSA priority deadline: January 15th (annually) | HB 1079 Students: WASFA
  • Minimum of 65 college level credits by start of program
  • Minimum 2.00 cumulative GPA
  • Earned 2.00 or higher in each prerequisite

See the BASW prerequisites page for details about the two prerequisites (introductory courses in psychology and sociology) that must be completed before you start the BASW program. These two classes can still be in progress at the time of application, but must be completed by the time you start the program, if admitted. 

Notice Regarding Statistics and Foreign Language:
  • Though not a requirement for BASW admission, an approved introductory Statistics class is a required prerequisite of senior year BASW courses (recommended prior to admission).
  • Though not a requirement for BASW admission, BASW seniors must fulfill the Foreign Language Graduation Requirement (third year of high school foreign language or third college quarter of a foreign language, or equivalent) in order to graduate.  This graduation requirement is different from the UW foreign language admission requirement.

There is no minimum hour requirement for volunteer or community service, however, our strongest applicants tend to have participated in social service related volunteerism, work experience, and internship opportunities. Please review this resource to assist you in identifying relevant social service experience. For details about our 2020 applicant pool, please review the class profile detailed above.

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.

Over half of UW undergraduates receive financial aid. Applying for financial aid is separate from your application(s) for admission. The UW uses the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and for undocumented students living in Washington, the Washington Application for State Financial Aid (WASFA). For priority aid consideration, be sure that you have submitted your FAFSA/WASFA by January 15 for the upcoming school year, even if you don’t know whether you will be offered admission. For more details, visit: http://admit.washington.edu/costs/aid. Undocumented students are encouraged to explore UW's Leadership Without Borders resources as well as Immigrants Rising.

Contact SSW Admissions for help or information.