The UW School of Social Work attracts well-qualified students with diverse backgrounds. We seek students who are committed to racial justice and anti-oppressive practice and have significant experience in diverse and marginalized communities. Admission to the Master of Social Work Program is selective and based on a holistic review of an applicant’s academic preparation, potential for success in graduate study, relevant experience in the field, alignment with our program’s mission, and the potential to contribute to the profession. Our commitment to diversity is elaborated in the Essential Skills, Values and Standards of Professional Conduct document. It outlines the qualities and professional behavior expected of students. All applicants should carefully review these essential abilities before applying.
Before You Begin
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Explore our three MSW pathways
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Explore our YouTube videos and register for an MSW info session.
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Learn about the two state-funded partner programs (CWTAP and WDI) that offer financial support for MSW students at UW Seattle.
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Browse our MSW frequently asked questions.
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If you are a current BASW Senior at UW Seattle with a 3.5 GPA at the end of junior year you are eligible for a streamlined application process - please click here for specific instructions.
Page Contents:
View Eligibility Criteria and Special Applicant Groups
View Required Application Items
Application Timeline
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September 5th, 2023: All MSW applications open for the 2024-2025 academic year.
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January 16th, 2024 by 11:59pm PST: Applications for the Day and Advanced Standing Programs are due. This is also the Extended Degree Program priority deadline. The Extended Degree Program application will remain open on a space-available basis until February 15th, 2024 by 11:59pm PST.
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Early March: Applicants will be notified of an admission decision by email. Please monitor your spam and other inbox folders if you feel you have missed any communication from us.
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July 2024: MSW Advanced Standing Programs (part-time and full-time) begin. Please note that both the full-time and part-time Advanced Standing Programs begin in mid-summer (Summer Session B) with a required full-time summer bridge program.
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September 2024: MSW Extended Degree Programs & Day Program begin.
Eligibility Criteria and Special Applicant Groups
Please review the eligibility requirements. Admission is competitive, and applicants are evaluated holistically. The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is not required for the MSW program.
MSW Day Program and MSW Extended Degree Program
MSW Advanced Standing (Part-time and Full-time)
Graduate Non-Matriculated (GNM) and Non-Matriculated (NM) Applicants
MSW Day Program and MSW Extended Degree Program
Admission is competitive and applicants are evaluated holistically. Applicants to the MSW Day Program or MSW Extended Degree Program must meet the minimum requirements outlined by the UW Graduate School.
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Social Work Experience: All MSW candidates are recommended to have at least 2000 hours of relevant social service experience by the time of application; however, this is not a requirement.
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Degree: We do not require any specific major or baccalaureate degree to apply for either program. Applicants must have, at a minimum, a four-year baccalaureate degree. The degree must be posted before the start of the MSW Program. However, the School of Social Work may consider an exceptional applicant without a four-year bachelor’s degree. An admission petition to the Graduate School must be submitted by the School of Social Work before an offer is made for any applicants that do not meet the degree minimum and is subject to denial. More information on minimum degree requirements here.
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GPA: Applicants must meet the 3.0 grade point average (on a 4 point scale) for credits earned at a regionally accredited institution awarding the bachelor’s, master’s, graduate doctoral degree, or professional doctoral degree OR at least a 3.0 for the last 90 quarter credits/60 semester credits. However, the School of Social Work may consider an exceptional applicant with a GPA below a 3.0 – applicants with less than a 3.0 GPA are encouraged to provide additional information related to the context of their GPA in the Application Questions section of the application. An admission petition to the Graduate School must be submitted by the School of Social Work before an offer is made for any applicants that do not meet the GPA minimum and is subject to denial. Please see this document for suggested strategies to help strengthen your candidacy for admission.
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English Proficiency: Non-native English speakers must demonstrate English language proficiency. More information on English proficiency requirements can be found here.
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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 and Request for Criminal History Information Form with the admission notice. Prospective applicants with questions or concerns about this requirement should review our information on Criminal History Information and Admissions/Continuance.
MSW Advanced Standing (Part-time and Full-time)
Admission is competitive and applicants are evaluated holistically. Applicants to the Advanced Standing Programs must meet the minimum requirements outlined by the UW Graduate School, in addition to a bachelor’s degree in social work/social welfare. If you are a current BASW Senior at UW Seattle with a 3.5 GPA at the end of junior year you are eligible for a streamlined application process - please click here for specific instructions.
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Social Work Degree: All Advanced Standing applicants must have graduated from a U.S. baccalaureate program in social work or social welfare accredited by the CSWE or a Canadian bachelor's level social work program accredited by CASSW (CASWE).
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Students who have a BSW/BASW degree from a social work program outside of the U.S. may have their degree evaluated by the International Social Work Degree Recognition and Evaluation Service, and may apply for Advanced Standing if the degree is determined to be consistent with CSWE requirements.
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Advanced Standing applicants who graduated more than five years ago should demonstrate continued professional growth through social work experience. (Professional training, leadership, and advancement in the social work field are also considered).
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Social Work Experience: All MSW candidates are recommended to have at least 2000 hours of relevant social service experience by the time of application; however, this is not a requirement.
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GPA: Applicants must meet the 3.0 grade point average (on a 4 point scale) for credits earned at a regionally accredited institution awarding the bachelor’s, master’s, graduate doctoral degree, or professional doctoral degree OR at least a 3.0 for the last 90 quarter credits/60 semester credits. However, the School of Social Work may consider an exceptional applicant with a GPA below a 3.0 – applicants with less than a 3.0 GPA are encouraged to provide additional information related to the context of their GPA in the Application Questions section of the application. An admission petition to the Graduate School must be submitted by the School of Social Work before an offer is made for any applicants that do not meet the GPA minimum and is subject to denial. Please see this document for suggested strategies to help strengthen your candidacy for admission.
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English Proficiency: Non-native English speakers must demonstrate English language proficiency More information on English proficiency requirements can be found here.
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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 and Request for Criminal History Information Form with the admission notice. Prospective applicants with questions or concerns about this requirement should review our information on Criminal History Information and Admissions/Continuance.
Application Tips
The Admissions Committee strives to give all applications the most prompt and holistic consideration possible. To make this process smooth and efficient, please consider the following:
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Ensure your email address is accurate - use one personal email address for all of your application materials (application, funding consideration, scholarships, etc.). You may want to add our email to your contact list to avoid these messages going to spam folders. Please check your email regularly as this is the main form of communication we use. Be cautious of using school-issued email address that may expire.
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Submit all completed application materials early. Applications will not be processed until all materials are received (including references); in the event your application materials are incomplete we will attempt to contact you by email.
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Select references early and ask them to respond promptly; references must be completed via a unique link sent via email. Emailed letters or physical materials are not accepted.
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Notify the School of Social Work via email of any changes (e.g. address, name change) or decision to withdraw from consideration.
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Keep copies of your essay and other materials submitted.
Access the online portal
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Be sure to select the correct program, quarter and year. Selecting the wrong program, quarter, or year may require you to begin a new application, repay the application fee, and submit requests for recommendations again.
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Please only submit one application- choose the program application that is your top choice. If you are interested in applying to multiple MSW programs, applicants have the opportunity to list second and third choice MSW program options in the application.
Applicants to the Day and Extended Degree Programs, apply HERE
Applicants to the Advanced Standing Program, apply HERE
Required Items
Download the application checklist here!
Applicants are expected to create and submit accurate and original application materials by the deadlines without the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI) content generators, such as ChatGPT. Issues of dishonesty may result in denial of admission, rescinding an offer of admission, and/or revoking funding/scholarship. Scroll back to top