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Master of Social Work Admission Requirements
Admission Requirements
Applicants are encouraged to review the Master of Social Work (MSW) requirements for admission for each track prior to beginning their application, as the admission requirements vary for each track option.
Traditional Track
- Bachelor’s degree or above from a regionally accredited institution or equivalent.
- See International Admissions for details regarding evaluation of international degrees for grade and degree equivalency.
- Applications are reviewed holistically as a determination of academic readiness. The admissions committee values previous academic performance as indicated on transcripts and considers it as part of the review process.
- Computer with internet connection, including the hardware and software requirements described on the Technical Requirements page. Must also possess sufficient computer skills to navigate the internet as all classes are accessed 100% online.
Advanced Standing Track
- Bachelor’s degree or above from a regionally accredited institution or equivalent.
- See International Admissions for details regarding evaluation of international degrees for grade and degree equivalency.
- Applications are reviewed holistically as a determination of academic readiness. The admissions committee values previous academic performance as indicated on transcripts and considers it as part of the review process.
- Computer with internet connection, including the hardware and software requirements described on the Technical Requirements page. Must also possess sufficient computer skills to navigate the internet as all classes are accessed 100% online.
- Conferral of a Bachelor of Social Work (B.S.W.) degree from a CSWE accredited B.S.W. program, preferably within the last seven (7) years.
- Completion of coursework equivalent to UNE’s Foundation courses at the undergraduate level with a “B” or better is strongly preferred.
Note: Transcripts for any coursework appearing as transfer credit on the transcript of the conferred degree can be waived if the coursework is unrelated to the degree being sought. The program admissions committee defines all coursework not eligible for waiver.
What this program looks for in an applicant
We recognize that social work is a continually evolving field of study that draws applicants from diverse backgrounds. There is no one typical background for a successful social work student. Successful social work students bring rich backgrounds and diverse professional and academic experiences to their education, are characterized by a lifelong curiosity, are self-motivated, and have an inclination towards advocacy in its many forms. The ability to learn and adapt to new tools and technology is an asset in this program, and students who possess the skill of managing multiple competing priorities in a timely fashion are often the most successful in our online learning environment.
Application Process
- Completed online application
- Resume or Curriculum Vitae
- Goal Statement
- Two professional/academic references
- Official transcripts reflecting conferral of a bachelor’s degree or above from a regionally accredited institution.
Procedures and Policies
Students may apply to transfer up to three 3-credit courses (maximum of nine credits) into the Master of Social Work – Advanced Standing program or up to three 3-credit courses (maximum of nine credits) into the Master of Social Work – Traditional program.
Transfer courses must:
- Be classified as graduate level
- Be from a CSWE accredited institution
- Be equivalent to a required program course, not an elective
- Have been taken within seven years of application
- Have been completed with a grade of “B” or better (P/F courses will not be accepted for transfer credit)
To request consideration for transfer credit, a student must provide an official transcript and a course syllabus for each course. Your enrollment counselor or student support specialist can assist you with this request. Transfer credit is awarded at the discretion of the School of Social Work based on specific program details listed above. Requests for approval of transfer credit should be submitted to, and will be granted at the discretion of the Program Director.
Policy Exceptions
The School of Social Work reserves the right to make exceptions to the transfer credit policy and to make changes or exceptions, on a case by case basis when it deems such a decision is necessary and appropriate.
All application materials submitted to UNE are valid for 12 months from the date received by the University. To avoid needing to re-request transcripts and letters of recommendation, we recommend that you complete your application and enroll in a timely manner. In the event that you need to re-apply or re-activate your application, materials older than 12 months will need to be re-submitted without exception.
Students not seeking a degree may enroll in individual courses as non-matriculated students, space permitting, and upon approval by the program manager. Non-matriculated students must hold a bachelor’s degree and submit an official transcript reflecting the conferral of the degree. Students may not move from non-matriculated to matriculated status within the same semester. Please contact an enrollment counselor to assist in this process.
More information explaining the admissions requirements for international students or applicants with international degrees can be found here on the International Admissions page. If you have specific questions, please contact an enrollment counselor for personal guidance through the application process.
Your Dedicated Enrollment Counselors
Enrollment counselors are here to help you understand the Social Work admission requirements and assist you throughout the entire application process.
If you have any questions about application requirements, the coursework or program requirements, please speak to one of our enrollment counselors at the email or phone number below.