Frequently Asked Questions
When can I begin the MSW program?
Students with a bachelor’s degree in a field different from social work can only begin the MSW program in the Fall semester (which begins in August).
Students with a BSW earned from a CSWE-accredited program (within five years of admission) seeking admission into the Advanced Standing Full-Time program or Advanced Standing Extended-Time program can only enroll in the Summer semester (which begins in June). Please take care to select the correct term of enrollment on your application.
Students with a BSW earned from a CSWE-accredited program (within five years of admission) seeking admission into the Advanced Standing Full-Time program or Advanced Standing Extended-Time program can only enroll in the Summer semester (which begins in June). Please take care to select the correct term of enrollment on your application.
Do you have an off-campus or part-time MSW program?
Yes, the Extended-Time MSW Program (formerly the Part-Time MSW Program) at the UGA Gwinnett Campus in Lawrenceville, Ga., is geared especially for people who have been and are currently working in the human services in the Atlanta Metropolitan region.
Can I apply to both the full-time and extended-time programs at the same time?
No. You must indicate which of the two programs (full or extended-time) you are applying for, on the MSW application. You may only apply for admission to one program.
If I have a BSW degree, do I qualify for advanced standing in the MSW program?
In order for the BSW to qualify an applicant for admission into the advanced standing program, the following conditions must be met:
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- It must be from a program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education,
- It must have been earned within five years of beginning the MSW program.
- The required social work GPA for the Advanced Standing program is 3.2.
If your average social work classes do not meet this minimum, or if your BSW was obtained over five years ago you may still be accepted, but only to the Full-Time progam and not to the Advanced Standing program. Earning a BSW degree within the five year limit does not prevent you from admission to the regular program of study. However, you must specifically request this option. Exceptions to the five year rule are BSWs who have worked in a social work setting, which includes MSW staff and professional learning experiences. The limit for those applicants is ten years.
Where is the UGA Gwinnett Campus?
The UGA Gwinnett Campus is located at 2530 Sever Road, Lawrenceville, Ga 30043. Directions to the Gwinnett Campus are at https://gwinnett.uga.edu/prospective-students/visit-the-campus.
Travel time:
From Athens: About 50 minutes by car, via GA 316.
From downtown Atlanta: About 30-45 minutes by car.
Travel time:
From Athens: About 50 minutes by car, via GA 316.
From downtown Atlanta: About 30-45 minutes by car.
How long is the program?
Full-time, Regular Program, is about 2 years: 2 semesters during each of 2 academic years. Summer attendance is optional, but it does not shorten the program.
Extended-Time, Regular Program, is less than 3 years: 8 semesters including summers.
Full-time, Advanced Standing Program is about one year: 1 summer and 2 semesters.
Extended-Time, Regular Program, is less than 3 years: 8 semesters including summers.
Full-time, Advanced Standing Program is about one year: 1 summer and 2 semesters.
How many credit hours is the MSW program?
Advanced Standing Full-Time Program: 40 semester hours.
Regular Program: 60 semester hours. (Same for both full time and extended-timestudy.)
Regular Program: 60 semester hours. (Same for both full time and extended-timestudy.)
How many hours/classes per week?
Full-time: About 15 hours per week, in the classroom/4 or 5 classes a week.
Extended-time: About 9 hours per week, in the classroom/3 courses a week taken over three weeknights (or two nights and a weekend course in special cases).
Extended-time: About 9 hours per week, in the classroom/3 courses a week taken over three weeknights (or two nights and a weekend course in special cases).
When will I find out if I've been accepted?
You will be notified approximately six weeks after the Feburary 15 deadline if your file is completed. Please note that often the G.R.E. delays completion of the file, so please take the exam well ahead of applying.
If I am admitted to the extended-time program, can I later transfer to the full-time program or if I am admitted to the full-time program, can I later transfer to the extended-time program?
Transfers between the extended-timeand full-time programs are not encouraged. Exceptions to this rule are made when seats are open in the other program prior to entry into the program. Approval is required by the Director of the MSW Program.t
Do you accept transfer students from other programs?
Transfer students from other CSWE-accredited MSW programs may be admitted, depending upon the availability of space in our classes. Students may transfer in up to six graduate credits. Students who seek a transfer to our school of social work will have their transcripts individually evaluated by the Director of MSW Admissions and the Director of the MSW Program to assess which courses may be waived. Please note that while all foundation curriculm (first year) curiculum are similar in CSWE-accredited schools, there may also be differences which may result in a delay in completing a MSW degree at UGA. The Graduate School requires a 40 credit hour minimum taken at UGA to earn a masters degree Please address letters requesting such transfers to the Director of MSW Admissions, University of Georgia, School of Social Work, 279 Williams Street, Athens, GA 30602.