The MSW program is open to any applicant who holds a baccalaureate degree in any major from a regionally accredited institution. Applications are evaluated based on overall strength of the application package. Experience in diverse environments is a plus.
Please direct all questions about MSW Program admissions to the MSW Admissions and Recruitment Coordinator, Allison L. Haynes at sswadmin@uga.edu.
During this virtual recorded session we discuss: MSW programs of study options, areas of specialization, the application process and resources. Click the videos below to view.
MSW Application Information
Applications to the School of Social Work master’s degree program are submitted through the UGA Graduate School. Visit the UGA Graduate School website to view the requirements and fees for applying. Please review the below information.
MSW applications take several steps to complete. We recommend that you begin the application and work on it over several days. Payment will not be required until you submit the application. Only complete applications are reviewed.
Application Checklist
MSW applications take several steps to complete. We recommend that you begin the application and work on it over several days. Payment will not be required until you submit the application. Only complete applications are reviewed.
Applications are complete when the following items are submitted to the Graduate
School:
- The Graduate Student application. *Select correct program and term; see MSW Program options below.
- Transcripts – Upload unofficial transcripts from all institutions attended to the Graduate School application. Send official transcripts after you are offered admission.
- Narrative Statement – Through the personal narrative, you will have an opportunity to describe your interest and motivation for becoming a professional social worker as well as your understanding of the concepts and guiding principles associated with the profession. Click Narrative Essay for instructions.
- Resumé – Include details of your work experience in human service through paid, volunteer and internship experiences.
- Three letters of recommendation supporting your readiness for graduate work, appropriate interpersonal skills and talent for leadership. At least one academic reference is preferred. Letters are to be submitted online via the Graduate School admissions website. The application will prompt your recommenders to submit their letters electronically after entering their email address in the application.
- Graduate School Application fee: Domestic applicants = $75 for the first application; $25 for each additional application. International applicants = $100 for the first application; $25 for each additional application.
* The School of Social Work offers a limited number of application fee waivers on a first come, first served basis.
*GRE Test Scores are not required unless applicant deems they are instrumental in demonstrating academic promise.
**International applicants have additional requirements. Please visit the Graduate School webpage International Application Information for complete details.
Application Deadlines
MSW Applicants: Advanced Standing Athens** (BSW required from a program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education): The deadline to submit completed MSW applications for Advanced Standing enrollment in Summer Semester 2024 is January 1, 2024. Any complete applications received after January 1, 2024 will be reviewed on a space-available basis.
UPDATED – MSW Applicants: Advanced Standing Gwinnett (BSW required from a program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education): The deadline to submit completed MSW applications for Advanced Standing enrollment in Summer Semester 2024 has been extended to April 22, 2024. Any complete applications received after April 22, 2024 will be reviewed on a space-available basis.
MSW Applicants: Full-time Athens** and Extended-time Online: The deadline to submit completed MSW applications for Full-time and Extended-time Online enrollment in Fall Semester 2024 is February 15, 2024. Any complete applications received after February 15, 2024 will be reviewed on a space-available basis.
UPDATED – MSW Applicants: Extended-time Gwinnett: The deadline to submit completed MSW applications for Extended-time Gwinnett campus enrollment in Fall Semester 2024 has been extended to May 31, 2024. Any complete applications received after May 31, 2024 will be reviewed on a space-available basis.
**The deadline to submit completed MSW applications for Full-time Athens and Advanced Standing Athens enrollment for individuals who want to be considered for a Graduate Assistantship is January 15, 2024. Any complete applications received after January 15th, 2024 will be reviewed on a space- available basis.
Applications that are received after July 1 will not be considered for admission.
*Please let us know if your file remains incomplete due to transcript transfer problems that are out of your control. We may be able to help.