MSW Admission Requirements

The UWT Social Work Program seeks to enroll well-qualified students with diverse backgrounds. Admission to the program is based on academic performance and potential, clarity and appropriateness of career objectives, understanding of social issues, knowledge of diverse populations, and relevant experiences. Academic credit toward the MSW is not given for previous employment or life experience.

Selection is based on academic background and potential, match of student interests with faculty expertise, special programs, program resources or priorities, social/human service experience, appropriateness of professional goals and objectives and experience with diverse populations. In addition to the completed MSW application packet, the following are required:

• A baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college or university.
• Advanced Standing Applicants: Must have a BSW or BASW from a U.S. program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) and have graduated within 5 years of entry to the program. Additionally, Advanced Standing applicants must have a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher in their BASW major or passed all social work core courses in their BSW or BASW programs with a minimum 3.0 (B) grade in each course. Advanced Standing MSW applicants who fall outside of this minimum grade point average in one class may qualify for an exception through the Course Repeat Policy
• 3.0 grade-point average calculated from the applicant's final 90 graded quarter credits or 60 graded semester credits.
• Undergraduate preparation must include at least five credits in each of the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences, and 60 credits of liberal arts.
• Successful completion of a course in statistics within the previous five years prior to beginning the MSW program.
• Successful completion of an approved course in human biology or its equivalent within the previous 10 years prior to beginning the MSW program. High School AP Biology does not fulfill this requirement.
• Admissions essay.
• Unofficial transcripts from every college or university attended as part of the UW Graduate School application online submission.*
• Resume of relevant work experience in social or health services.
• Three references provided in sealed envelopes. Required forms are in the application packet.
• Conviction/Criminal History Information form.
• Authorization for Repeat Background Checks and Dissemination of Results form.

Admission to the UWT Social Work program is competitive, and typically there is not enough space available to accommodate all applicants who meet the basic qualifications for admission.

*Applicants who are offered admission will be required to supply the University of Washington Graduate Admission Office and the University of Washington Tacoma Program with an official transcript from the institution that granted their bachelor's degree.

Human Biology and Statistics Requirement

Please note that those admitted to the MSW program will be required to have successfully completed an approved course in human biology within the last 10 years and an introductory course in statistics within the last five years prior to beginning the MSW program.

Special Requirements

Washington state law requires that individuals who have access to children under 16 years of age, persons with developmental disabilities and vulnerable adults such as older people disclose background information. During your education in the Social Work program, you will come into contact with members of the above-mentioned populations. Therefore, a comprehensive background check is a required part of the admission process. All applicants are asked to disclose conviction/criminal history information during the admission screening process.

In addition to the criminal history forms submitted as part of the application process the Social Work Program requires that all students use an on-line service, Verified Credentials, Inc., to obtain the required comprehensive background check. If you are offered admission, you must initiate the background check within two weeks of receiving your offer letter. Please be aware that there is presently a $65 fee for this service. NOTE: When considering individuals for admission to the Social Work program, conviction/criminal history records are reviewed as they relate to the content and nature of the curriculum and the safety and security of clients and the public. A conviction/criminal history record does not necessarily disqualify an individual for admission.

Depending upon your practicum setting, there may be additional requirements such as fingerprinting, providing proof of immunizations, CPR training, and/or completing the agencies required background check procedures. Please be aware that you may responsible for any costs related to these special requirements.You will also be required to provide your own transportation to and from the practicum sites. You may also need to meet certain immunization standards and submit a health history.

UW Health Sciences Immunizations Policy

The University of Washington Health Sciences Center requires that its students show documentation of protection against a number of vaccine-preventable diseases. The University of Washington Seattle School of Social Work falls under the umbrella of UW Health Sciences and therefore all UW Tacoma MSW and BASW students must comply.

New students admitted to the BASW Program must submit appropriate documentation within a specific timeframe. New students will be advised of specific submission deadlines upon admission, but generally all documentation must be supplied prior to entering the second year of BASW program.

The following immunizations and verifications are REQUIRED for all BASW students. No student will be permitted to enter any practicum site until all immunization verification is submitted and verified by the Health Sciences Immunization Program (HSIP). Students must document immunity to Measles (Rubeola), Mumps, Rubella, Hepatitis B, Tetanus-Diphtheria-Pertussis, Varicella (chicken pox), and have a current, annual TB screening.

Please review the Immunization FAQs document for further information.

Graduate Record Examination (GRE)

As of 2006, The UW Tacoma MSW Program no longer requires applicants to submit Official GRE scores.

What Else Should You Know About UWT?

Transfer Credits

Coursework may only be transferred for master's-level work from other accredited MSW programs after the review of transcripts by the director and after acceptance to the Master of Social Work program. Restrictions apply; contact the Social Work program office for more information.

International Students

Since the UWT Social Work program is a part-time program, international students are not eligible to apply. International students holding an F-1 or J-1 Student Visa may apply to the UW School of Social Work at the Seattle campus as a full-time study option is available there. See the University of Washington Seattle's web site for application information.

Veterans and Active Duty Military

Veterans, as well as the dependents of deceased veterans may contact the Enrollment Services at 253-692-5721 for information regarding VA educational benefits.

Financial Aid

The University of Washington, Tacoma offers several assistance options: grants, scholarships, student employment opportunities and low-interest student loans. Contact the Office of Financial Aid to find out what types of funding will be available to you.

Child Welfare Training and Advancement Program (CWTAP)

Under a contract with the University of Washington School of Social Work, UWT Master of Social Work program and Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) - Children's Administration (CA), financial support may be available to you as you pursue your MSW degree, providing you meet specific qualifications. In exchange, you agree to be employed within Washington State DSHS-CA after receiving your MSW degree.

The CWTAP provides federal Title IV-E stipend money and special training to MSW students desiring to work in public child welfare. Availability of funding for CWTAP varies. Please contact the for more information about the program and the current funding level.