Main Content
To be considered for MSW program admission, applicants must:
- Meet the minimum admission requirements outlined by the UW Graduate School.
- Hold the minimum equivalent of a four-year baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college or university in the U.S. or its equivalent from a foreign institution. Also, acceptable would be a Master’s degree, a doctoral degree (Ph.D., D.Phil.), or a professional degree (M.D., J.D., D.V.M., etc.) from a regionally accredited college or university in the U.S. or its equivalent from a foreign institution.
- Meet UW Tacoma MSW Program English proficiency requirements. Some applicants with foreign degrees may have to meet the English Language Proficiency (ELP) requirement by achieving TOEFL iBT 92 or equivalent. More information here.
-
Have earned a minimum 3.0 GPA in their most recently earned 90 graded quarter credits or 60 graded semester credits.
- Note: The UWT MSW program may consider an exceptional applicant with a GPA below a 3.0. Applicants with less than a 3.0 GPA are encouraged to meet with the MSW Recruiter and Advisor.
- Advanced Standing Applicants only: Effective Winter 2022, students applying for the advanced standing program must have graduated from a U.S. baccalaureate program in social work or social welfare accredited by the CSWE. A degree accredited by the CASWE (Canadian Association for Social Work Education) or other non-U.S. degree considered to be equivalent by the ISWDRES (International Social Work Degree Recognition and Evaluation Service) may be accepted in lieu of a U.S. degree. 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.
Evaluation of Applicants
Admission to the MSW program is competitive and typically there is not enough space available to accommodate all applicants who meet the basic qualifications for admission. Selection is based on academic performance and potential, clarity and appropriateness of career objectives, understanding of social issues, knowledge of diverse populations, and relevant practice experiences.
Note: Academic credit toward the MSW is not given for previous employment or life experience.
Statistics prerequisite no longer required
We no longer require a statistics course as a prerequisite. A basic understanding of statistics is still highly recommended and we will make an information sheet with basic concepts and free resources available to everyone admitted to the program.
Graduate Record Examination (GRE)
The UW Tacoma MSW Program does not require applicants to submit GRE scores.
Background check
Background checks are needed for admitted students for their field placement.
UW Health Sciences Immunization Program (HSIP)
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. Applicants must submit the HSIP Acknowledgement form with their application.
New students admitted to the Social Work 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 Social Work program. The following immunizations and verifications are REQUIRED for all Social Work 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), COVID-19 (and any required boosters), seasonal influenza, and have a current, annual TB screening. Due to the nature of health professions training programs, exemptions are rarely granted and only in alignment with CDC recommendations, HSIP policy, and University policy and practice. For information about exemption requests for required vaccines, please refer to the Vaccine Exemption section on the HSIP webpage.
UW HSIP
Please review the immunization FAQs for further information.
Professional Conduct and Ethics
Essential Skills, Values and Standards of Professional Conduct
Our commitment to diversity is elaborated on this webpage on Essential Skills, Values, and Standards of Professional Conduct. Before submitting an application, all applicants should review these essential abilities to understand the qualities and professional behavior expected of students.
NASW Code of Ethics
Major Principles of the National Association of Social Workers' (NASW) Code of Ethics
The NASW is the major professional organization for social workers. Before submitting an application, all applicants should review the NASW Code of Ethics to understand the major principles to which students of UWT MSW program are expected to adhere.
