Master of Social Work Application Information

Academics

GSSW On-Campus Programs

Ready to take the next step toward creating social change in your community? Apply to our Denver Campus, Western Colorado or Four Corners Master of Social Work (MSW) programs.

We take a variety of factors into consideration during the application process, including social work-related experience, your academic record and a career goals statement which allows us to learn more about you and your passion for the social work profession. Take the time to articulate your perspective, be creative and think critically.

If you are interested in applying to MSW@Denver, our online MSW program, you must apply through a different system. Visit our MSW@Denver website for more information. 

Master of Social Work Applicant Requirements

MSW Program Advanced-Standing MSW Program
Undergraduate Education: You must have a bachelor’s degree from a college or university accredited by a regional accrediting body. Undergraduate Education: You must have Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) from a college or university whose social work program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)
GPA Requirement: a minimum cumulative 2.5 GPA on a 4.0 scale for your bachelor’s degree GPA Requirement: a minimum cumulative 2.5 GPA on a 4.0 scale for your BSW

 

Master of Social Work Application Deadlines

  • Denver Campus Advanced-Standing MSW Program
    Summer 2024 Start Date: Denver Campus Advanced-Standing MSW Program
    1. Final Deadline: June 1, 2024—If you complete your application before June 1, you will receive an admission decision within one week of submission.

    Apply Now

    The application for the summer 2025 Denver Campus Advanced-Standing Program will be available in August 2024.

    Fall 2024 Start Date: Denver Campus Advanced-Standing MSW Program
    1. Final Deadline: August 1, 2024—If you complete your application before August 1, you will receive an admission decision within one week of submission.

    Apply Now

    The application for the fall 2025 Denver Campus Advanced-Standing Program will be available in August 2024.

  • Denver Campus MSW Program
    Winter 2025 Start Date: Denver Campus MSW Program 

    Early Deadline: June 1, 2024—If you complete your application before June 1, you will receive an admission decision by June 15, 2024.

    Regular Deadline: October 1, 2024—If you complete your application before October 1, you will receive an admission decision by October 15, 2024.

    Final Deadline: December 1, 2024—If you complete your application before December 1, you will receive an admission decision within one week of submission.

    Apply Now

    The application for our winter 2026 Denver Campus MSW Program will be available in January 2025. 

    Fall 2024 Start Date: Denver Campus MSW Program
    1. Final Deadline: August 1, 2024—If you complete your application before August 1, you will receive an admission decision within one week of submission.

    Apply Now

    The application for the fall 2025 Denver Campus Advanced-Standing Program will be available in August 2024.

  • Western Colorado Advanced-Standing MSW Program
    Summer 2024 Start Date: Western Colorado Advanced-Standing MSW Program
    1. Final Deadline: June 1, 2024—If you complete your application before June 1, you will receive an admission decision within one week of submission.

    Apply Now

    The application for the fall 2025 Western Colorado Program will be available in August 2024.

  • Four Corners MSW Program
    Fall 2024 Start Date: Four Corners MSW Program
    1. Final Deadline: August 1, 2024—If you complete your application before August 1, you will receive an admission decision within one week of submission.

    Apply Now

    The application for the summer 2025 Four Corners Advanced-Standing Program will be available in summer 2024.

Master of Social Work Application Instructions

We only accept the GSSW online application to our MSW program. A completed online application includes:

  • Transcripts

    You may submit unofficial transcripts for an initial review of your application. If admitted, you must provide official transcripts from all institutions attended before orientation day. Taking even a single course requires that a transcript be provided.

    Many schools issue transcripts electronically, either through their own Web services or through vendors. If this option is available through the institutions you attended, request that your transcript(s) be sent to gsswadmission@du.edu.

    If your transcripts are being sent by mail, use the following address:

    Office of Admission
    Graduate School of Social Work, University of Denver
    2148 South High St.
    Denver, CO 80208-7100

  • Resume

    You will be asked to upload a current resume to your online application. Your resume should include information about your educational and professional experiences as they relate to social work. Be sure to include any volunteer or internship experience that has helped prepare you for a career as a social worker.

  • Recommendations

    Letters of recommendation are optional. Our holistic approach to reviewing applications, with or without a letter of recommendation, is a reliable basis for making a final admission decision.

    If you choose to submit an academic and/or professional letter of recommendation, your recommender should know you well and be able to speak about your background, your passion for social work and your ability to succeed in a graduate program. 

    Letters should be submitted by recommenders through the online application. In the application, you will be prompted to provide an email address and phone number for each reference. You can submit up to two recommendation letters.

  • Career Goals Statement

    The average statement length is approximately five pages; submissions exceeding 1,500 words or six pages are discouraged. Please double-space your statement, use a font size of no less than 12 and type your name in the upper right corner of each page. Answer the questions below. Answering the last question is optional. Prior to writing your essay, review the NASW Code of Ethics.

    1. Rationale: Identify significant factors that influenced your decision to pursue a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree and how you intend to use it in the future. (1-2 paragraphs)
    2. Social work values and ethics: Describe your understanding of the social work profession and its core values. Compare your own values with the professional social work values, any potential value-based or ethical conflicts you might experience and how you plan to address or reconcile these conflicts (whether it be in the classroom, in field, in future practice or in any other areas). (1 page)
    3. Personal and professional attributes and liabilities: Describe any cultural, economic or social challenges and/or opportunities that have provided you with a unique perspective about social work issues. What insights did you gain from these experiences about how to maintain professional judgment and performance during times of distress? (1 page) 
    4. Employment and volunteer history: Discuss the relationship between your educational, employment and volunteer experiences and what qualities equip you for the social work profession. Describe your experiences and feelings about working with populations different from your own.
    5. OPTIONAL: Please address any special academic or other considerations that you would like GSSW to consider in the review of your application.
  • Application Fee

    You can pay the $65 nonrefundable application fee after you submit your online application. The fee can be paid by credit card or check.

University of Denver Campus

Ready to start your MSW application?

Apply Now

gssw msw student hugging a friend

International Student Application Requirements

We welcome applications from international students and value the diverse cultural perspectives you bring to our school community.

As an international student, you must also attach the materials listed below to your MSW application:

  • One of the following: test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), International English Language Testing System (IELTS), C1 Advanced, or Duolingo English
    • TOEFL score of 95
    • IELTS score of 7.0
    • C1 Advanced score of 185
    • Duolingo English score of 125
  • Copy of passport
  • Financial verification form with a bank letter or other official verification showing how your tuition and living expenses will be financed.