COVID-19 Information for Prospective Students
Prospective MSW Students
GSSW has three criteria for our decision making about COVID-19: follow public health science and federal, state, and local mandates; ensure continuity of learning and work to the extent possible; and promote individual well-being. These criteria guide GSSW’s leadership team as we make critical decisions regarding COVID-19 and our community’s response.
Frequently Asked Questions
We know this is a challenging time to envision your future MSW journey, so we’ve put together a list of frequently asked questions to provide some clarity. The responses to these questions are based on the most recent information provided to us by the University’s senior leadership. If you haven’t already, please review the revised Denver Campus MSW Program page for more information about additional start terms and program tracks for the Two-Year and Advanced-Standing MSW Programs.
We will update the answers to these questions as we receive new information about the rapidly changing conditions related to the COVID-19 crisis.

MSW Program
If you have academic or field related questions, we encourage you to email our Admission Ambassadors.
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Will classes be held on campus in January 2021 and beyond?
For winter 2021 quarter, select on-campus options are available for admitted students who want to enroll in them. Students can also elect to take all classes online.
All decisions about current campus access are related to the COVID response level that is guided by the Colorado Department of Public Health, the City and County of Denver, and communicated on the DU COVID Website.
For winter 2021 quarter and beyond, access to in-person classes on campus will depend on the DU Alert Level, at that time, so it is hard to predict what will be possible. We cannot predict what in-person class options will look like in summer or fall 2021 or winter 2022. We will continue to keep prospective and admitted students updated as decisions progress. -
What is the difference between MSW@Denver and the Denver Campus MSW Program?
There are several differences between our online and on-campus programs. MSW@Denver has two concentrations, while the Denver Campus MSW Program has eight concentrations and three certificates. MSW@Denver has more constrained field options, and students do not have faculty advisors. With the Denver Campus MSW Program, you choose your field internship and also receive mentorship from full-time faculty advisors who are based on the Denver campus.
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Are all the Denver Campus concentrations and certificates available for all new entry terms?
Yes, all concentrations and certificates are available regardless of when you start the program.
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Are field placement options limited if I choose a block field curriculum plan?
That will depend on the type of field internship you’re looking for. For example, school social work may not be a possibility with a spring/summer field placement (block field placement). However, we work with 700+ field agencies, so there are still plenty of internship options to choose from if you choose a block field curriculum plan. You should discuss your specific needs with your field advisor if admitted.
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What does a virtual field internship look like?
Our field placements are equipped to host student interns in a virtual environment. Many agencies have transitioned to providing remote services, including telehealth and telebehavioral health services. If you have a specific question about field education, please email field@du.edu.
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Are international internships and courses canceled?
At this time, we do not know whether international courses and internships will be allowed in the 2020 winter interterm quarter. We will continue to watch the recommendations from the Department of State for each country and will send additional information when it is available.
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Are there new entry terms for the Two-Year and Advanced-Standing MSW Programs?
Advanced-Standing students may start the MSW program at GSSW in either July, September or January. Learn More
Two-Year MSW students may start the MSW program at GSSW in either September or January. Learn More

On-Campus Events/Student Life
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I would like to visit campus before I apply. When can I visit campus?
All admissions-related events and one-on-one visits are virtual, and GSSW is not open for on-campus visitors at this time. Please request information and we will notify you by email when the campus is open for visitors. As an alternative to a campus visit, we encourage you to take our virtual campus tour or schedule a telephone call or virtual meeting with a member of our enrollment team.
If you would like to schedule a telephone call or virtual meeting for a time outside of those listed on our website, please email gsswadmission@du.edu and we will work with your schedule.
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If I enroll, is on-campus housing available during the COVID-19 pandemic?
The Office of Housing and Residential Education has confirmed there is on-campus graduate housing available. Housing has been secured for graduate students on the Auraria campus at Metro State University (about 6.5 miles away from the University of Denver campus). Students interested in securing a space should complete the 20-21 Academic Year Housing Application after being admitted into the MSW program.

Tuition & Financial Aid
If you have specific financial aid questions, please reach out to our admission team via email or phone.
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Is work-study available remotely (if needed), and how do I qualify for work-study?
Work-study positions are available for all start dates, and work-study positions can be conducted remotely if needed due to COVID-19 campus closures.
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Are research assistantships available remotely (if needed), and how do I apply?
Research assistantships are available for all start dates, and assistantships can be conducted remotely if needed due to COVID-19 campus closures. More information about how to apply for research assistantships will be provided if admitted into the program.
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What is the cost of tuition per curriculum plan?
Starting in summer 2020, tuition will be $1,222 per credit hour. Regardless of which program start date you choose, you will only pay for the number of credits you take each quarter. In the curriculum plans above, you can view total credits per quarter.
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Are stipends available for all entry terms (July, September, and January)?
Stipend eligibility does vary depending on entry term. Learn more.
