School of Social Work | University of Missouri

(Refer to the Master of Social Work program page for a detailed explanation of these requirements.)

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university
• A grade point average of 3.0 or better - either cumulative or for the last 60 hours of coursework
• Three letters of reference
• A completed School of Social Work Application
• A completed MU Application for Graduate Admission
• TOEFL scores for international applicants

1. Application for Graduate Admission: Online submission of this form is preferred, http://gradschool.missouri.edu/apply/ Please print an additional copy of this form and include with your social work application packet.

   Note: Current MU undergraduate students must SUBSTITUTE this form with a Transfer of Division form (available from your current department). Former MU graduate students must SUBSTITUTE this form with a Request to Re-enroll for Graduate Studies form (available from Admissions, 210 Jesse Hall, Columbia, MO 65211). Former MU undergraduate students and students applying to MU for the first time should complete only the Application for Graduate Admission.

2. Application Fee: $45 US for U.S. Citizens and Permanent Residents and $60 US for Non-Resident internationals is required for all new applicants. You must have a valid MasterCard, VISA or Discover credit to submit the online application for admission. Fee is not required if submitting the Transfer of Division form or the Request to Re-enroll in Graduate Studies form within one year of your last graduate work.
3. Transcripts: Transcripts/mark sheets will not be accepted directly from the applicant. Transcripts/mark sheets must be sent directly to the Graduate Admission Office from each college or university. The official transcripts/mark sheets must include the baccalaureate degree or equivalent and any additional degrees. No action on your admission will be taken until all transcripts/mark sheets and other required documentation are received by the Graduate Admission Office. All transcripts/mark sheets become the property of MU.
4. School of Social Work MSW Application: Apply online or download the application. Please type or neatly print your answers. Type N/A (not applicable) in spaces which do not apply to you. Feel free to use additional pages if more space is needed and make sure your name and the item number appear on that page. Include the application (or copy if submitted online) in a large envelope along with your other completed application documents.
5. Personal Statement: Complete your personal statement by responding to the questions provided. Careful written consideration to each content area of the personal statement is recommended. You may upload your statement document and attach it to your online MU Graduate Application for Admission. Or, include your typed personal statement with your School of Social Work application.
6. References: Choose three persons who have recent knowledge of your qualifications. Your references, for example, might include a professor, employer, supervisor, etc., who can address your intellectual ability and interpersonal skills, potential for graduate education and potential for professional social work practice. References may not be submitted by friends or relatives.
   Before submitting forms to references, read and fill in the top of each reference form. Provide each reference with a form and a self-addressed stamped envelope. Instruct references to enclose the completed reference in the envelope, seal it, sign across the seal, and return the envelope to you. DO NOT BREAK THE SEAL. We cannot accept reference letters that have been opened. After receiving all letters of reference, place the unopened references in a large envelope along with your other completed application documents. Advanced Standing applicants should submit at least one reference from their BSW program (an advisor, field instructor, etc.). Print Reference Forms.
7. School of Social Work Scholarship Application: If you are interested in being considered for scholarships offered by the MU School of Social Work, complete the Scholarship Application and submit it in a large envelope along with your other completed application documents. Note that a FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) form must be filed in order to be considered for need-based scholarships. A copy of your FAFSA application and SAR report must be stapled to the application to be considered for need-based scholarships. Print Scholarship Application.
   NOTE: To be considered for a scholarship, the Scholarship Applications must be received by the Early Priority Admission Deadline.
   
8. Please submit all required items listed in steps 1-7 above in your application packet.
   
   Please mail or hand-deliver your application packet to:
   
   Graduate Admissions
   School of Social Work
   724 Clark Hall
   Columbia, MO 65211.

Finally, it is the responsibility of the applicant to make sure that all application materials are enclosed in one envelope and transcripts are sent from all colleges and universities attended before the deadline date and time. Unfortunately, due to the volume of applicants, we cannot review your file unless all items are received. If you have questions or need to check with our office about the status of your file, please email ssw@missouri.edu or call us at (573) 882-6206. Thank you for your interest in our program!

Applications received after Early Priority dates, but by Rolling dates are considered on a first-come, first-serve basis for any unclaimed admissions seats in the upcoming class. School of Social Work scholarships are not available to Rolling applicants. If the above deadline falls on a weekend or University holiday, applications are due the first business day thereafter. These dates supersede deadlines which may appear in earlier publications. We welcome early applications.