FAQ – Applications
Who is eligible to apply for the MSW program?
Anyone who has or expects to have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, who has a broad liberal arts background which may include study in social, behavioral, and biological sciences, and an academic average of 3.0 (B) or higher in udergraduate study, is eligible to apply. Though it is not required, prior experience (paid, volunteer, or internship) in social work or a related field will strengthen your application.
What are the admission requirements?
The requirements for admission are as follows:
- Completed online application form and $70 application fee
- A personal statement (3 – 6 pages double space)
- A current resume
- Three letters of reference
- Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended
- Either the MAT or the GRE (if your GPA is below a 3.0 or if you are applying to a dual degree program)
- Field Evaluation for Advanced Standing Students (This evaluation form comes from the student’s home institution and must be submitted by the January 15 deadline. Applicants who do not begin the field placement until the spring semester of their senior year may not be able to submit mid-term field evaluations by the January 15 deadline, and therefore may not be eligible to apply for Advanced Standing until the following admission cycle.)
Additional Requirements for International Applicants:
- TOEFL or IELTS if your first language is not English (unless you earned a degree from an English-speaking institution).
- Evaluation of your foreign transcripts by a reputable credential evaluation service, including an equivalent to the American GPA (4.0 scale).
Once completed, the application is given to the admissions review committee to make a final determination regarding admission to the School.
What is the average GRE, MAT, TOEFL, or IELTS score admitted by the School?
For the GRE and the MAT, there are no absolute score requirements. For the TOEFL, the minimum required score is 550 (paper test), 213 (computer test), and 80 (internet-based test), and for the IELTS it is 6.5.
What happens if I do not have a background in social work? Can I still be considered for the program?
The short answer is yes. Boston University School of Social Work has accepted people with architectural degrees, nursing backgrounds, expertise in journalism, law, etc. However, having work experience in social work or a related human service field does strenghten an application. This experience may be paid, volunteer, or internship experience.
I have not been a student for 20 years. Can I still succeed in this program?
We have a number of students who are returning to school after a long absence. Even though it can be challenging initially, students quickly adjust. They are often surprised to discover how valuable their previous work and life experience can be to their education.
If I am accepted to one campus, can I transfer to another campus should my situation change?
Yes, you can transfer to another campus. Please submit your request via e-mail to Associate Director Alison McAlear. Please note this does not apply to the Online MSW program. We cannot except transfer students into the Online Program at this time.
I have taken courses on a non-matriculating basis in another graduate social work program (accredited by the Council on Social Work Education). Will the Boston University School of Social Work accept these courses?
Yes, under the advice and approval of the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, if you have taken courses on a non-matriculating basis then you may be able to transfer up to nine (9) credits. Please contact the Admissions Office to obtain a Transfer Credit Approval form. Transfer students are encouraged to read the requirements and application steps outlined in the School’s student handbook. For further information, call 617-353-3750 or e-mail: busswad@bu.edu.
I have taken courses in a graduate program other than social work. Will I be able to transfer these courses if accepted to the Boston University School of Social Work?
Yes, under the advice and approval of the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs. If you have taken courses on a matriculating basis in another graduate program other than social work, then no more than six (6) credits will be transferable. Credits which have been applied to a prior degree cannot be transferred. Please contact the Admissions office to obtain a Transfer Credit Approval form. Transfer students are encouraged to read the requirements and application steps outlined in the School’s student handbook. For further information, call 617-353-3750 or e-mail: busswad@bu.edu.
I have matriculated (am matriculating) in another graduate social work program (accredited by the Council on Social Work Education). Will I be able to transfer into the Boston University School of Social Work?
Yes, under the advice and approval of the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs. If you have matriculated in another social work program, then no more than 32 credits will be transferable toward the MSW degree at the Boston University School of Social Work. Please contact the Admissions office to obtain a Petition to Transfer Credit form. Transfer students are encouraged to read the requirements and application steps outlined in the School’s student handbook. For further information, call 617-353-3750 or e-mail: busswad@bu.edu.
When do I begin the program?
Applicants for the Charles River or Off Campus Programs apply for entry in the Fall semester only. Applicants for the Online MSW program may apply for entry in the Fall, Spring, or Summer semesters.
What is the deadline for admission?
Charles River Campus and Off Campus Programs: March 1.
Applicants applying for Advanced Standing full-time status at the Charles River Campus: January 15.
All International Applicants: January 15.
Online MSW Program: Fall entry is July 15; Spring entry is November 15; Summer entry is March 30
How much is tuition?
Current tuition and fees are as follows:
- Full-Time Students (enrolled for 12 to 18 credits) Tuition: $ 26,000.00 per year
- Part-Time Students (enrolled for 1/2 to 11 1/2 credits) Tuition: $ 818.00 per credit (Charles River Campus), $555.00 per credit (Off Campus Programs and Online MSW Program)
- Registration Fee: $ 40.00 per semester
Tuition and fees are subject to change without notice.
