How do I apply to the program?
You must first apply to, and be admitted to the UNCW Graduate School. All admissions materials submitted will be forwarded to the MSW Admissions Committee for review after the Graduate School determines your eligibility to the UNCW Graduate School. The MSW Admissions Committee then determines admission to the MSW program.
Is the the GRE required?
It depends. If an applicant has an overall cumulative bachelors GPA of a 3.25 or higher from a regionally accredited institution, they are not required to take the GRE. The 3.25 GPA applies to the last attended institution where the undergraduate degree was conferred. In addition, students that hold a graduate degree in another field are not required to take the GRE.
What score do I need on the GRE?
Scores in the 50th percentile or higher in the verbal section, 30th percentile or higher in the quantitative section, and a 3.5 or higher in the writing section would be considered competitive. Applicant’s may still apply if either the verbal or quantitative sections of the GRE are below the 30th percentile, the Admissions Committee considers alternative evidence of the potential to be successful in MSW coursework - Examples: High undergraduate grades in writing, statistics, and/or research courses.
Are some undergraduate majors (like social work) preferred?
No, we welcome students with a diverse background, although we do require introductory courses in sociology, psychology, statistics and human biology. However, if you apply to the advanced standing program, you are required to have an undergraduate degree in social work.
What financial assistance is available to MSW students?
We have financial assistance available for some of our students. You can find out more information by visiting the Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid website. Additionally, a limited number of teaching assistantships are available.
Does work or volunteer experience in the human services influence admissions?
While all applicants will be considered individually, if you have some background in human services through work, internships, or volunteer efforts your application is stronger.
What should I include in my personal narrative?
Try to give the Admissions Committee a concise picture of who you are (your academic and personal experiences) and why you are choosing social work as a career. Discuss your current thoughts about what you would like to do with your MSW degree, although we know that this may change as you go through the program. Remember that we have many applicants, so the more clear and detailed you are about your history and goals the better picture we have of you. Please make sure that you only include the information that is requested and that you remain within the page requirements.
Is there a part-time program?
Yes, the part-time MSW program, will take three years, including summers, to complete. The preferred deadline for applications is February 1st with an absolute deadline of April 15th for the following fall semester. Twenty-four part-time students will be admitted per year, preferably divided between students for the Coastal Carolina Community College extension campus and the main campus in Wilmington. All classes will be delivered in a hybrid format, meaning they will be delivered partially online, as well as delivered through VTC.
Can I start the program in January?
No.
Is there advanced standing?
No.
