MSW Admissions Overview & Requirements

Admissions Deadline

The UNCW MSW degree program offers three MSW degree options: 1) Full-Time, two year program; 2) Part-Time, three year program; and 3) Advanced Standing program, summer and one full academic calendar year (fall and spring). The Full-Time and Part-Time programs require 62 hours of course work and a 900 hours field placement. The Advanced Standing program is only available to students that hold a Bachelor’s of Social Work from a CSWE accredited institution, and consists of 39 hours of course work and a 600 hour internship. Admission is competitive. No credit is given for life experience.

North Carolina and all other states provide for the licensing and/or certification of masters level social workers. The N.C. Social Work Certification and Licensure Board was established by the North Carolina Legislature to provide a standard of practice for the social work profession. Graduates of the UNCW MSW Program qualify for State Licensure/Certification at three levels: Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Certified Master Social Worker and Certified Social Work Manager. In all of these cases, graduates must pass a state exam. The LCSW requires, in addition, evidence of two years of post-master’s clinical practice with LCSW supervision.

MSW Program Admissions Requirements

  • Graduation with a Bachelors degree from an accredited college or university (or equivalent for non-U.S. students), Advanced Standing applicants must have a Bachelor’s Degree from a CSWE accredited institution.
  • 3.0 undergraduate GPA (on 4.0 point scale)
  • A liberal arts base of undergraduate study, which includes courses in human biology or human development, basic statistics, introduction to psychology and introduction to sociology
  • GRE is not required for students that have a cumulative GPA of a 3.25 or higher. The 3.25 GPA applies to the last institution attended where the undergraduate degree was conferred. In addition, students that hold a graduate degree in another field are not required to take the GRE.
  • Acceptance to UNCW Graduate School
  • No credit given for life experience

Students seeking admission should submit to the Graduate School:

  • A UNCW Graduate School Admission Application
  • Official transcripts from each institution attended should be sent directly to the Graduate School.
  • Three academic or professional letters of recommendation
  • Resume detailing work experience; to include any human services experience, whether through employment, volunteerism, or internship.
  • GRE Scores
  • Narrative Questions for MSW Application (PDF)