Frequently Asked Questions

nGeneral
nMSW Program
nPh.D & Combined Program
nJoint Degrees

1. When is the application for the Department of Social Welfare available?
   You may apply to the MSW and Ph.D programs as early as September each year. The department application is available online.
   
   
2. Can the application materials be mailed to the department separately?
   
   No. All supporting documents must be submitted in one packet. Any items received separately will delay processing of your application.
   
   
3. What are the application deadlines?

   Applicants must apply to both the UCLA Graduate Division and the Department of Social Welfare. The priority deadline (only those applications that are completed by this date are guaranteed to be considered for all departmental fellowships and grants) is December 15th. The final deadline for Fall admissions to the MSW program for both Graduate Admissions and for admission to the Department is January 15th . The deadline for the Ph.D program is January 10th.
   
   n Both the UCLA and Social Welfare Department Online Application
   must be completed by the deadline.
   
   n Incomplete or late applications received after the deadline
   will not be reviewed.

   n All supporting documents must be received or postmarked by the deadline in one single packet.

4. Does the Department admit students mid-year?

   No. Students are admitted for the Fall Quarter only.

5. How much does it cost to attend UCLA Graduate School?

   Annual fees for UCLA graduate students for academic year 2008-09 are $9,667.50 for California residents (including mandatory medical insurance), and $24,673.50 for nonresidents (same fees as above plus nonresident tuition fee). For more UCLA fee information, click here.

6. Can I contact the Department by E-mail?

   We welcome your inquiry.
   sw@spa.ucla.edu

    

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1. What does the MSW program entail?
   The program is a full-time, two (2) academic year program (21 calendar months), with field placements both years. Classes are taught mostly during the day, with some early evening instruction. The first year curriculum includes both Social Welfare with Individuals, Families, and Groups (SWIFG), and Social Welfare with Organizations, Communities, and Policy Settings (SWOCPS). In the 2nd Year, a concentration in either SWIFG or SWOCPS is selected. A specialization in Gerontological Services, Health Services, Mental Health Services, Children and Youth Services, and Non-Profit Services may also be selected by 2nd Year MSW students.

2. Does the Department offer a part-time MSW program?
   No. At the moment the program offers only a full time program.

3. Does the Department accept transfer students into the MSW program?
   No.

4. Does the MSW program have advanced standing?
   No.

5. What are the requirements for admission to the MSW program
   • A BA, BS, or BSW degree obtained before the beginning of the Fall Quarter.
   • At least seven (7) courses in the social Behavioral sciences (which include: Sociology, Psychology, History, Economics, Geography, Political Science, Ethnic Studies); and, one (1) course with Human Biology content (e.g., Anatomy, Physiology, Kinesiology).
   • A statistics course in any area with a grade of "B" or better.
   • The Graduate Record Exam (GRE)--General Test only.
   • GPA (Grade Point Average)--3.0 or better in the last two years of undergraduate work.
   • Three (3) Letters of Recommendation. One from an academic source, one from a work related source, and the third from either academic or work.
   • Personal statement (two pages) .
   • Statement of the applicant’s concept of social welfare (two pages).
   • Two (2) official transcripts from each school attended should be requested and forwarded to the Department of Social Welfare.
   • In addition to the above items, the applicant must submit two (2) online applications, one to the Department of Social Welfare and one to UCLA Graduate Admissions. The applicant is also required to send a filing fee of $60 to Graduate Admissions for domestic applicants and $80 for international applicants, payable to: Regents of University of California.
   • Note: Fees are subject to change

6. How much work experience is required for MSW admissions?
   While there is no set number, the majority of our students have at least 1-2 years of social work related experience.

7. How many students are admitted to the MSW program annually? What percentage of applicants are admitted?
   The Department admits approximately 100 students to the MSW program each year. This is about 20-25% of the applicant pool.

8. What about financial aid?
   Although very limited, there is a variety of financial aid available. Early application is essential. If you are applying for financial aid, the recommended deadline for the Graduate application is December 15th.. In addition, the Department has stipends for MSW students through the CALSWEC and IUC Child Welfare programs, and through a few of the agencies it uses for field placements. There are various sources of financial aid for doctoral students, including fellowships, tuition waivers, and research and teaching assistantships.

9. What sort of career will the MSW prepare me for?
   MSW graduates work in variety of settings along the social welfare continuum. MSW alumni from UCLA have worked in the public and private sectors, and have held jobs as child and adult therapists, children’s social workers in protective services, psychiatric and medical social workers, probation officers, community organizers, program planners, researchers, and executive directors.
   
   
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Ph.D & Combined Program

1. Does the Department accept transfer students into the Ph.D or Combined MSW/Ph.D program?
   No.

2. What are the admission requirements for the Ph.D?
   • Hold an MSW or a master’s or professional degree in a behavioral science or allied profession.
   • Have an superior academic record.
   • Acceptable results from the GRE exams.

   Admissions for the Ph.D program are based on a multifaceted evaluation of the applicant’s academic record, test scores, academic references, evidence of scholarly writing, success in professional employment, and the statement of career objectives.

3. What about financial aid for Ph.D students?
   Most Ph.D students receive financial aid. If you are applying for financial aid, the recommended deadline for the Graduate application is December 15th. There are various sources of financial aid for doctoral students, including fellowships, tuition waivers, and research and teaching assistantships.

4. What sort of career will the Ph.D prepare me for?
   Most graduates of the Ph.D program take positions as faculty in graduate schools of social welfare, both in this country and abroad, or as researchers and policy analysts in a variety of policy and practice settings. Click here to view current employment of recent Ph.D graduates.

5. Does the Department offer a part-time Ph.D program?
   No. At the moment the program offers only a full time program.

6. Is there a combined MSW/Ph.D program?
   Yes. The Department offers a program whereby an applicant can receive both the MSW and Ph.D degrees. The purpose of this program is to provide an integrated educational program for those exceptionally talented students who want to prepare for careers as researchers and scholars in the field of social welfare.

7. What are the admission requirements for the MSW/Ph.D program?
   Applicants should complete the Ph.D application, and indicate they are interested in the combined MSW/Ph.D program. Applicants should clearly indicate how their academic interests and goals are consistent with the combined program. Applicants should submit all information required for the Ph.D application.

8. How many students are admitted to the Combined MSW/Ph.D and Ph.D programs annually? What percentage of applicants are admitted?
   The Department admits approximately 10 students to the Combined and Ph.D program each year. This is about 20-25% of those who apply.
   
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1. Does the Department have Joint Degree Programs?
   Yes. The Department of Social Welfare currently has four joint degree programs. These degrees are: the MSW program with the JD program at the School of Law, the MSW degree program with the MA program in the Asian American Studies Department, the MSW degree program with the MPP program in Policy Studies and the MSW program with the MPH program in the School of Public Health. Other individualized articulated dual degree programs are also available. Applicants need to apply to both programs separately in all cases.
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