MSW Admission Requirements

Students are admitted to the MSW program in the fall quarter, which starts in late September.

Applicants must submit two separate applications: the UCLA Graduate Division application, and an online supplemental application to the department.  While the department can recommend whether a student should be offered admission, the Graduate Division has final authority in all admission decisions. For MSW applicants, the final deadline for filing both applications is January 15.  However, early application is strongly encouraged.  For students seeking merit-based fellowships, all application materials must be submitted to Graduate Division and the department by December 15.

The application process for the UCLA Department of Social Welfare is comprised of two parts.

Part One is designed for submission of basic information to the UCLA Graduate Division, including your academic history and the degree program to which you want to apply, as well as the $60 application fee.

Part Two of the application process involves the submission directly to our program of the following items: Department of Social Welfare online application, personal and professioanl statements, resume, supplementary information, letters of recommendation, transcripts, and GRE scores.

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

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.

Applicants must meet the following requirements for admission:

1. Hold a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. Establish eligibility for admission to graduate standing in the University of California. Obtain a minimum grade point average of 3.0 (B) in all upper division courses.
   
2. Submit results of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE).
   Only the general test is required. No cut off. Submit your best scores.
   
3. Complete a total of seven (7) courses in the Humanities and Socio-Behavioral Sciences combined. Of those seven, a minimum of three socio-behavioral courses are required (e.g., anthropology, economics, ethnic studies, education, gerontology, political science, public health, psychology, social ecology, social welfare, sociology, women's studies). Complete one (1) course in elementary statistics with a grade of B or better.
   
4. Complete at least one (1) course with human biology content (examples include anthropology, psychology, sociology).