MSSW Admissions

1. Graduates will practice professional social work utilizing advanced knowledge and skills in Clinical Social Work or Administration and Policy Practice.
2. Graduates will develop and apply a commitment to critical inquiry and knowledge acquisition and development.
3. Graduates will be able to discuss their understanding of the dynamics of populations at risk and implement social justice strategies to redress inequities and oppression within individual, family, group, community, and organizational contexts.
   
   These goals are achieved through a course of study consisting of a foundation curriculum required of all students, followed by a group of courses in one of two areas of concentration selected by the student: Clinical Social Work or Administration and Policy Practice. The Master of Science in Social Work (MSSW) Program at the University of Texas at Austin is fully accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).

Review the MSSW Handbook.

Let us help you decide if our MSSW Program is right for you.

• Learn more about the UT School of Social Work’s Core Values.
• Request an Information Packet.
• Browse the MSSW Program Requirements
• View the Recorded Information Session
• Review Graduate School Admission Requirements.
• Find MSSW Program tuition rates and cost of attendance.

To apply to the MSSW Program at UT Austin, you must meet the admission requirements of both the UT Graduate School and the School of Social Work.

Program Requirements:

1. Bachelor’s Degree
   From an accredited U.S. institution or equivalent international degree.
2. GPA
   Minimum 3.0 GPA (on a 4.0 scale) in upper-division (junior/senior) coursework and any completed graduate work.
3. Professional Experience
   Volunteer or paid work in social work or a related field is required.
4. Recommendations
   Three required. Submitted through the online application system.
5. Statement of Purpose
   Three required. A fourth statement is required if your GPA is below 3.0.
6. Resume
   Submit a professional resume.
7. Transcripts
   Official transcripts from all colleges or universities attended.
8. Statistics Course
   One introductory statistics course (grade C or higher) covering inferential applications. Online courses are accepted if shown on an official transcript. Certificates are not accepted.
9. GRE
   Not required. However, GRE scores may strengthen applications with lower GPAs or non-traditional transcripts.
10. Application Fee
    $65 (non-refundable). The School of Social Work does not offer application waivers.

Additional Program Requirements for Special Applicant Groups:

LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY
International Applicants: Submit official TOEFL or IELTS scores to show English proficiency.

PRACTICUM EVALUATION
Post-BSW Applicants, only: BSW graduates submit final evaluation; current BSW students submit mid-term practicum evaluation by March 31st.

SYLLABI
Transfer Applicants, only: Upload course syllabi through MyStatus under “Miscellaneous Admissions Documents” after submitting your application.

International students applying to The University of Texas at Austin must submit either an official Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS) score report demonstrating an adequate knowledge of English.

The Institutional TOEFL (ITP) and the IELTS General Training are not accepted.

The minimum scores considered acceptable for admission by the Graduate School are:

TOEFL: 79 on the Internet-based test (iBT)
IELTS: An overall band of 6.5 on the Academic Examination

Scores must be sent to the university by the testing agency (self-reported scores are not accepted). The Educational Testing Service (ETS) institution code for UT Austin is 6882. There is no institutional code for the IELTS examination. To fulfill the requirement with scores from the IELTS, please use the IELTS electronic score delivery service to send your scores to the “University of Texas at Austin” account.

Course Waiver Request
The UT MSSW Program utilizes a course waiver process, not a transfer-credit process. Approved coursework may waive specified MSSW degree requirements; however, credit completed at another institution is not transferred to or recorded as UT Austin credit on the student’s transcript.

To begin the course waiver review process, email ssw-admissions@austin.utexas.edu to request the MSSW Course Waiver Request Form. Applicants must submit all required supporting documentation, including: course syllabi, official transcripts, and a letter of good standing from their current MSW program.

Eligibility

• Applicants must be currently enrolled in a CSWE-Accredited MSW program.

Course Waivers

• If admitted to the MSSW Program, students must complete a minimum of 36 credit hours at UT Austin, regardless of the number of approved course waivers.
• Up to 24 credit hours of MSSW degree requirements may be waived based on an individual review of prior coursework, course syllabi, supporting materials, and official transcripts.
• Submission of a Course Waiver Request Form does not guarantee approval of any course waiver.

Timeline

• Students must complete the required 36 credit hours at UT Austin over a minimum of three semesters (fall, spring, and summer).
• The MSSW Program cannot be completed in fewer than three semesters, regardless of the number of approved course waivers.
• A student’s final degree plan and anticipated graduation date will be determined after admission to the MSSW Program and completion of the course waiver review.
• Approved course waivers may affect your overall program timeline and anticipated graduation date.

Questions?
If you have questions about course waivers or the review process, please email ssw-admissions@austin.utexas.edu.

Already have a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) or working toward one? The Post-BSW Program offers an accelerated pathway to earn your Master of Science in Social Work (MSSW) at The University of Texas at Austin.

Designed for students who have completed, or are currently completing, a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree from a CSWE-accredited program, this advanced standing option allows qualified students to complete the MSSW in as little as just over one year (42-48 credit hours).

Are You Eligible?
Do you have a BSW degree or are you currently enrolled in a BSW program?

✅ Yes, I’m a current or former BSW student.
Apply to the Post-BSW Program:

• Entry Term: Summer
• Graduate Program: Social Work MSSW, Post-BSW

❌ No, my degree is in another field.
Apply to the MSSW Program:

• Entry Term: Fall
• Graduate Program: Social Work MSSW

Additional Application Requirement
To confirm your eligibility for the Post-BSW Program, you must submit a practicum evaluation from your BSW program.

• Current BSW Students
  • Submit your Mid-Term Practicum Evaluation by March 31.

• BSW Graduates
  • Submit your Final Practicum Evaluation by December 1.

How to Submit Your Practicum Evaluation
Upload your evaluation through MyStatus under “Miscellaneous Admissions Documents.”

Need Help?
Questions about eligibility or the application process?

ssw-admissions@austin.utexas.edu

🎓 Thinking About a Dual Degree?
If you’re applying for a dual-degree program, here’s what you need to know:

Before beginning the application process, carefully review the admission requirements for both degree programs. Some partner programs may require additional materials, such as GRE scores. Post-BSW applicants must submit a practicum evaluation. To be considered for a dual-degree program, applicants must submit all required materials and be admitted to both the MSSW program and the partner program.

Monitor your MyStatus portal for updates on your UT application and the partner program’s application portal for updates on your external application. To be considered for the MSSW or Post-BSW program instead of a dual degree, submit a new application and application fee by the December 1 deadline.

Step 1: Apply to Your Dual-Degree Program(s)
Admission to a dual-degree program requires acceptance by both the MSSW program and the partner program.

Programs Requiring Two Applications

• MSSW/MBA: McCombs School of Business
• MSSW/JD: UT Austin School of Law
• MSSW/MPH: UT Health Houston School of Public Health
• MSSW/MDiv: Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary

Applicants to these dual-degree programs must submit both the MSSW Dual Degree Application and a separate application to the partner program. Applicants must meet the admission requirements of both programs and be admitted by each program to pursue the dual degree.

Post-BSW Dual Degree Applicants: When completing the MSSW Dual Degree Application, you may see a statement indicating that Post-BSW applicants should not use this application. Please disregard this message. There is currently no separate Post-BSW dual-degree application, and Post-BSW applicants should use the MSSW Dual Degree Application.

Programs Requiring MSSW Dual Degree Application Only:

• MSSW/MPAff:  LBJ School of Public Affairs
• MSSW/MA: Teresa Lozano Long Institute of Latin American Studies

For the MSSW/MPAff and MSSW/MA dual-degree programs, the MSSW Dual Degree Application serves as the application for both programs. While only one application is required, applicants must satisfy the admission requirements of both programs and be admitted by each program to pursue the dual degree.

Step 2: Choose Your Starting Program
If admitted to both programs, choose your starting program, attend MSSW Orientation, and register for a zero-credit MSSW course each semester you are completing coursework through your partner program to maintain your UT student status.

Step 3: If You Are Not Admitted to Both Programs
Admission to a dual-degree program requires acceptance to both programs. If you are not admitted to both, you may reapply in a future admissions cycle.

International Student and Scholar Services
The university’s office of International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) is a resource to admitted students. The ISSS can assist you with questions about topics ranging from immigration status to housing.

Office of Graduate Admissions
The Office of Graduate Admissions assists international applicants with the graduate admissions process.

The UT School of Social Work, in partnership with the Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid, offers a variety of scholarship opportunities for both incoming and current MSSW students. Scholarship applications are submitted through the LASSO (Longhorn Awards and Student Scholarship Opportunities) system.

Prospective and current social work students are strongly encouraged to apply for scholarship opportunities offered by both the School of Social Work and The University of Texas at Austin. School of Social Work scholarships are available exclusively to social work students and are awarded based on factors such as merit, financial need, and professional interests.

Scholarship announcements, application instructions, deadlines, and additional details will be communicated by email. Prospective students will receive notifications at the email address provided on their application, while current students will receive communications through their official UT Austin email account. Scholarship applications typically open in December, and students are encouraged to monitor their email regularly for updates and important deadlines.

Funded Practicum Education
The Practicum Education Office offers several Funded Practicum Education Programs. During practicum education, students participate in academic internships at community agencies. Here, they develop and enhance their social work skills under the guidance of experienced social workers. Additionally, students attend a practice course and practicum seminar to reflect on and learn from their internship experiences.

The following Practicum Education Programs require the submission of an application. Please contact each program for information about their application requirements.

• Earl Maxwell Scholars Program
• The Gerontology Resources and the Aging Community in Education Scholars Program (GRACE)
• St. David’s Foundation Bilingual Social Work Scholars Program

Student Employment
Graduate students are encouraged to explore academic and non-academic employment opportunities at the UT School of Social Work and within the university. 

For more information visit:

• Student employment information | UT Social Work
• Student employment | Graduate School

Cost of Attendance
The cost of attendance (COA) is an estimate of what it costs the typical student to attend the UT School of Social Work. Your COA covers both your tuition and basic living expenses, including housing and food, books and supplies, transportation and travel costs, and personal expenses.  To calculate your COA visit Cost & Tuition Rates.

My Status
MyStatus offers applicants secure, individualized information from initial application submission to the final admission decision and beyond. Use it to track the receipt of submitted application materials, to upload required supporting documents, to confirm that your application file is complete, and to get your decision.

What I Owe
There are several ways to pay for your UT education. Find information here on how to pay online, in person or by mail, using financial aid or outside loans.

LASSO FAQ
Frequently asked questions by students about the LASSO scholarship management system.

Texas OneStop
A central location to have questions answered regarding financial aid, billing, payment, registration, and records.

MSSW Admissions Timeline

August – September
Application Opens

• Review program options and admission requirements.
• Attend an information session or connect with Admissions.
• Begin preparing application materials.

October – November
Complete Your Application

• Complete and submit your application.
• Request transcripts and recommendations.
• Finalize your statement of purpose.
• Upload required documents and monitor MyStatus.

December 1
Application Deadline

• Submit your application and all required materials by 11:59 p.m. Central Standard Time.
• Verify that you have selected the correct program before submitting.

December – February
Application Review

• Applications undergo a holistic review process.
• Monitor MyStatus for document updates or requests for additional information.
• Your status will remain “In Review” while your application is being evaluated.

March – April
Admission Decisions

• Decisions are posted in MyStatus throughout March.
• Your status will change from “In Review” to “Admitted” or “Denied.”
• Respond to your admission offer by April 15.

May & August
Orientation & Academic Advising

• Post-BSW students attend orientation in May.
• MSSW students attend orientation in August.
• Meet with your academic advisor.
• Receive instructions for course registration.

Applications are reviewed through a holistic admissions process, with careful consideration given to each applicant’s academic preparation, professional and volunteer experiences, personal statement, letters of recommendation, and overall fit with the social work profession. Applications are evaluated individually and within the context of the overall applicant pool. Meeting minimum admission requirements does not guarantee admission to the program.

Once all required application materials have been received, your application will enter the review process and your status in MyStatus will display “In Review.” This status will remain unchanged while your application is being evaluated.

Applicants are encouraged to monitor MyStatus regularly to ensure all required documents have been received and to check for any updates or requests for additional information. Once a final admission decision has been made, your application status will be updated to “Admitted” or “Denied.”

Important: Before submitting your application, verify that you have selected the correct program based on your educational background.

To officially join the program, you must be admitted by both the UT Austin Graduate School and the School of Social Work, and complete all required enrollment and compliance requirements before the first day of class.

Responding to Your Admission Offer

• Step 1: View Your Admission Decision
  Log in to your MyStatus portal to review your admission letter and respond to your offer of admission by April 15.
• Step 2: Review Your Welcome Packet
  Check the email address associated with your application for your welcome packet and important next steps. Your letter will include a link to accept or decline your offer of admission.
• Step 3: Submit Your Enrollment Deposit
  After accepting your offer, an enrollment deposit bill will be generated, typically within 24 hours. Once available, you can view and pay the deposit through What I Owe to secure your spot in the program.

Why are there multiple steps?
Your admission and enrollment must be processed through several university and program systems. As a result, your decision to accept or decline your admission offer must be recorded at both the university and School of Social Work levels before your enrollment can be finalized.

Need Assistance?
If you have questions about your admission offer, enrollment deposit, or next steps, contact the School of Social Work Admissions Team at ssw-admissions@austin.utexas.edu.

Denied Admission
Applicants who are not admitted will be notified through their MyStatus portal. Each year, the Admissions Review Committee reviews many qualified applications; however, due to limited enrollment capacity, not all applicants can be offered admission. All admission decisions are final and not subject to appeal.

Waitlist Information
Applicants placed on the waitlist have submitted strong and competitive applications but cannot be offered admission at the time of review due to limited space in the incoming class.

If space becomes available, waitlisted applicants may be considered for admission. Applicants will be notified by email and through MyStatus if their status changes. Applicants who do not receive an offer of admission by the conclusion of the admissions cycle will be denied admission for that term.

Dante Vargas, Director of Recruitment,is available to support prospective students throughout their exploration of the program. From learning about degree options and determining whether the program is the right fit for your academic and professional goals, to considering your options and make enrollment decisions, Dante serves as a resource every step of the way. Dante can also be resource to incoming students, helping you successfully transition into the program.

Lorena Sánchez, Director of Admissions,guides prospective and admitted applicants through the admissions and enrollment process. From clarifying application requirements and supporting application submission, to communicating admission decisions and navigating enrollment steps, Lorena provides personalized guidance throughout the journey. She is committed to helping applicants feel informed and confident as they move through admissions and transition into the program and connecting them with the resources and support they need for a successful start.

Marian Mahaffey, the Graduate Program Administrator,is your first point of contact to address your educational needs while you are enrolled in the MSSW Program. Each semester, students are required to attend an advising session to ensure that all their academic needs are met.

Prospective students are encouraged to view our recorded MSSW Information Session to learn about the MSSW Program, admission requirements, and the application process.

The recorded session offers a comprehensive overview and addresses common questions.

Some examples of courses that satisfy our requirements:

• Elementary Statistical Methods
• Social Statistics Statistics/Research Design
• Intro Stats for Behavioral Science
• Psychological Statistics
• Social Work Statistics
• Applied Probability and Statistics
• Intro to Statistics for Biosciences

For specific questions regarding the statistics course requirement, please email ssw-admissions@austin.utexas.edu.