Social Work MSW Admissions Information

Admissions Requirements

Depending on their academic history, students will complete one of two MSW programs: the Regular Entry MSW curriculum (in person or online) or the Advanced Standing MSW curriculum. Admissions requirements vary depending on how you enter the program.

Learn more about the Temple University Graduate School's official transfer credit policy. Any exemptions to this policy will be handled on a case-by-case basis by the MSW program director.

All applicants will be automatically considered for available merit-based scholarships at the time they are reviewed for admission. Students will be notified if they are in receipt of such scholarships either at the time of admission or very shortly thereafter.

View student competency assessment data in accordance with the Accreditation Standard of the Council on Social Work Accreditation (CSWE).

Regular Entry MSW

Applicants are not required to have a BSW but must have a bachelor’s degree with a broad liberal arts foundation from an accredited undergraduate institution and a minimum GPA of 3.0 or higher.

Start Term: Fall (for full- or part-time students), Spring (part-time students only)
Campus Options: Main Campus
Format: Full time (Main Campus only) or part time

If you do not meet the full admissions criteria, email cph@temple.edu or call 215-204-5200 to discuss your options.

Online Regular Entry MSW

Applicants are not required to have a Bachelor of Social Work but must have a bachelor’s degree with a broad liberal arts foundation from an accredited undergraduate institution and a minimum GPA of 3.0 or higher.

Start Term: Fall, Spring
Campus Options: Online with a mandatory, three-day, in-person training in Philadelphia between the first and second years of the program.
Format: Part time only

Students must have access to proper technology and be able to attend the three-day, in-person training. Learn more about specific technology requirements for the online program.

Advanced Standing MSW (in person or online)

Applicants must have completed their Bachelor of Social Work from a CSWE–accredited program within the past five years and have a minimum 3.25 GPA, both overall and in their major. Applicants must also demonstrate promise as a master’s-level social worker and show readiness to take on graduate education.

Start Term: Summer I
Campus Options: Main Campus and online beginning Summer I 2019
Format: Full time (Main Campus only) and part time

MSW-MPH Dual Degree

Students interested in the MSW-MPH dual degree apply to this program through SOPHAS. Your application materials will be shared with the School of Social Work or the Public Health Admissions team.

The MSW-MPH dual degree is available in the following formats.

Full time or part time
On site
Fully online
Blended in person and online.

Application Components

Application

Transcripts

Résumé or CV

Goal Statement

We are interested in learning more about you and ask that you address the prompts below. Address the following essay topics in approximately 1,500 words:

Discuss what is compelling to you about Temple University School of Social Work's mission statement.
The School of Social Work is deeply committed to social justice, and the faculty believe it is important that all students also commit to social justice. The faculty are interested in your definition (or understanding) of the concept of social justice. What does it mean to you? Is there a certain issue that you feel committed to or passionate about? How would you use a social work degree to advance social justice?
Consider your plan for balancing the part-time or full-time MSW program (including course work, field placement hours and other program requirements) with any additional personal or professional commitments and responsibilities.

Letters of Reference

Additional Requirements for Advanced Standing Applicants

Along with the credentials listed above, advanced standing applicants are required to submit a copy of their final evaluation from their senior field placement. Also, one of the three required letters of reference should come from a faculty member within their BSW program.

Additional Requirements for International Students

For applicants whose native language is not English, the TOEFL is required with a minimum score of 79 on the iBT. Official scores should be sent directly to Temple University.

A WES evaluation is required for applicants who completed their degree outside of the United States. This can be requested and sent to Temple University.

Application Deadlines

Fall (for international applicants): April 15
Fall (for domestic applicants): June 1
Spring (for part-time international students only): Nov. 1
Spring (for part-time domestic students only): Dec. 8
Summer (for advanced standing students only): May 5

Laptop Requirement

Laptops are integrated into the curriculum at the School of Social Work to improve opportunities for active learning and provide greater access to specialized software and required tools in and out of the classroom. Incoming students are required to have a laptop that meets certain minimum hardware specifications. Review full laptop requirements.