August 15 – Application opens for all MSW programs and locations.
November 15 – Final application due date for traditional program applicants at UMGC program. First review date for all other programs and locations.
November 15 to March 15 – Rolling review window for all stateside, Salisbury campus, regional campus, and online option applications.
March 15 – Final deadline for all stateside, Salisbury campus, regional campus, and online option applications.
April 15 – Final application due date for advanced standing program applicants at UMGC program.
Note: University of Maryland University College (UMUC) is now known as University of Maryland Global College (UMGC), and University System of Maryland at Southern Maryland (USMSM) is now known as Southern Maryland Higher Education Center (SMHEC).
A baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college or university.
A broad liberal arts background with a minimum of 24 hours including at least one course in: sociology, psychology and introductory statistics. These undergraduate requirements may be taken at any accredited college or university, including community college.
A minimum 3.00 GPA on last 60 credits as well as the last 120 credits leading to the bachelor's degree.
Applicants who have completed a baccalaureate degree in Social Work from an undergraduate social work program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education within the last three years are eligible to apply for the Advanced Standing program. Applicants who graduated within the last five years and have worked in human services for at least two of those years will be considered.
A broad liberal arts background with a minimum of 24 hours including at least one course in: sociology, psychology and introductory statistics. These undergraduate requirements may be taken at any accredited college or university, including community college.
A minimum of a 3.2 GPA on the last 60 credits and a 3.0 GPA on the last 120 credits leading to the bachelor’s degree is required.
Application assessment is made on the basis of the applicant’s academic performance and background, social work and related work experience, personal qualifications, references and indications of a commitment to the profession. Additionally, applicants should have interests or life experiences appropriate to the practice of professional social work.
Admission to the program requires applicants to complete an Application for Graduate Admission at Salisbury University – visit Graduate School Admissions for details – and the following program-specific requirements:
Conditional or provisional admission may be granted to applicants in the following categories:
Those who have not successfully completed the required liberal arts background may be admitted conditionally. Students found to have a deficiency in the area of liberal arts preparation will be required to take leveling courses to satisfy the prerequisite requirement prior to admission or during their first semester in the program. All prerequisites for admission must be completed prior to the start of the second semester in the program. Statistics may be taken on a Pass/Fail basis; all other prerequisite courses must be graded. Students may take these classes at any accredited university or community college. The Admissions Review Committee reserves the right to request that students retake a liberal arts course in which a grade below a “C” was earned. Students must submit proof of successful completion of the course to be fully admitted to the program.
Students from non-M.S.W. graduate programs may receive a maximum of six transfer credits for courses for which s/he has earned a grade of A or B. Each course will be assessed for program equivalency.
Students previously or currently enrolled in another accredited master’s level social work degree program who are seeking admission as a transfer student will require official determination of allowable credit for coursework completed elsewhere. This determination will be made at the time of admission. Field Education credits do not transfer. All Field Education requirements must be completed as part of this M.S.W. program. In addition, all students must complete a minimum of 30 hours at Salisbury University to be eligible for an M.S.W.
Students previously or currently enrolled in another accredited master’s level social work degree program who are seeking admission as transfer students are required to submit the following three materials IN ADDITION TO the materials required of new students outlined above:
A brief written statement describing the reason(s) for requesting a transfer
A copy of field experience evaluations
One of the three professional recommendations must be from a faculty member or field supervisor affiliated with the transferring program.
Non-M.S.W. to M.S.W.: Students from non-M.S.W. programs may receive a maximum of six transfer credits for which at least a B was earned. Each course will be assessed for program equivalency. Official determination of allowable credit for coursework completed elsewhere will be made at the time of admission. See M.S.W. Student Handbook for complete details.
International students who demonstrate graduate ability and proficiency in the English language may be offered admission. Applicants whose native language is other than English must take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) and have official results sent to the Office of Admissions. A minimum score of 550 on the written exam or 213 on the computer exam is required. International graduate student applicants may be required to have their credentials reviewed by professional, external evaluators identified by SU. If such external review is necessary, appropriate forms will be sent to applicants early in the admissions process. International students must be admitted to a degree program before the immigration document (I-20) will be provided.
At this time, you must reside within the United States to participate in our M.S.W. Program.
Eligible applicants who wish to enroll as non-degree graduate students (not formally admitted to a graduate degree program) are not required to complete a formal application for admission to the School of Social Work but rather must complete a Guest/Non-Degree Registration form to the university. Prospective non-degree students are directed to first correspond with the MSW Program Director regarding any non-degree seeking course enrollment. Approval is contingent upon factors such as the prospective student’s prior education, course prerequisites, and future degree-seeking plans, amongst other factors. MSW courses taken as non-degree seeking but later used toward a graduate degree in the school are subject to all university and departmental policies including the School of Social Work’s course repeat policy and Salisbury University’s 7-year time limitation for the completion of graduate coursework.
Applicants who have pending legal action or convictions will be asked to supply documentation on the nature of the offense and the disposition. Individuals admitted to the program who are facing pending legal actions or convictions may have restrictions placed on the area of study and field placements they may pursue, as some field placement agencies do require a criminal background check. Applicants should also be aware that the Professional Standards Committee of the Maryland Board of Social Work Examiners may refuse to issue a license or certificate of registration to any person who has been convicted of any crime in this or any other state. Applicants may be denied admission to or, if enrolled, terminated from the program if they have been untruthful or provided inaccurate information on their application.
