Admission Requirements
The Master of Social Work program seeks applicants who have demonstrated academic potential for graduate study, readiness and suitability for advanced level social work, and who are able to articulate a commitment to social work. In addition, the program seeks applicants with demonstrated human services experience and sensitivity to multi-cultural practice, social justice, leadership and advocacy. Admission to the MSW program is competitive; in order to provide the highest quality education and meet accreditation requirements, the number of students admitted may be limited by resources. See MSW Application Hints.
As you prepare to apply to the MSW program at UW-Green Bay, be aware the program has general Graduate Studies admission requirements as well as MSW specific requirements.
General Admission Requirements
Before you begin your application, ensure you meet the general requirements for graduate study at UW-Green Bay. All applicant materials must be submitted through one of our admission systems (CAS portals). While individual programs may have additional criteria, all applicants must provide the following:
- Complete Application
- Bachelor’s Degree: You must hold a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution (or US equivalent) before your first term of enrollment.
- Resume
- Official Transcripts
- Non-refundable Application Fee: A non-refundable graduate application fee will be paid within the online application portal.
No GRE or GMAT Tests
Your potential can't be fully captured by a single standardized test. We are committed to making the admissions process accessible while evaluating your application through a comprehensive review of your academic background, accomplishments and readiness for graduate-level work.
MSW Specific Requirements
In addition to the general Office of Graduate Studies requirements, you must also submit the following program requirements directly into the admission portal (GradCAS):
- GPA Requirement: A cumulative grade point average of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
- Statement of Purpose: See MSW Application Hints for details.
- Two Letters of Recommendation from professional/academic individuals speaking to your ability to perform graduate-level/leadership work in Social Work. Applicants who graduated with an undergraduate degree within the past five years are strongly encouraged to have an academic reference from an institution of higher education (e.g., professor or advisor).
- Liberal Arts Academic Background with completion of a minimum of 12 credits in the social sciences. Examples include coursework within or across the following disciplines: Psychology, Sociology, Anthropology, Economics and Political Science.
- Four Prerequisite Courses: One course from each of the following areas: Biological Life Sciences, Lifespan Development, Statistics and Research Methods. If you have a BSW degree, you are considered to have met all four prerequisites.
Preferred Qualifications
In addition to meeting the required admissions qualifications noted above, the following areas are considered by the MSW program faculty members who evaluate admission applications:
- Demonstrated post-high school human services-related experience. Examples include paid employment, volunteer work and internships.
- Written communication that demonstrates clear and succinct conceptualization of ideas, application of critical thinking, the ability to coherently communicate and organize ideas and the ability to write using correct grammar, spelling and syntax.
- Commitment to social justice, advocacy and multicultural practice on behalf of vulnerable and oppressed populations.
International Students
Students from around the world are welcome to apply to the Master of Public Administration program. If you are not a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, additional requirements apply. This program is eligible for visa sponsorship. Review the international graduate admissions requirements.
Ready to apply?
If you are ready to take the next step in gaining more expertise, have an opportunity advance in your career and make a greater impact in your field, submit your application today.
Need more admission details?
You will find more details, including information on graduate certificates or requirements for international students, in our Graduate Studies Admission Guide. There are also detailed instructions within CAS, our admission system, that make it easy for you.
Application Process & Timeline
The MSW Program admissions committee only reviews complete applications. You are encouraged to apply early and accurately follow application instructions.
Depending on the number of applications received, and available space in each cohort, we may offer a second application deadline in the spring. If a second application date is warranted, it will be posted on this website.
Admission Decisions
Applications are reviewed by the MSW admissions committee and ranked according to the strength of the information in these areas: capacity for academic success, commitment to social work principles and values and comments from references.
Admission is offered to you based on the information provided, and in the order your application is ranked. While we make every attempt to honor your preference for the full- or part-time cohort, the application review process means may result in you not being offered admission into your preferred cohort due to capacity.
Notifications
Approximately 6–8 weeks after the admission deadline, you'll receive an official email from the Graduate Studies Office notifying you of your admission status. These notifications typically begin in mid-to-late January and specify whether you are admitted into the full-time or part-time cohort, in either online or in-person delivery options, denied admission or placed on a waiting list.
After the initial notification from the Graduate Studies Office, the MSW program will send you additional emails containing important documents and instructions for the next steps. If you are on the waiting list, you'll receive updates from the social work office as openings become available.
Confirmations
You must confirm your acceptance into the MSW program before you are officially admitted. Therefore, it is important to closely follow any directions that are provided in subsequent email correspondence.
Advanced Standing Policy
You may receive Advanced Standing status in the MSW program if you meet one of the following two options:
Option One
BSW degree from a baccalaureate social work program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) or those recognized by the International Social Work Degree Recognition and Evaluation Service. BSW degree must be obtained within 7 years of the year of admission to the UW-Green Bay MSW program.
Option Two
Must meet all three of the following criteria*:
- BSW degree from a CSWE-accredited program obtained more than 7 years from the year of admission to the program.
- Current Wisconsin Social Work certification (training certificate excluded), and
- Post-BSW social work practice experience equivalent to 3 full-time years (approximately 6,240 hours). Work experience must be obtained within 10 years of the year of admission to the program.
*Applicants are responsible for providing evidence of meeting the above criteria.
Credit for Life or Work Experience
In keeping with the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) Accreditation Standards, the MSW program doesn't grant social work course credit for life experience or previous work experience regardless of the undergraduate degree attained.
Background Checks
Criminal background and caregiver background checks may be required for MSW practicum placements and are a required component of obtaining Social Work certification/licensing. The results of the checks may determine a student’s ability to obtain a practicum placement or employment in particular areas and/or Social Work certification in the state of Wisconsin. Please refer to the Admissions Criteria page for more details. If you have any questions or concerns based on your particular situation, please contact the MSW Program Chair.
Challenge Brings True Growth
“I have found challenging ourselves and each other is where true growth lies. The amount of support and guidance offered by the MSW program at UW-Green Bay is something I will continue to value through my professional career.”
Amanda Clark
Interprofessional Fellowship in Psychosocial Rehabilitation
VA Connecticut Healthcare System
Contact Us
We're here to answer your questions. For more information on UW-Green Bay's Master of Social Work program, how to get started, or any other needs, please contact us.