Social Work

Admission and Application

Before applying to the degree program, it is strongly recommended that you contact the program coordinator or the School of Social Work well in advance of the application deadline to understand and fulfill all requirements.

Minimum Admission Requirements

The Social Work (M.S.W.) degree provides two admission options with the following requirements:

Regular Admission

• At least 450 hours of verifiable human service work and/or volunteer experience.
• A bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution.
• 18 credits in social and behavioral sciences including the following:
  • statistics
  • human biology
  • human life cycle development covering the life span
  • 9 credits in any combination of the following courses: sociology, psychology, economics, political science, anthropology, or history. These courses must be completed and transcripts received by the first day of classes.
• 3.0 GPA (4.0 scale). Occasional exceptions may be made if applicant demonstrates ability to successfully complete graduate-level work.
• GRE scores are not required.

Advanced Standing Admission

• A bachelor’s degree in social work (within in the last 7 years) from a regionally accredited institution.
• 3.0 overall GPA in undergrduate course work.
• 3.0 GPA in undergraduate social work courses.
• 1200 hours of supervised human experience (internship, paid and/or volunteer), within the last 7 years.
• GRE scores are not required.

Please note that meeting the minimum department standards does not ensure admission to the program. Admission to Colorado State University graduate programs is based on a number of factors, including prior academic and professional experience and the personal statement.

Visit the Distance M.S.W. Program website for the complete admission requirements and procedures.