Thank you for your interest in the MSW Program at UNC Charlotte. Applications are submitted through the UNC Charlotte Graduate School’s website. Use the "Apply Now" link below:
Apply Now
Program Options
There are two available pathways to earn the MSW on campus (traditional):
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1-year Advanced Standing Plan of Study - Advanced standing is awarded only to applicants holding degrees from baccalaureate social work programs accredited by CSWE, those recognized through its International Social Work Degree Recognition and Evaluation Service, or covered under a memorandum of understanding with international social work accreditors. Students start this plan of study in the first summer session and complete this Plan of Study over a one-year period.
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2-year Plan of Study - Students start classes in the fall semester and complete the program over a two-year period.
There are two available pathways to earn the MSW online (Distance Education):
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2-year Advanced Standing Plan of Study - Advanced standing is awarded only to applicants holding degrees from baccalaureate social work programs accredited by CSWE, those recognized through its International Social Work Degree Recognition and Evaluation Service, or covered under a memorandum of understanding with international social work accreditors. Students start this plan of study in the first summer session and complete this Plan of Study over a two-year period.
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3-year Plan of Study - Students start classes in summer and complete the program over a three-year period. Field practicum is completed in person.
Minimum Criteria Used for Admission
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Earned baccalaureate degree or its U.S. equivalent, from a college or university accredited by an accepted accrediting body. See the Graduate Catalog Glossary for a list of accrediting bodies.
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GPA 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) as indicated by transcripts - If an applicant has earned or attempted a post-baccalaureate degree (i.e. a master’s, doctoral or other), grades in that program will also be taken into consideration. The website includes this note: It is rare that applicants with undergraduate GPAs below 3.0 are offered admission and usually those who are have other compelling evidence pointing to success (e.g., - GPAs very close to 3.0, extensive work experience, earned master’s degree or graduate certificate in a related area with a 3.0 or higher).
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Three recommendations
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Resume
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Statement of Purpose addressing all of the following in no more than six (6) double-spaced pages:
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Discuss:
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Reason(s) you are interested in obtaining an MSW
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Population(s) or social problems you are interested in
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What you hope to learn about in the program that you don’t know now
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Your reasons for seeking admission to the UNC Charlotte MSW Program specifically
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Discuss:
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A challenging educational or professional situation you have experienced
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Steps you took to navigate this situation
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How your actions affected you and others in the situation
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Describe a social, economic, or environmental challenge in the NC/Charlotte region. Discuss how a social worker might intervene with this challenge.
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For non-native English language speakers: A minimum score of 83 on the Internet-based TOEFL or a minimum overall band score of 6.5 on the IELTS is required for admissions consideration.
Advanced Standing Eligibility
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Applicants in their final year of study in a social work program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) and have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher.
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Applicants who have earned a BSW within the past seven years from a social work program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) and who have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher.
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Applicants who have earned a BSW recognized by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) through its International Social Work Degree Recognition and Evaluation Service or who earned a BSW covered under a memorandum of understanding by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) with international social work accreditors are also eligible to apply for Advanced Standing. International applicants should contact the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) for more information and visit the Council on Social Work Education International Degree Review website.
Application Priority Deadline: January 15th annually
Decisions will be released via a letter in the Graduate School application portal between mid February to the end of March.
Overview of Application, Selection Process, & Waiting List
Additional Information for Applicants
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Academic credit is not given for life experience, nor is life experience part of the admission rating rubric. This is communicated to applicants via the School of SocialWork website and student handbooks.
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Applicants with past convictions who are offered admission and opt to enroll would be doing so with the understanding that this background could be a potential barrier to graduation or future employment. The MSW Program does make every effort to assist students with a positive criminal background check in finding field placements.
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Persons with disabilities who need assistance in the admission process must contact the School of Social Work to request such assistance a minimum of fifteen days prior to the application deadline. The applicant will be connected with the Office of Disability Services to request that a staff member assist the applicant with completing the application.
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Students who leave the MSW program (in good standing, due to suspension, or due to termination) and wish to return can contact the MSW Program Director or the Graduate School for guidance related to readmission or reinstatement.
Frequently Asked Questions
State Authorization
The Distance Education (online) MSW program is generally targeted toward those who live in the North Carolina region, but UNC Charlotte is authorized to offer online programs and courses in all US states and territories (Field Education availability may be impacted based on individual state, contact the School of Social Work Field Office for more information). UNC Charlotte is not currently authorized to offer any of its online programs outside of the United States, according to the School of Professional Studies. If a student listed in their application that they live in the North Carolina region and they are admitted, then it is with the understanding they plan to live in the North Carolina region throughout the duration of the program. If a student plans to move out of the North Carolina region during the program, they should consult with the MSW Program Director, Field Director, and Office of Distance Education to further discuss the program as this may impact the ability to complete the program. Please review the State Authorization from the UNC Charlotte School of Professional Studies for more information.