FAQs for MSW Program

We advise applicants to know something about the practice of social work before they apply to a rigorous graduate program, but we do accept applicants with diverse educational backgrounds. It is looked upon favorably if the applicant has been exposed to the human service field, such as through volunteer work, because it may mean the applicant has an basic understanding of the social work profession. You do not need to have an undergraduate degree in social work or employment in the field in order to apply.

Application Tips for Recommendations

• Three electronic recommendation forms must be submitted.
• Applicants are encouraged to select recommenders who can attest to your potential for success as a graduate student and as a master level social worker. This might include faculty members, social workers, internship/volunteer supervisors and other human service professionals. Applicants are discouraged from asking family and friends to serve as recommenders.
• When submitting the recommendation forms, space will be provided for recommenders to upload a letter of support. Letters of support are helpful in the review process but optional.
• An application is not able to be reviewed until all materials are submitted, including recommendations. Be sure to log into your portal to check the status of submission on your recommendations and reach back out to your references to submit in a timely manner, if needed.
• Graduate School Recommendations Process

Application Tips for Relevant Volunteer and/or Paid Experience

• Applicants are required to upload their resumes to the application system.
• The School of Social Work gives consideration to the applicant’s familiarity with the social work field, leadership contributions, community engagement, and commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion as described in the both the applicant’s resume and Statement of Purpose.

Application Tips for Statement of Purpose

• Applicants are required to upload their resumes to the application system.
• The School of Social Work gives consideration to the applicant’s familiarity with the social work field, leadership contributions, community engagement, and commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion as described in the both the applicant’s resume and Statement of Purpose.

General Note: Life experience does not factor into the admission decision making process

Applicants are encouraged to complete FASFA forms because many scholarships are need-based and you cannot be considered if you have not completed a FASFA. Financial Aid information here: https://ninercentral.charlotte.edu/financial-aid-loans/four-steps-financial-aid

General Scholarships: There are some scholarships available through the University, College of Health and Human Services, and School of Social Work. For more information, visit the UNC Scholarship portal at: http://scholarships.charlotte.edu/

Stipends related to Internships: There are very few agencies that offer stipends for practicum placements, but there are a few.

Graduate Assistants: The School of Social Work employs a limited number of Graduate Assistants for approximately 10 hours per week at an hourly rate. Contact Dr. Travis Hales, MSW Program Director, for more information. There also may be other assistantships available on campus. For more information on those, see the Graduate School’s webpage at: http://graduateschool.charlotte.edu/funding

Primarily, loans are available to help fund your graduate education. Contact the Financial Aid Office for more information.

Applicants who meet the January 15th annual deadline are notified of the decision of admission, denial, or waitlist via a letter in the Graduate School portal sometime between mid February to the end of March.

The waiting list is rank-ordered by the committee and offers of admission are made on a space-available basis. Applicants for summer admission are notified of final decisions no later than May 1st and applicants for fall admission are notified of final decisions no later than August 1st.

The School of Social Work has a positive reputation in the Charlotte community. Alumni can be found all over the region engaging in direct practice and in supervisory roles. Our graduates have gone to be social workers in schools, hospitals/MD offices, Department of Social Services, hospice and home health care agencies, health departments, trauma centers, shelters, domestic violence centers, as counselors and much more. Graduates of the MSW Program may also pursue state licensure or certification. View our ‘About the Program’ page about halfway down to view some spotlights of our alumni.

The UNC Charlotte Office of Graduate Admissions will receive your online application and hold it until all of the components are in. If you are wondering if a transcript, for instance, has been received track your application status in the application portal. If you have questions after checking the application system, please contact the Graduate School at gradcounselor@uncc.edu.