For applicants with a qualifying bachelor's degree.
This pathway is open to applicants with a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science from a recognized institution.
3.00 GPA benchmark
19+ Preferred liberal arts credits
Admission Criteria
MSW admissions
Admission criteria.
Review the academic background, GPA and professional-readiness criteria for the Regular and Advanced Standing MSW pathways.
For graduates of an accredited BSW program.
This pathway requires a Bachelor of Social Work from a program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.
3.25 GPA benchmark
6 years Maximum time since BSW
Regular MSW pathway
Requirements for Regular MSW admission.
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Degree requirement
A Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree from a recognized institution is required.
Bachelor of Applied Science degrees are not accepted.
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GPA requirement
A grade-point average of at least 3.00 on a 4.0 scale during undergraduate study or in 14 or more credits of graduate study is expected. The GPA in the final 60 undergraduate credits, or their equivalent, is primarily considered.
Applicants with an undergraduate GPA below 3.00 will be asked to explain the circumstances and why they are now prepared to succeed in graduate school.
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Personal and professional qualities
Applicants must demonstrate personal and professional qualities considered important for social work practice through the Applicant Statement and letters of reference.
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Academic background
Preferred academic preparation reflects a liberal arts perspective, including at least 19 semester credits in the humanities and social and natural sciences. Relevant subjects may include sociology, psychology, anthropology, history, philosophy, literature and languages.
Advanced Standing pathway
Requirements for Advanced Standing admission.
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Degree requirement
A Bachelor of Social Work degree from a program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education is required.
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GPA requirement
A grade-point average of at least 3.25 on a 4.0 scale during undergraduate study is required. The GPA in the final 60 undergraduate credits, or their equivalent, is primarily considered.
Applicants with a GPA below 3.25 are not eligible for Advanced Standing and should consider the Regular MSW program.
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Personal and professional qualities
Applicants must demonstrate personal and professional qualities considered important for social work practice through the Applicant Statement and letters of reference.
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Academic background and degree timing
The qualifying BSW must be conferred before the Advanced Standing program begins in the summer semester and no more than six years before enrollment.
If the program is not included on CSWE's current list of accredited undergraduate programs, the applicant is responsible for documenting its accreditation status. No exceptions can be made to this requirement.
Applies to both pathways
Additional eligibility information.
Statewide Blended out-of-state applicants
Applicants living outside Michigan must reside within 50 miles of the Michigan border to be eligible for the Statewide Blended program. Verification is required before the final admission decision can be processed.
GRE requirement
The GRE is not required for admission to the MSU School of Social Work MSW program.
Review the application process.
Once you identify the pathway that matches your academic background, review the full application requirements, dates and supporting materials.