The Department of Social Work
Dear Prospective M.S.W. Student:
The Department of Social Work at the University of Vermont welcomes applications to the MSW program from prospective students who share our commitment to social justice, human rights, strengths oriented practice, and critical social construction. Our MSW program offers excellent preparation for professional social work practice in the context of a small, personal learning community. Our location in Vermont , known for its beauty and progressive traditions, provides students with many opportunities for recreation and activism.
There is no “typical” UVM student. Our students come from all parts of the United States , are diverse in age, background, and prior experience. We are committed to diversity and encourage applications from ALANA (African, Latino/a, Asian, Native American) and international students.
We hope to hear from you!
General Requirements for Admission
- A baccalaureate degree completed in good standing from a college or university accredited by a recognized regional accrediting association.
- No minimum grade point average (GPA) is required; however, the applicant must show evidence of academic ability to undertake graduate study in social work. The applicant’s GPA is one indicator of performance and will be considered in the review process.
- Evidence of a strong liberal arts background, with a minimum of 18 credits in general liberal arts course work that supports graduate education in social work.
- Graduate Record Examination (GRE) Scores (no minimum score is required).
- Prior work or volunteer experience in human services is preferred.
- International students must submit TOEFL scores of 550 (213 computer based) or higher.
Requirements for Admission for Advanced Standing
- A BSW degree earned from a Bachelors in Social Work Program accredited by CSWE (Council on Social Work Education) within 7 years of admission to the MSW program.
- Prior academic performance that supports graduate study in social work
- A satisfactory undergraduate social work field practicum evaluation
Transfer Student Applications
The UVM Department of Social Work accepts applications from students who have completed MSW courses from other accredited masters level programs in Social Work. Generally, course work in Social Work must be completed within 7 years prior to degree completion, must meet Graduate College criteria, and have a minimum grade of B to be considered for transfer credit.
The MSW Program Coordinator can assist potential applicants in assessing transfer credits.
Courses of Study
UVM offers three options for study towards the MSW degree.
- FULL TIME study, 60 credits over 4 semesters in 2 academic years
- ADVANCED STANDING * , 39 credits, full time over 1 summer and 1 academic year
- PART TIME , 60 credits over 4 academic years
Options for Continuing Education
The Department of Social Work also offers options for continuing
education to non-matriculated students. Continuing education students
may register for a place in many of the foundation year MSW courses, as
space permits. The following courses are open to non-matriculated
students: SWSS 224, SWSS 216, SWSS 220, SWSS 217, SWSS 221, and SWSS
227. Any of these courses can be transferred in to the MSW program once
a student is accepted as an enrolled student, if it is successfully
completed no more than 7 years prior to application with a grade of B
or higher.
In addition, some elective courses are offered during the summer
sessions to prospective students and students who have already obtained
their MSW degree and wish to continue their education. A course in
Quantitative Methods, SWSS 007, is offered in the summer to prospective
students in need of this prerequisite.
To register for any social work course at or above the 200 level, a
student will first need to obtain instructor permission. This can be
facilitated by contacting department staff at 802-656-3329 or by email.
How to Apply:
Application materials for the MSW Program at UVM are submitted to the Graduate College Admissions Office. The Graduate College forwards completed applications to the Department of Social Work for review and recommendation regarding acceptance. Applicants are encouraged to apply on line (instructions below). If an applicant chooses to apply through paper application, forms for this can be downloaded from the Graduate Admissions website. The University no longer provides paper application forms.
Steps to Apply:
- Go to the University of Vermont’s Graduate College page online .
- On the right hand menu click “applicant information”
- To apply online, click on “Apply Online” and follow instructions
When applying online, please send the three letters of
recommendation (along with the recommendation forms), official transcripts, and any other supporting
documents to:
Graduate Admissions Office
332 Waterman Building
85 South Prospect Street
The University of Vermont
Burlington, VT 05401-0160
For paper copies of application materials, click on “Application Forms”. To submit paper applications, please mail all of the required materials in one envelope to the address above.
The application fee for online applications is $40.00 and for paper applications is $55.00
For more information on the application process, click on “Application Instructions” or contact the Graduate Admissions Office by phone at 802-656-2699 or email at graduate.admissions@uvm.edu
Materials Required for all Applications
- Completed application form
- A written Statement of Purpose that describes the applicant’s preparation and goals for pursuing graduate study in Social Work
- Official transcripts from each college or university attended
- Official scores from the general Graduate Record Exam (GRE)
- Resume of work and professional experience
- Three (3) letters of recommendations
(It is strongly recommended that one recommendation be from an academic
source and that one be from an employer in the human services field) - Non refundable application fee of $40 for online and $55 for paper applications
Applicants for Advanced Standing must also provide
- Proof of undergraduate degree from an accredited bachelors program in social work
- A copy of the applicant’s final evaluation for undergraduate field education course and/or letter of recommendation from undergraduate program field program director.
Applicants from outside the US must also provide
- TOEFL scores if English is not the applicant’s native language
- For information on the TOEFL go to http://www.toefl.org/
- Evidence of independent financial support
Admissions Deadlines
Applications to the MSW program are reviewed throughout the academic year on a rolling admissions basis. A priority deadline for February 1 is established for students who wish to be considered for financial assistance through the Department of Social Work. Applications received after February 1 are accepted for review until the entering class has been filled.
Tuition and Costs
For current information on tuition rates and comprehensive student fees go to
http://www.uvm.edu/~stdfinsv/?Page=graduate-tuition.html&SM=tuitionsubmenu.html
Financial Assistance
Each year the Department of Social Work provides some funded opportunities to MSW students enrolled in the program. These opportunities have included:
- Graduate College Fellowships
- Graduate College Assistantships
- Title IVE Child Welfare Traineeships
- Vermont Anti-Violence Partnership Assistantship
- Vermont Interdisciplinary Leadership Education for Health Professionals
- Work Study/Field Education
In addition, prospective students are encouraged to apply for Federal Financial Aid, including low interest educational loans and federal work-study, by completing a FAFSA application, which can be obtained through the Financial Aid Office.
More information about funding for students can be found at the Graduate College website.
National Scholarships for MSW Students
For Additional Information
Please call the Department of Social Work at 802-656-8800 or email us!
Last modified December 12 2012 03:39 PM