1) A completed Graduate Application for Admission and Fellowships. (If you were ever a registered graduate student at Berkeley, obtain an Application for Readmission from the Registrar's website. If you are changing fields, you must also file a Petition for Change of Degree Goal.) This application includes a required statement of purpose and personal history statement.

2) Official transcripts of record. One official transcript from each postsecondary institution is required regardless of the number of units taken. All transcripts should be sent to the School of Social Welfare. (See Graduate Division's web site for more details.)

3) A non-refundable fee of $60 (amount is subject to change) must be submitted to the Cashier's Office. Please make your check or money order payable to the "Regents of the University of California".

The Graduate Division at Berkeley will determine if you hold an acceptable bachelor's degree or its equivalent and if you meet its requirements for formal preparation and scholastic achievement.

All of the above (1, 2, & 3) plus:

1) A completed Application for Admission to the Master's Program. Applications may be obtained in mid-September via the internet (click here), email (socwelf@berkeley.edu), or from the University of California, School of Social Welfare Admissions Office, 120 Haviland Hall #7400, Berkeley, CA 94720-7400.

2) A statement of purpose and personal history statement, as mentioned above. (Guidelines for the statement are provided on the School's application instructions.)

3) Three letters of recommendation. The letters can now be submitted electronically through the Graduate Division's application. See the instructions about these letters on the School and Graduate Division applications. It is the applicant's responsibility to see that the School of Social Welfare receives the letters of recommendation.

4) Graduate Record Examination (GRE) test scores or Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) scores. Test scores must be reported to the Graduate Division and the School of Social Welfare by the Educational Testing Service (Department code: 5001 for GRE; 95 for TOEFL. Institution code: 4833). International students may be required to take TOEFL instead of the GRE. For TOEFL information, please see the Graduate Division's web site on "Evidence of English Language Proficiency."

When should I take the GRE/TOEFL?

Applicants are urged to take the GRE/TOEFL by early November; scores from later test dates may become available late in the admissions cycle.

How can I be certain that you received my application?

Applicants who submit online applications will receive immediate verification via the internet. After an application is checked for completion, the applicant will receive an email or postcard listing missing documents or verifying completion. If you do not have an email address, please include a self-addressed mailing label with your paper submissions.

Since incomplete applications are not reviewed, you should confirm with the School of Social Welfare via email to socwelf@berkeley.edu that all supporting documents have been received.

How soon may I know the decision on my application?

Admission decisions are generally made during February, March, April, and May. All admitted applicants should be notified by the end of April. Those placed on the wait list will be notified in May.

Answers to other frequently asked questions:

• We offer neither a part-time nor an evening program, nor do we have online courses.
• We admit only for fall semester.
• We do not accept students in advanced standing.
• We do not admit transfer students.
• We do not average the GRE General Test scores. We use the highest set of scores.
• If your interests are broader than one concentration area, you still must choose one area. Keep in mind, however, that you can take elective courses focusing on another area.
• Note that the Management and Planning (MAP) concentration generally requires a solid base of direct service experience.
  
  For further information, contact the School of Social Welfare Admissions Office by E-mail: socwelf@berkeley.edu or click here. Our mailing address is: University of California, 120 Haviland Hall #7400, Berkeley, CA 94720-7400; phone number: (510) 642-9042.