MSW Admissions

student in baseball cap and mask gestures while speaking; other students in background

Each year Berkeley Social Welfare endeavors to admit the most promising master's students who combine scholarly ability with demonstrated commitment and aptitude for a professional career in social work.

We seek students with backgrounds which have fostered the development of a world view characterized by humanistic values, an appreciation of the historical context of present-day social realities, a critical and analytical perspective, and a sensitivity to issues of diversity and social justice in a pluralistic society. We aim to enroll a diverse student body that substantially represents groups historically underrepresented at the University of California and Berkeley Social Welfare, and in the profession of social work.

How to Apply

All applicants to graduate study at Berkeley (regardless of degree program) apply for graduate admission through the online UC Berkeley Graduate and Professional Application for Admission. A separate application to the School of Social Welfare is not required. Berkeley Social Welfare does not participate in the Social Work Centralized Application Service (SocialWorkCAS).

Applicants may apply to only one single degree program or one established concurrent degree program per admission term. For the Berkeley MSW and any concurrent program (MSW/MPH, MSW/MPP, MSW/JD), Berkeley Social Welfare only admits for the fall semester each academic year; no spring or summer admissions are offered.

To get started, we strongly recommend all prospective applicants thoroughly review:

When to Apply

The UC Berkeley Graduate Admissions Application for Fall 2024 admission is now open.

Application Deadline

All applications for Fall 2024 admission must be completed and submitted by December 4, 2023 at 8:59 p.m. Pacific Standard Time (PST). 

Admissions Decisions Notification

Applicants are typically notified of admissions decisions by March 15, and the priority deadline for responding to an offer of admission is April 1. 

For applicants wait-listed for admission, the department will begin recommending admission after April 1 to those who accepted their place on the wait list as space becomes available. After May 15th, applicants will no longer be removed from the waitlist regardless of any vacancies that may follow.