The MSW program does not offer sector-specific specializations or tracks; however, it provides students with opportunities to gain experience and knowledge across a variety of areas and settings. The first year of the program is designed to provide students with foundational knowledge across all levels of service (micro, mezzo, macro) and may offer exposure to new experiences in practicum settings. Students can choose specific electives and apply to agencies of their choice for the advanced practicum in the second year. Our integrated curriculum supports students’ development...
New students can review their options for reasonable accommodations on the Disabled Students Program website. If you are seeking a reduced course load:
MSW Students - Please contact the MSW Advisor & Graduate Student Affairs Officer (GSAO) via swmswadvisor@berkeley.edu to discuss your academic planning options.
This process depends on when UC Berkeley receives information after the FAFSA & CADAA deadlines. Students begin receiving their financial aid package in the summer, typically around mid-June. Any questions regarding financial aid packages should be directed to Cal Student Central
Most Social Welfare departmental graduate student funding is typically offered and awarded at the time of admission. To be considered, all applicants must submit a Graduate Application for Admission by the published deadline each year. A separate funding application is not required.
Continuing students automatically receive notifications about any additional or new opportunities for financial support, and any eligibility or application requirements, as they become known.
Applications on the waitlist will begin to be processed after the initial April 15th deadline. If there are open spots in the program after April 15, we may send offers of admission to those on the waitlist. The final date for waitlisted applications to be moved off of the waitlist is on May 15th.
Please note that the MSW and PhD programs have specific courses for students to enroll in during their first semester. Newly admitted students will receive enrollment guidelines from their Graduate Student Affairs Officer (GSAO) around July, when new student enrollment begins. MSW and PhD students are expected to take on a full-class load (12 units for PhD, 15...
Educational financing needs are diverse and will vary according to individual circumstance. In addition to a personal contribution to pay for graduate school, most graduate students receive some form of financial assistance through a combination of resources listed on our departmental financial resources page. At Berkeley, 90% of all graduate students receive some form of financial support (including loans).
No. UC Berkeley Social Welfare does not offer deferred admission. Applicants who accept an offer of admission and then must later decline or withdraw must reapply in a future admissions cycle.
We are eager to learn of your decision and hope to soon welcome you to Berkeley! We hope you will let us know as soon as possible. Our departmental priority deadline is April 1st with a final deadline of April 15th. If you need an extension of the April 15th deadline to accept your offer, please let us know by sending an email to swadmissions@berkeley.edu.
