Newly Admitted MSW Students

Expand Your Impact.

Congratulations on your Fall 2026 admission to the Master of Social Welfare program (MSW)!

Positioned at the #1 public university in the United States and a globally ranked top research institution, the MSW program at UC Berkeley supports students’ development into versatile, evidence-based scholar-practitioners who model humility, curiosity, and collaboration to improve the well-being of those impacted by the consequences of injustice. Our dedicated faculty, who contribute impactful scholarship in multiple disciplines, and expansive network of community partners and alums provide integrated instruction and facilitate training that emphasize today’s need for adaptable social workers who move through, connect with, and drive positive impact at all levels and settings of social work practice. 

If this sounds exciting to you and you are ready to fully invest in your passion over the next two years, we hope you choose to join us this Fall. 

Questions? 

You may view our Newly Admitted Students or Admissions FAQ pages. If you have remaining questions, please email swadmissions@berkeley.edu.

February to April

Review Your Options to Support Your Informed Decision

Check out these options on the Newly Admitted Graduate Student page. 

Don't miss the events tailored to you!

Newly admitted MSW students will receive event invitations directly in their email inboxes, including our New Admit Welcome Day and Current Student Panel. Don't forget to RSVP (the form will be linked in the email) to let us know you're coming! 

Learn about our program.

Explore our MSW Student Handbook, read news about students and alums, or review the MSW program page in the UC Berkeley Graduate Catalog. Want to speak to a current student ambassador? Set up an appointment by emailing swadmissions@berkeley.edu.

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April to May

Submit Your SIR by April 1

To accept your offer of admission, log in to your application status page and complete the “Reply to Offer of Admission” form by the priority deadline of April 1, 2026, or by the final deadline of April 15, 2026. 

To decline your offer of admission, please complete the form and any follow-up questions so we can learn of your decision.

Establish required electronic communication by setting up your bConnected account and your @berkeley.edu email as soon as you activate your CalNet ID. 

All students at the University of California, Berkeley, are asked to create a berkeley.edu email address. It’s important to keep this address up to date and check your email regularly for official messages from the University. Once your @berkeley.edu email appears in CalCentral, you’ll start receiving important updates from us, including information to begin the foundation practicum placement process (see below), and other campus offices. Since emails are often the main way the University communicates officially, please make sure you understand how to handle your electronic communications responsibly.

Look out for emails from swpracticum@berkeley.edu to your @berkeley.edu email address to begin the practicum matching process.

The Practicum Education Office will email newly admitted students at their @berkeley.edu email address beginning in mid-April to initiate the engagement process to determine their foundation (first-year; also known as generalist) placement. Please ensure you comply with all deadlines and policies.

The program will recommend to Graduate Division that an offer of admission be revoked for an incoming student if any of the following apply: 

  1. Incomplete practicum placement application by the due date indicated in the placement application and/or

    1. Non-timely communication with Admissions, Advising, & Student Experience (AASE) Office or the Practicum Education Office

    2. Absence of a confirmed practicum placement– without the prior approval of the Practicum Education Office– six weeks before the Fees/Tuition Deadline (fee schedule) of their first semester in the program 

  2. Lack of response to the Admissions, Advising, & Student Experience (AASE) Office and/or the Practicum Education Office by June 30 prior to their first semester.

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June to July

Meet your GSAO & Register in Classes

The Graduate Student Affairs Officer (GSAO), also known as the program advisor, will begin sending enrollment information for Fall 2026. New students will receive an invitation to join your cohort's bCourses page (our version of Canvas). The enrollment period will begin on July 17. Students will receive their specific enrollment appointment time a few weeks ahead.

Seeking accommodations?

Student parents and disabled students can seek support from the Student Parent Center and the Disabled Students Program. Please also notify the MSW GSAO to schedule a discussion of the academic plan. 

Have your own health insurance?

Students may request a waiver of the Student Health Insurance Plan. The waiver deadline is typically mid-July.

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August

Details to be added as we get closer to the summer.

Timeline Detail Navigation

Select the following links for information to be aware of during the listed time period. More details will be added as we get closer to the summer.

2026 Important Dates & Deadlines

Select options under the "Timeline Detail Navigation" section to review more detailed information. 

  • March 2: California State priority deadline for Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) & California Dream Act Application (CADAA)
  • March 13: Attend MSW New Admit Day. Information will be sent to your email inboxes. Please submit the RSVP form.
  • April 1: Priority departmental SIR deadline
  • April 15: Final SIR Deadline
  • As soon as you accept your offer: Set up your Student ID Number and CalNet ID.
  • Mid-April: Receive the Foundation Practicum Placement Application from swpracticum@berkeley.edu and complete it before the deadline in your email
  • June 1: Deadline to submit the required Statement of Legal Residence
  • July TBD: Deadline to submit Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP) Waiver
  • July 17: Enrollment begins for new graduate students. Registration appointments days/times will be sent to your bMail. The MSW Program Advisor & Graduate Student Affairs Officer (GSAO) will send specific instructions.
  • Mid-Late August: New MSW Student Orientation & Welcome Activities
  • August 19: Fall semester begins.
  • August 21: Registration Fee Payment Deadline
  • August 26: Fall 2026 Instruction begins.
  • October 1: Deadline to submit final official transcripts to Graduate Division Admissions Office