Admissions

Do you offer advanced standing status for applicants who have a BSW degree?

No. All students must complete the two-year, full-time MSW Program to earn the degree.

Students entering the MSW program with considerable coursework background in social work, either from BSW programs or other undergraduate majors, may request exemption from one or more generalist curriculum requirements. Such exemptions require evidence of mastery of essential content in basic social work curriculum areas. Students granted any course exemptions are still required to complete the minimum requirement of 60 units for the MSW degree.

Can someone review my résumé to see if my experience meets the admission eligibility requirements?

In the interest of maintaining an equitable review process amid a very high volume of applicants each year, we are unable to provide subjective feedback to individual applicants regarding the experience requirement.

We recommend all applicants aim to provide as much information about the quality of all the experience included on the résumé submitted with the admission application. Reviewers are particularly interested in experience that includes direct interactions with vulnerable or underserved clients and communities.

What if I plan to acquire experience during this application year, but do not have it at the time of application?

Not having the required experience hours will not make you ineligible to apply. However, keep in mind that Berkeley is a highly competitive program, and it is true that the most competitive applicants are typically those who most fully meet all admission eligibility requirements by the time of application to the program.

Is there a time limit on the required experience hours? Must they be completed in a year?

There are no time limits on attaining the required eperience hours, other than acquiring the 2,100 hours by the time you submit your application.

It doesn’t matter how recently you have satisfied this requirement; you can include experience completed at any time.

Is there a required application fee? How do I pay it?

You must submit an application fee when you apply. The application fee is not re­fundable. If you are a U.S. citizen or current permanent resident, the application fee is $135; for all others, the fee is $155.

Payment must be submitted online with a major credit card at the time you submit your completed application.

Are interviews part of the application process?

No.

Eligible applicants who include a supplemental application for the Child Welfare Scholars (CWS) stipend-based training program in their online admissions application are invited to a panel interview with Berkeley MSW Program faculty and county child welfare agency representatives as part of the selection process for the CWS stipend program, but this is a separate process from admission.

Is it beneficial to apply early? Are admissions on a rolling basis?

We do not conduct rolling admissions. We only begin reviewing applications after the submission deadline. All applications submitted by the deadline are reviewed on the same application process timeline (December through February).

We do strongly recommend starting your application early so you have plenty of time to double-check everything before you click “Submit” and pay the application fee.

When are applicants notified of their admission status?

Applicants to the MSW program can expect to be notified of their admission status by March 15.

Is the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) required?

The Graduate Record Exam (GRE) is not required for admission to the Social Welfare MSW Program.

Applicants considering a Concurrent Degree Program should review admissions eligibility requirements and standards of the respective concurrent degree program, including any examinations (GRE, etc.) that may be required:

Berkeley Law (JD/MSW)...

What type of “social work experience" are you looking for? What counts as "related experience?"

Since successful experience in the human services field provides a good test of commitment and aptitude, we seek to admit students who have begun social work or related careers, and demonstrate both professional promise and leadership potential.

We are looking for experience working directly with and on behalf of people and communities in need, including those experiencing social and emotional distress, vulnerable or marginalized populations, and those who are historically under-served.

For more information on the experience requirement and examples of...