Admissions

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 should I apply for admission?

The online application becomes available in early September each year, and the application deadline is typically on or around December 1 each year (see MSW Admissions for current specific dates).

Berkeley Social Welfare admits for the fall semester only each academic year; we do not offer spring or summer admissions.

How do I apply to the Social MSW Program?

All applicants to graduate study at Berkeley apply for graduate admission online, through the UC Berkeley Graduate and Professional Application for Admission. A separate application to the School of Social Welfare is not required.

How do I get in touch with an admissions advisor? Can I make an appointment for individual advising?

To ask questions, or request a 15-minute individual admissions advising appointment, please contact Berkeley Social Welfare Admissions by sending an email to swadm@berkeley.edu.

When requesting an advising appointment, please be sure to include all questions and relevant information in your email so we can prepare and advise accordingly.

MSW Admissions Information Sessions will resume in fall 2023, for applications to Social Welfare degree programs for Fall 2024 admission. For updates please visit...

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 is the experience requirement?

Applicants to the Social Welfare MSW program must have the equivalent of one full year (2,100 hours) of paid employment or volunteer experience related to social welfare or human services, or in a position requiring skills relevant to work with underserved or marginalized populations.

To satisfy the experience requirement for admission eligibility, all experience hours must be acquired by the application deadline.

To be counted toward satisfying the minimum experience requirement of 2,100 hours, the résumé upoloaded to your online application...

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...

Do post-baccalaureate courses taken after I’ve graduated count towards the advanced GPA?

While post-baccalaureate coursework (including community college and extension programs) may be an indicator of your potential for academic success, it is not included in the advanced GPA calculation for admission eligibility.

How do I calculate my advanced GPA?

We require that you include all grades for coursework undertaken after the first two years of study (typically the last 60 semester units, or last 90 quarter units), not just grades for subjects taken in the major or grades which seem relevant to your proposed program of graduate study.

If you hold more than one basic degree, calculate the GPA on the most recent degree program.

If your GPA is not on a 4.0 scale there is no need to convert it. Enter it as is, in the appropriate GPA box on your online application.