Admission Steps

Transcripts

We require a scanned copy of your transcripts from every college or university you have attended. Scanned copies must be clearly legible and sized to print on standard 8½-by-11-inch paper. Transcripts that do not show degrees awarded must also be accompanied by a scanned copy of the diploma or degree certificate. If your academic transcripts were issued in a language other than English, both the original documents and certified English translations are required.

Transcripts and proof of degree documents for postsecondary degrees earned from institutions outside of the United States will be released to a third-party international credential evaluator to assess U.S. education system equivalencies. Beginning July 2023, a non-refundable fee for this service will be required before the application is processed.

Upon admission to the University of Denver, official transcripts will be required from each institution attended.

Letters of Recommendation

Letters of recommendation are optional. Our holistic approach to reviewing applications, with or without a letter of recommendation, is a reliable basis for making a final admission decision.

If you choose to submit an academic and/or professional letter of recommendation, your recommenders should know you well and be able to speak about your background, your passion for social work and your ability to succeed in a graduate program.

Letters should be submitted by recommenders through the online application.

Essays and Statements

Essay Instructions

Your Career Goals Statement is an essential part of your application. Your rationale for entering the social work profession, your self-awareness, creativity, critical thinking and writing skills are major factors committee members consider when reviewing your application.

The average statement length is four pages; submissions exceeding six pages are discouraged. Please double-space your statement and use a font size of no less than 12. Answer questions 1-4 below. Answering question 5 is optional. Prior to writing your essay, review the NASW Code of Ethics.

1. Rationale: Identify significant factors that influenced your decision to pursue a master of social work (MSW) degree and how you intend to use it in the future. (1-2 paragraphs)

2. Social work values and ethics: Social work is guided by professional values and ethics that often serve as a compass when facing ethical or value-based dilemmas. Considering the social work profession, its core values, and your values, describe the following (1 page):

- What potential value-based or ethical conflict(s) do you imagine you may experience between your personal values and the professional social work values?
- How do you plan to address or reconcile these conflicts (whether in the classroom, during field placement, in future practice, or any other areas)?

3. Personal and professional attributes and liabilities: Describe any cultural, economic or social challenges and/or opportunities that have provided you with a unique perspective about social work issues. What insights did you gain from these experiences about how to maintain professional judgment and performance during times of distress? (1 page)

4. Employment and volunteer history: Discuss the relationship between your educational, employment and volunteer experiences and what qualities equip you for the social work profession. Describe your experiences and feelings about working with populations different from your own. (1 page)

5. Optional: Please address any special academic or other considerations that you would like GSSW to consider in the review of your application.

Résumé Instructions

The résumé (or C.V.) should include all educational achievements, relevant work experience, research and/or volunteer work.

Start Your Application

Your submitted materials will be reviewed once all materials and application fees have been received.

Apply Now

Our program can only consider your application for admission if our Office of Graduate Education has received all your online materials and supplemental materials by our application deadline.

Application Fee: $65.00 Application Fee

International Degree Evaluation Fee: $50.00 Evaluation Fee for degrees (bachelor's or higher) earned from institutions outside the United States.

Financial Aid Information

Applicants should complete their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by February 15. Visit the Office of Financial Aid for additional information.