GSS Master of Social Work Application Process

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Gain the knowledge and skills you need to achieve your professional goals: Apply to the Master of Social Work program at Fordham University. We encourage applications from people who can meet the academic requirements of a graduate-level program and who demonstrate that their personal qualities and values are compatible with the mission of social work: To improve the lives of others.

PLEASE NOTE: Fordham's Admissions Team is currently working from home. Whenever possible, please submit documents electronically to [email protected].

  • Prerequisites

    Applicants must have:

    • Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university.
    • 18 undergraduate credits in liberal arts content.

    The GRE is not required for admission into this program.

    Application Deadlines

    Fall

    • Priority deadline: February 1
    • Standard deadline: Currently accepting applications on a rolling basis while there is space available in the program.

    Spring

    • Priority deadline: November 1 
    • Standard deadline: December 1

    Please note: we will continue to accept applications on a space-available basis after the above dates. However, applications submitted after the deadlines will not be given priority consideration for merit scholarship awards. All admission decisions will be emailed to applicants within four (4) weeks from the time an application becomes complete. Whenever possible, all documents should be submitted to [email protected].

    Note: GSS policy does not grant social work course credit for life experience or previous work experience.

  • We cannot review your application until we have received all required materials including supplemental documents that must be hand-delivered or mailed.

    • Application Form. You must select a plan of study and a campus.
    • Autobiographical statement. The autobiographical statement page includes suggested topics. If you are applying for the online M.S.W. program, you must answer the extra question, which appears below the autobiographical statement in the online application form.
    • Undergraduate and graduate transcripts. Please refer to the application to learn the specifics regarding transcript requirements.
    • Whenever possible, please submit documents electronically to [email protected].
    • One (1) letter of recommendation. Approved recommenders are past and present employers, professors, and approved volunteer coordinators. Letters of recommendation must be submitted via the link in the application, US mail, or can be hand-delivered in their original, sealed envelope with the recommender's signature along with the seal or marked with other official insignia. In the application, you will provide an email address for your reference. The application allows you to click to have instructions sent to your reference on how to submit their letter electronically through the application system.
    • Complete Resume or CV.
    • Application fee. $60, payable on the online application page. If you prefer to pay by mail, please send a check or money order payable to Fordham University.

    Advanced Standing Applicants (B.S.W. graduates) only:

    If you have completed or are still in the process of completing a B.S.W. degree, your faculty adviser or BSW program chair must provide us with your Final or Mid-Year Field Evaluation. If they are unable to provide us with one, they may complete our alternative field evaluation form. This must be emailed to [email protected] by your faculty advisor or program chair.

    Advanced standing is awarded only to graduates holding degrees from baccalaureate social work programs accredited by CSWE, those recognized through its International Social Work Degree Recognition and Evaluation Services, or covered under a memorandum of understanding with international social work accreditors.

    Transfer Student Application Only:

    If you have completed a first-year field assignment in an M.S.W. program, your faculty adviser or MSW program chair must provide us with your Foundation Year Field Evaluation. If they are unable to provide us with one, they may complete our alternative field evaluation form. This must be emailed to [email protected] by your faculty advisor or program chair. If you are a transfer student, please email us or call 212-636-6600 to discuss your plan of study. Only up to 6 credits can be transferred.

  • It is required that applicants personally hand-deliver or mail all offline supplemental materials, via UPS, FedEx, or USPS with return receipt requested, to:

    Whenever possible, please submit documents electronically to [email protected].

    Fordham University

    Graduate School of Social Service
    Office of Admission
    113 West 60th Street, Suite 608
    New York, NY 10023

    Offline refers to any hard copy documents that are not being submitted through your application portal and can include:

    • Transcripts in their original signed and sealed envelope.
    • Letters of recommendation in their original sealed envelope with the recommender's signature along with the seal or marked with other official insignia.
    • Advanced Standing Fieldwork Evaluation (if applicable).
    • Transfer Student Fieldwork Evaluation (if applicable).

  • Additional Requirements for International Students

    International students are welcome to apply to the accredited master’s programs at the Fordham Graduate School of Social Service (GSS). Our Office for International Services offers assistance to meet these students’ specific needs, including financial aid and scholarship opportunities.

    Transcript Evaluation

    All students with credentials from universities outside the United States and Canada must have their transcripts evaluated. Credential evaluations will be accepted from any organization that is a current member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES).

    English Language Proficiency Testing

    All students applying for admission from a country where English is not the official language are required to take a standardized examination testing their ability to use English. Fordham University's Graduate School of Social Service accepts two providers of proficiency testing:

    Financial Aid for International Students

    All international students must fill out an Affidavit of Support form. We also encourage you to check the Office for International Services website for information on other types of assistance you could use.