MSW Information Sessions

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Admissions Requirements for the MSW Program:

A faculty committee will determine admission to the Master of Social Work program.  Admission will require a majority vote in favor of the candidate.

The following is necessary for application:

1. A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university.

2. Generally a grade point average of at least 3.0 or better (A=4.0) for the final 60  semester hours or 90 quarter hours of undergraduate study is necessary for consideration.

3. Submission of GRE test scores; admission is competitive.

4. Experience in a Social Work related field as a paid employee, volunteer or researcher.

Admissions Requirements for the Advanced Standing MSW Program:

Admission requirements are the same as regular MSW admission requirements listed above except for the following:

Students interested in the Advanced Standing Program must apply to the program within five years of graduation from an accredited BA/BSW program with a minimum GPA of 3.0 overall and 3.3 in social work courses.

Advanced Standing received approval and is being offered during Summer 2013.

Steps to Apply to the MSW Program:

Submit to University of Memphis Graduate School Admissions:

1. A complete Graduate School Application (may be completed online).

2. Non-refundable fee ($35 domestic, $60 international).

3. Official Transcripts from ALL universities you have attended.

4. Official Graduate Record Exam (GRE) score (TOEFL if applicable).

For further information about the Graduate School requirements, please refer to the Graduate School website.

1. Completed Master of Social Work Online Application (just click on the "Apply Now" button in the right-hand column).

2. Three letters of reference - (submitted as part of the online MSW application* or letterhead or using the Social Work Form**) (1 from a faculty member, 2 from supervisors or paid volunteer work).***

3. Completed professional goal statement (submitted as part of the online MSW application).

4. A professional resume (submitted as part of the online MSW application).

*When prospective students fill out the online MSW application, references listed on the application are automatically emailed and asked to complete a reference form.
Emails are scheduled every other week on Tuesdays at 8:00 am. Please click here for the email schedule and more information.

**Contact the Department of Social Work at 901-678-2616 for the Social Work form.

***References may be submitted either online or through the US mail to the Department of Social Work office. We strongly recommend that you use the online system. To submit via US mail, send to:

 How to Apply for Graduate Assistantships & Fellowships:

Graduate Assistantships

The Department of Social Work has a small number of assistantships available for full time students (usually 3-4) per year. Graduate assistantship applications are due March 1st. Both first and second year students are eligible to apply. First year students must also have completed all parts of the MSW application in order to be eligible.

In order to be eligible for an assistantship, students must:

1. Enroll in a minimum of 12 credit hours per semester.

2. Maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher.

3. Work 10 or 20 hours per week for the department. This work usually takes the  form of assistance with faculty research projects.

4. Fill out a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and check "yes" in the work/study box. Graduate assistantships are merit based and students are eligible regardless of the FAFSA determination.

Receipt of a graduate assistantship in one year does not guarantee renewal in the second year. Students must reapply every year. To view or fill out a graduate assistantship application follow the links in the right-hand column.

The Department of Social Work has the option of offering either: (1) full GA positions that require 20 hours of work per week and pay full tuition and fees or (2) partial GA positions that require 10 hours of work per week and pay half tuition and fees. The scholarship/assistantship committee will review the applications in late March.

Part-time Master's Fellowships

The University of Memphis Graduate School awards Part-time Master's Fellowships to entering master's students. Awardees receive $1,500 ($750 per semester; this award does not include a tuition scholarship) and must maintain a 3.50 GPA to receive the second semester funding. These awards are limited to one year.

The Department of Social Work will nominate 1-2 students per year for the Part-Time Master's Fellowship. Extended study students must apply by March 1st to be considered for this fellowship. All extended study students with a complete application by March 1st will be considered for nomination by the admissions committee.

Click here for more information about the fellowship program.

Graduate Fellowship Opportunity

The School of Urban Affairs & Public Policy offers a Housing and Community Development Fellowship that is open to graduate students in the following areas of study:  Anthropology, City Planning, Public Administration and Social Work.

The fellows will receive a tuition and fee waiver from the UofM Graduate School, academic credit for a seminar course, and a stipend for 20 hours of work each week.

Click here for more information about the fellowship program.