An admissions packet will consist of:

• Academic transcripts with GPAs (note: please have transcripts mailed directly to the UAB Graduate School — transcripts will not be accepted in the Department).
• Two recommendation letters, ideally one academic and one professional (note: please ask individuals to upload formal letters of recommendation to the Graduate School application — recommendation letters will not be accepted in the Department). Letters must be signed by the recommendation writer to be accepted.
• A professional resume.
• A personal statement about your path to social work and professional goals (writing prompt found in the application).
• A formal academic writing sample (writing prompt found in the application).
• International students will be required to submit TOEFL or similar English proficiency scores if their undergraduate degrees are from countries where English is not the official language. For a listing of exempted countries, please refer to the UAB Graduate School’s website.

Additional admissions requirements established by the UAB Graduate School include completion of a Bachelor's degree (or higher) with a minimum GPA of 3.0 (on a four-point scale) in junior and senior-level course work. The GRE is not required.

Please see the FAQs page for answers to frequently asked admissions questions.

Questions About the MSW Program?

Chat with Dr. Colleen Fisher, the MSW Program Director every Monday from 12:00 - 1:00 p.m. during the fall and spring semesters. Please check the event calendar for cancellations.

Dr. Fisher will be available to chat with current and prospective MSW students to answer questions about the academic program and to provide career advice.

Chat with the MSW Program Director sessions will be hosted via Zoom until further notice. Please e-mail Dr. Fisher at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to schedule an available Zoom meeting time slot.

Application and Admissions Process

The steps below provide a general guideline for the MSW program application and admissions process:

• Applications are accepted beginning December 1 of each year.
• All admissions decisions will be communicated via email by the UAB Graduate School approximately 60 - 90 days after submission.
• The priority admissions deadline is February 1. Applications completed by this date will receive priority in admission and field placement selection.
• The final application deadline is April 1.
  • NOTE: Final Deadline Extended to May 1.
• All required application materials including recommendation letters and all transcripts must be received by the Graduate School via the online application portal no later than the final application deadline in order for the application to be reviewed by our Admissions Committee. It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure that all materials are submitted in the online system in advance of the deadline.

NOTE: All transcripts should be submitted directly to the Graduate School during the application process. For questions about the application, transcripts, or to resolve technical difficulties pertaining to the application process, contact the Graduate School by phone at (205) 934-8227 or by e-mail at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Begin Graduate School Application

Advanced Standing

Students who hold a bachelor’s degree from a social work program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) may be admitted to the MSW program with advanced-standing status. The required coursework is completed over three semesters (Fall/Spring/Fall) for full-time students.