Qualifications
The MSW program accepts applications from anyone who has completed an undergraduate degree from a regionally accredited institution and meets Auburn University Graduate School requirements. The GRE is NOT required unless your GPA is less than 3.0. All application requirements and fees are submitted through the Graduate School.
Applications to the MSW program are submitted through the Auburn University Graduate School. Visit the Graduate School website to view the requirements, deadlines and fees for applying. You can submit your application online through the Graduate School website OR using the links below.
Applications are complete when the following items are submitted to the Graduate School:
- The Graduate School application. Application fee is $60 for domestic students. Fee exemptions are available through the Graduate School with the appropriate documentation.
- GRE Test Scores – NOT required unless applicant has a GPA less than 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
- Transcripts – Official transcript of all undergraduate and any graduate credits from each school previously attended. While waiting on the official transcript, upload unofficial transcripts for review.
- Resume – Include details of your work experience in human service through paid, volunteer and internship experiences.
- Three letters of recommendation supporting your readiness for graduate work, appropriate interpersonal skills and talent for leadership.
- A personal statement – The content, critical thinking and writing style of the applicant will provide important information regarding the student's understanding of the goals and values of the social work profession and ability to engage in graduate-level education. The personal statement should be 4–5 typed, double-spaced pages and address the following four items:
- Motivation for social service and/or social change, interest in a social work education and career in the profession. Explain why you want to pursue professional social work education and your reasons for applying to Auburn University. Address your social work interests and career goals.
- Capacity for professional social work education. Comment on the nature and circumstance of any strengths and/or problems that might enhance or limit your study.
- Professional ethics statement. Utilizing the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) Code of Ethics, discuss how your personal values and beliefs are or are not compatible with the professional standards. How will you reconcile any conflicts between your personal values and the requirements of the profession?
- Social concern analytical essay. Concisely describe what you consider to be a major social problem. Address the following areas in your essay:
- key societal and other factors that contribute to the problem;
- plausible strategies to solve the problem, including leadership roles that you might use;
- challenges, including ethical dilemmas, which might arise in seeking to solve the problem; and
- if relevant, personal experiences that have contributed to your interest in this social problem.
Traditional Program (On-Campus)
Fall Start: Early Admission March 1; Deadline May 1
Advanced Standing Program (On-Campus)
Summer Start: Early Admission December 1; Deadline February 1
Fall Start: Early Admission March 1; Deadline May 1
Online MSW Program
Fall Start: Early Admission March 1; Deadline June 1
Students interested in applying for Advanced Standing must meet all admission requirements plus have a bachelor’s degree in social work from an institution accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.
For any questions, contact the MSW program director, Dr. Danilea Werner, at dwerner@auburn.edu or 334-844-2822.