Application Process & Instructions

Applying for MSW Admission

Welcome! We are excited to learn of your interest in the MSW Program at the University of Maryland School of Social Work. You will find our application process both easy and convenient.

If you have not already done so, please review our website for more complete information on the School of Social Work and detailed instructions on the application process and deadlines.

Please read all instructions below before beginning your application, which is comprised of two components:
1. Application Submission and
2. Completion of all Supplemental Items.

Go to Application
Application Fee Waiver Information

What is the program and how does it work?
A fee waiver is a tool the University of Maryland School of Social Work uses to recruit members and alumni of:

 1) Americorps, 2) Peace Corps, 3) McNair/TRIO, 4) Fulbright and 5) Veterans/Active Military.

 If awarded, fee waivers allow you to submit your application without submitting any payment. Fee waivers must be approved by submitting proper documentation (see below) for the application type you are submitting.  If a fee waiver is denied, you will be notified and payment in the form of credit card, check, or money order will be required to submit your application. 

Prospective applicants must provide the following information to the admissions office:
-- Your legal name, address, phone number(s), email address, and any other pertinent contact information.
-- Include a copy of your acceptance letter into Americorps, Peace Corps, McNair/TRIO, Fulbright, or Veterans/Active Military. (Veterans need to submit a copy of their DD214 form while active duty members need to provide written proof of their current service).

Submit proper documentation to your Admissions Counselor via email based on the first letter of your last name (see below). Invitation letters will NOT be accepted as proper documentation.

A-K   Ms. Natalie Flowers    nflowers@ssw.umaryland.edu  
L-Z  Ms. Shannon DeGross    sdegross@ssw.umaryland.edu

We Have Four Types of Applicants. Which One Are You?

  • Foundation

    60 Credit Program

    Spring Deadline: November 7 (Extended)
    Fall Deadline: March 31 (Extended)

    The full-time MSW program combines classroom learning and field practicum and is usually completed within two years.

    Foundation

  • Advanced Standing

    One-year Program

    Spring Deadline: November 7 (extended)
    Fall Deadline: February 1

    This eleven-month, full-time advanced standing program is only for students with a BSW degree within the last five years.

    Advanced Standing

  • Transfer

    (Baltimore Only)

    Spring Deadline: Nov 7 (Extended)
    Fall Deadline: March 31 (Extended) 

    Up to 30 MSW transfer credits may be awarded. The last 30 credits of the MSW program must be completed here.

    Transfer

  • International

    Spring Deadline: November 7 (Extended)
    Fall Deadline: March 31 (Extended)

    English language proficiency, undergraduate degree equivalency, and CSWE BSW program review information.

    Learn More

MSW Application Categories (Please Review to Select Accurate MSW Application Type)

Foundation (Baltimore) is the designation for all students applying to the program for the full 60 credits.

Foundation (Shady Grove) is the designation for all students wishing to complete the 60-credit MSW program at the Universities at Shady Grove location.  This is only available to students interested in the Clinical concentration. 

Foundation (Online) is the designation for all students wishing to complete the 60-credit MSW program in the Online MSW program.  This is only available to students interested in the Clinical concentration. 

Transfer (Baltimore) is the designation available ONLY to students who are or have been enrolled in another MSW program. All transfer students should apply as Foundation even though you may be awarded enough credits to be considered an advanced student. Transfer students may ONLY apply to the Baltimore campus.

Advanced Standing (Baltimore) is the designation available ONLY to students who received their Bachelors of Social Work (BSW) degree within the last 5 years. No other credentials allow students to apply for the Advanced Standing program. Advanced Standing applicants who wish to attend the Baltimore campus must complete this application.

Advanced Standing (Shady Grove) is the designation available ONLY to students who received their Bachelors of Social Work (BSW) degree within the last 5 years wishing to complete the 60-credit MSW program at the Universities at Shady Grove location. This is only available to students concentrating in Clinical. Advanced Standing applicants who wish to attend the Shady Grove campus must complete this application. 

Term refers to the semester/year to which you are applying (i.e. Spring/Fall 2023).

**Applicants may only submit one application for each admission cycle (Spring/Fall of the upcoming year).

Important Reminders for MSW Applicants

Official transcripts may be mailed or submitted electronically directly to your assigned Admissions Counselor. If the electronic option is not offered by your school's electronic transcript processing system, you will need to request to have your transcript mailed to the following address.

University of Maryland School of Social Work
Attn: Office of Admissions 
525 West Redwood Street
Baltimore, MD 21201

Please note: ALL transcripts from the University of Maryland College Park must be mailed. Do NOT use the electronic option. 

Official electronic transcripts must be sent directly to your Admissions Counselor's email address by your school's electronic transcript processing system.  Your specific Admissions Counselor is based on the first letter of your last name:

  •  Last names starting with (A-K) - Senior Admissions Counselor, Natalie Flowers (nflowers@ssw.umaryland.edu)
  •  Last names starting with (L-Z) - Senior Admissions Counselor, Shannon DeGross (sdegross@ssw.umaryland.edu)                                                                                     

Please clearly identify yourself through the use of your complete full legal name and social security number where appropriate when submitting application material by mail.

If you have questions, comments or suggestions, we invite you to email your Admissions Counselor.

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