Admission Requirements

The criteria for admission to the MSW Program follow:

Advanced Standing

  • Earned baccalaureate degree in Social Work from a CSWE–accredited program within the past seven (7) years
  • Minimum cumulative GPA: 3.0
  • Final course grade of B- or above in all undergraduate social work field and practice courses
  • Provisional admission for applicants with GPAs below the minimum requirement: Students may be accepted provisionally for one semester and must achieve a minimum GPA of 3.25 in SWK courses by the end of the semester to continue in the program.

Regular Entry Program

  • Earned baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university
  • Minimum undergraduate cumulative GPA: 2.75
  • Provisional admission for applicants with GPAs below the minimum requirement: Students may be accepted provisionally for one semester and must achieve a minimum GPA of 3.0 in SWK course by the end of the semester to continue in the program.

Application Requirements

  • Official transcripts from the bachelor degree-granting college/university and, if applicable, Master’s degree transcripts. The applicant will be notified if additional transcripts for advising purposes are required.
  • Current resume
  • Two (2) letters of recommendation (one academic reference, one professional reference)
  • Personal Essay/Statement (maximum 4 pages)

Social work is based on an understanding of the integral and reciprocal relationship between people and their environments. As a result, social work practice addresses how issues such as race and racism, socioeconomic status, age, ability, family, sexual orientation, and gender identity affect the well-being of people and communities.
In your personal statement, please discuss the following:

  • Personal interest in social work
  • Person-in-environment influences: biological, psychological, social, cultural influences
  • The mission of La Salle University is to “prepare students for the lifelong pursuit and exploration of wisdom, knowledge, and faith that lead to engaged and fulfilling lives marked by a commitment to the common good.” Describe your experiences of care and commitment to the common good.
  • Strengths and areas of challenge
  • MSW students complete 1100 hours of field practicum (Advanced Standing students: 600 hours in advanced practice.)  Discuss your specific plans and schedule for successfully completing the field practicum hours.

Advanced Standing students will submit the following additional materials:

  • An additional letter of recommendation from the BSW field instructor or field faculty liaison
  • Copy of signed senior field evaluation
  • Completion of Case Study Assessment & Intervention Plan

Application Deadlines

Deadlines for submission of completed applications are as follows:

  • Fall admission: March 1
  • Spring admission: November 1
  • Summer admission: January 1
  • Rolling Admission for Fall Semester: June 1 (space permitting)

Five-Year BSW-to-MSW Program

Students may earn both the B.S.W. and M.S.W. degrees by participating in the University’s Five-Year Program. Students satisfy the undergraduate social work major requirements during their first four years at the University, earning a minimum of 120 credits. Students who meet specified criteria proceed to the MSW Advanced Standing Program.