Master of Social Work Admissions

MSW Admission Requirements

Bachelor´s degree from an accredited college or university.

An undergraduate grade point average (on a 4-point scale) of either 3.0 for all undergraduate work or 3.5 for the last two years.

An undergraduate course of study reflecting a broad liberal arts foundation.

Assessment is made on the basis of the applicant´s academic performance and background,
social work and related work experience, personal qualifications, references, and
indications of a commitment to the profession.

Applicants should have interests or life experiences appropriate to the practice of professional social work.

Academic credit is not given for life experiences and previous work experience in lieu of field education or course requirements.

Desirable qualities include a capacity for developing self-understanding, a concern for persons in distress, a respect for personal differences, a commitment to social work goals, a desire to function in the role of a change agent, and a career intent that is consonant with the School´s curricular offerings.

References:

References must be completed using this form:
click to obtain PDF form: Reference Report for Graduate Study

Three (3) references are required in support of an application for admission. These may be academic or professional.  Note the following requirements: 

• Applicants who have graduated from college within the last five years should submit at least one reference from a professor or official of the college.
• Applicants seeking advanced standing status should obtain one reference from a BSW faculty member and another other from their field placement agency supervisor.  (If this is not possible, contact the School for further instruction.)
• Applicants with employment experience in the social services or a related field should submit at least one reference from a supervisor or administrator at their place of employment.

Applicants for Main (Philadelphia), Ambler (AMB), and Center City (TUCC) campuses, send your references to:

• TU SSW Admissions, 1301 Cecil B. Moore Ave, Ritter Annex, 5th Fl  Philadelphia PA 19122

Applicants for Harrisburg and Harrisburg surrounding area, send your references and transcripts to:

• Admissions at Temple Harrisburg 234 Strawberry Square, Harrisburg  PA 17101

Statement of Professional Plans and Goals: (Admissions Essay)

The essay is an important component of the admissions application in social work.  It provides an opportunity for you to discuss your motivation for pursuing graduate study in social work, relevant personal and professional experiences, and knowledge of diversity and social justice.

The essay is evaluated based on the following criteria:

• ability to reflect on and summarize significant and relevant experiences;
• ability to conceptualize and think critically;
• and writing proficiency.  

 Compose an essay of 4-6 pages (double-spaced, 12 point font) in which you reflect upon the following areas:

• Your reasons for seeking graduate education in social work at Temple;
• Significant experiences (work, volunteer, community, and/or field placement) with people of various ethnic, religious, national origin, social class, gender, sexual orientation and/ or racial backgrounds and the impact/relevance of those experiences to you;
• A population and/or social problem about which you have a special interest and your reasons for that interest;
• Reflect upon issues of social justice as it relates to this population and/or problem. 
• Applicants should submit their essay in Microsoft Word (or pdf format) and include their name and page number in the header.

Please do not upload essay with application. Email your document.

•  Applicants for Main (Philadelphia), Ambler (AMB), and Center City (TUCC) campuses, send your essay to Erin Brosious at MSW@temple.edu
•  Applicants for Harrisburg and surrounding area locations, send your essay to Kari Leaver at kari@temple.edu

Resume:
A professional resume is required.  

•  Applicants for Main (Philadelphia), Ambler (AMB), and Center City (TUCC) campuses, send your resume to Erin Brosious at MSW@temple.edu
•  Applicants for Harrisburg and other locations, send your resume to Kari Leaver at kari@temple.edu

Interview:

Generally, an interview is not necessary for admission purposes.  Applicants should feel free to request an interview, however, if they would like to further explore the MSW program before applying or accepting an offer to matriculate.  Additionally, some applicants may be invited to an interview if there is a desire to explore specific questions.

Standardized Tests:
Applicants are not required to take any standardized exam to be considered for admission to the program.

Admissions with Advanced Standing:

Applicants who will have received a Bachelor of Social Work degree from a C.S.W.E. accredited undergraduate program within five years of the date of enrollment in the MSW program may be considered for advanced standing status upon admission if they meet the following criteria:

• The overall undergraduate and junior-senior year grade point averages must be at least 3.0;
• The applicant must have received grades of "B" or better in all undergraduate social work courses   (No more than 1 "C" in the major);

• The applicant must have 2 favorable recommendations from the undergraduate program in addition to 1 professional reference from someone who can speak to the applicant´s ability to do graduate level work.
• Applicants seeking advanced standing status should obtain two references from their college, one of which must be from their senior seminar professor. (If this is not possible, contact the School for further instruction.)
• Advanced standing status may be awarded to applicants currently enrolled in a BSW program, pending receipt of the final college transcript reflecting all of the above criteria.
• Advanced standing may also be awarded to applicants who have successfully completed a full year in an accredited MSW program and who wish to transfer to Temple University.

Transfer Applicants:

Students seeking to transfer to the School of Social Work from another CSWE accredited social work program are required to meet the criteria for admission and follow the application procedures. Additionally, one of the academic/professional references must be from the current academic/faculty advisor in the program from which the applicant is transferring and must address the academic standing in that program. If not currently enrolled, the reference must be from the former academic/faculty advisor.

Transcripts:
Applicants are required to submit an official transcript from ALL institutions that they attended post-high school.  This includes:  Community Colleges, Study abroad programs, Any transfer of credits that appear on your final transcript and any Masters level of Doctorate Program Transcripts.  Digital transcripts accepted.

• Digital Transcripts for Temple University Main (Philadelphia), Ambler (AMB), and Center City (TUCC) campuses, email to Erin Brosious at MSW@temple.edu
•  Digital Transcripts for Temple University Harrisburg and other locations, send your esemail to Kari Leaver at kari@temple.edu

You should contact your school(s) to complete the necessary documentation and pay fees as required. An official transcript will bear the registrar´s signature and are embossed with the seal school. The transcript must be official and in a sealed envelope from the registrar.  Your transcript will not be accepted if the seal is broken. You may request that the transcript be sent to you, to accompany your application, or send directly to Temple School of Social Work Admissions 1301 Cecil B. Moore Avenue Ritter Annex 5th Floor Philadelphia PA 19122. 

Applicants for Temple University Main (Philadelphia), Ambler (AMB), and Center City (TUCC) campuses, send your references and transcripts to: TU SSW Admissions, 1301 Cecil B. Moore Ave, Ritter Annex, 5th Floor Rm 521 Philadelphia PA 19122

Applicants for Temple University Harrisburg and other locations, send your references and transcripts to: Admissions at Temple Harrisburg 234 Strawberry Square, Harrisburg  PA 17101

Foreign Documents: Transcripts

If you are an international student interested in applying for the MSW program and have not attended a college or University in the United States, please contact the Office of International Services. Also, if your academic record is not translated to U.S. equivalency, it is highly recommended that you contact a private foreign educational credential evaluation service to translate your credentials for consideration. You can consult WORLD EDUCATION SERVICES (WES) or contact any other organization that is a member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services NACES).

Language Requirements:

If English is a 2nd language, Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) scores are required. Minimum TOEFL score needed to be accepted: 550 paper-based, 213 computer-based, or 79 internet-based.  Contact TOEFL to arrange for testing.

Financial Aid:

The School of Social Work awards a substantial amount of aid each year to assist meritorious applicants and continuing students in meeting the cost of their educational program. Awards include partial scholarships, research assistantships, government training grants, and stipends provided by local public and voluntary agencies.

Awards are made on the basis of academic merit and the overall promise shown by an applicant for contributing to the School and to the profession. Additional considerations include interest in particular areas of practice for which special funding is available and the School´s commitment to maintaining diversity in the student body.

Most awards made by the School will ordinarily meet only part of a student´s total educational expenses. All students are therefore expected to make use of available family and other resources as well as Federal grant, loan, and work-study assistance to help meet the cost of their education. The University´s Financial Aid Office provides assistance with the Federal grant / loan / work-study application process.

Notification of awards is generally made at the time of admissions.