MSW Application Process

Your two letters of recommendation should be current and come from individuals who are familiar with your academic and/or professional experiences and abilities. If you are a recent graduate or are currently enrolled in school, we recommend that you seek letters from faculty members. If this is not possible, consider asking individuals who are able to address your current work, abilities and your potential to succeed in graduate school and in the field of social work. 

The most valuable letters come from those individuals who you have worked for or volunteered with in some capacity. We are looking for specific information regarding your academic and intellectual abilities, work performance and potential. Letters from friends, family, or professionals that you know on an exclusively social basis should not be submitted. *Applicants to the Intensive Weekend MSW must include one letter of recommendation from their current supervisor. **Applicants to the MSW/MPP and MSW/PhD dual degree programs must submit three letters of recommendation.

Letters of recommendation may be submitted by providing your recommenders email address on your application. These individuals then receive a message providing access to upload their letters.  Letters may also be sent directly to the Office of Graduate and Professional Admissions. We request that the envelope seal be signed by the recommendation letter writer to ensure confidentiality.

Applicants must submit official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended directly to the Graduate Admissions Office. If you are finishing undergraduate or graduate-level coursework during the application process, please submit a current transcript. Once coursework is completed, a final official transcript that includes the final grades and the date the degree was conferred is required. If you have taken any Professional Credit Courses (PCC's) through the Continuing Education Department, you must specifically request transcripts to be sent to the Office of Graduate and Professional Admissions. Please do not assume that we are aware you are taking or have taken PCC’s.  For additional information about submitting transcripts, see the Graduate Admissions supporting materials guidelines. 

The personal statement is a critical part of your MSW application because it gives us the opportunity to review your writing skills and provides us with information about you, your experiences, and your goals. We do not offer individual interviews and often the personal statement will determine your success in the application process. 

Please address each of the questions below in a typed narrative. You may add any additional information that may be helpful to the admissions committee.  The personal statement must be typed and 750-1,000 words in total. Students applying for readmission should review the reapplication process guidelines. Students applying to the MSW/MA in criminal justice should review the personal statement requirements here. 

1. What are your reasons for applying to Rutgers University School of Social Work? Discuss how your personal values, professional, and/or community experiences affected your decision. 
2. Select and describe a social problem of concern to you and discuss how you believe professional social workers can help alleviate this issue. 
3. What skills and strengths would you gain from Rutgers University School of Social Work that would help you to address the problem you described in question 2? 
4. After carefully reviewing the program requirements--including practicum learning hours and course load expectations--please describe how you will manage to fulfill the specific program requirements while balancing other life commitments.
5. Applicants with criminal justice history must briefly disclose the specific offense, date of conviction, and details surrounding the offense. If admitted to the MSW, this information is used in determining eligibility for a practicum learning placement. Please see additional details below regarding eligibility for practicum learning.

A current resume, including degree's completed and all professional positions held must be submitted.  Please include any positions of leadership that you have held and ensure that all information is accurate and up-to-date.

Candidates for the advanced standing MSW degree program are required to submit a copy of their practicum supervisor evaluation form. If currently enrolled in a practicum placement, please submit the evaluation received at the end of your first semester in the placement. Candidates who have graduated and completed their undergraduate placement more than five years ago may contact admissions to request a waiver of this requirement.

The School of Social Work welcomes interested students from outside of the United States.  International applicants apply using the Graduate Admissions application and must submit the same requirements as domestic students.  An official transcript translation and evaluation and proof of English language proficiency are required for many applicants with academic history from outside of the United States. 

Students whose first language is not English: 
An official TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) or IELTS (International English Language Testing System) is required. The exam must have been taken within two years of the intended semester of entry.   

• The minimum Internet-based TOEFL scores are; Writing 22, Speaking 23, Reading 21, Listening 17 
• An acceptable IELTS score is bandwidth 7 

*Please keep in mind that completion of a bachelors or masters degree in the United States does not waive the English language proficiency exam requirement. 

Students who have completed their education outside of the US: 
Applicants who have completed their education outside of the U.S. are required to obtain an official evaluation of their foreign transcript through an accredited organization such as World Education Services (WES)  or Globe Language Services. The evaluation must certify the transcripts for authenticity and for U.S. degree and grade equivalency. An official evaluation of all undergraduate and graduate transcripts must be sent to Rutgers Office of Graduate and Professional Admissions. Applicants to the Advanced Standing MSW must also submit verification from the Council for Social Work Education (CSWE) that their international social work degree is equivalent to a CSWE-accredited program.

Obtaining a Visa: 
International applicants recommended for admission must document total financial resources before an official Certificate of Admission and Eligibility (I-20 and DS-2019) can be issued by graduate admissions. The Office of Graduate Admissions provides Certificates of Admission and Eligibility (I-20  and DS-2019) forms with their notification of admission. Admitted international students must submit a completed financial documentation form. 

Transfer students complete the Graduate application and follow the instructions to submit all application requirements. Applicants are strongly encouraged to include a letter of recommendation from a faculty member at their previous institution as one of their three reference letters. 

Graduate coursework that has been completed at a CSWE-accredited institution will be considered for transfer credit toward the MSW at the time of admission. MSW coursework completed at Rutgers or another CSWE-accredited institution is eligible for transfer if completed within 10 years of the semester that you plan to enroll at Rutgers School of Social Work. Other graduate credits that may be equivalent to coursework within the MSW program can also be considered after admission to the program. Rutgers SSW will consider equivalent courses that have been completed within 10 years of application and where a minimum grade of B was earned. A maximum of 18 credits may be transferred toward the Rutgers MSW degree. Students may be asked to submit course descriptions and/or syllabi to verify equivalency of coursework. Professional work and/or life experience may not be considered for transfer credit to the MSW. Transfer credit may affect the term start date for students admitted to Rutgers MSW program.

Applicants admitted to the MSW degree program must agree with the following statement:

If admitted to the Rutgers School of Social Work, I understand that in order to complete the MSW program, I will be required to complete a practicum or practicums with an agency, organization or facility and such facilities may require a criminal background and a drug screen to determine whether I am qualified to participate in the practicum.  In addition, in order to become licensed, many states will inquire as to whether I have been convicted of a misdemeanor, felony or illegal act.  I understand that it is my responsibility to comply with and secure the necessary background checks required by Rutgers, licensing agency and/or a practicum site.  Should I fail a check, clearance and/or drug screen, I understand that the Rutgers School of Social Work cannot guarantee a practicum, and that these results may detrimentally affect my ability to complete the MSW program requirements and my future ability to be licensed.

For further information, contact us at Admissions@ssw.rutgers.edu or 848-932-7520 Ext 2.