Admissions

Admissions Process

Our MSW admissions process is designed to give applicants ample time to prepare and submit materials while allowing our staff sufficient time for thorough review and placement, especially for advanced standing students. Please carefully review the following key deadlines and requirements:

  • Application Open: Applications are accepted for the Fall semester only and open each year in mid-December.
  • Priority Deadline: February 15 is the priority deadline. Submitting by this date offers the best chance for program consideration, as applications submitted by then will receive early review.
  • Final Deadline: June 30 is the final deadline for Fall semester applications. All application materials must be submitted by this date for consideration.
  • International Applicants: International applications have an earlier deadline due to additional processing requirements. For Fall admissions, the preferred deadline is April 1, with a final deadline of June 1. Be sure to submit materials in advance to allow time for visa and documentation processing. Please visit TWU International Admissions for the most up-to-date information on these deadlines.

Applicants are encouraged to check all specific requirements and submit materials as early as possible to avoid delays. Please click on the plus sign below to review specific admissions requirements. If you have any questions regarding the application or deadlines, please contact Dr. Li at yli11@twu.edu or 940-898-2079.

Admission criteria to the Master of Social Work

Program Contact

Nathan Li, PhD, MSW
MSW Program Coordinator
940-898-2079
yli11@twu.edu 

Application Deadline

Application opens mid-December of each year
Priority Date: Feb. 15 annually
Final deadline: June 30
Admits for Fall only

Program Options

  • Apply for the Generalist Program if you have a bachelor's degree in a major other than Social Work
  • Apply to the Advanced Program if you have earned a bachelor's degree from an accredited BSW program within the last seven years. If your BSW degree was earned more than seven years ago, please apply to the Generalist program.

Admission Requirements

  • Minimum 3.0 GPA for the last 60 semester credit hours of coursework
  • Upload the following documents into your TargetX application
  • Two recommendation letters: please provide the names, email addresses and phone numbers for two individuals familiar enough with you to assess your suitability for graduate-level study in social work.  
    • The MSW admissions committee recommends including letters from recent employers in social services, volunteer supervisors at social service agencies, supervisors from your field placements and/or current or former faculty members.
    • Advanced standing applicants are advised to have at least one reference from individuals in their BSW program, such as the program director, a faculty member or a practicum instructor, who can speak to your performance.

Info session

Join us for the TWU MSW info session to learn about the program and how it can help you make an impact. Whether you attend in person or virtually, we’ve got you covered.

The MSW program will hold an information session on November 22, 2024, 3-4 p.m., in person in Old Main Building room 410C or via Zoom.

The next session will be January 17, 2025, 3-4 p.m., in person in Old Main Building room 410C or via Zoom.

FAQ

1. How much does it cost to attend?
Tuition and fees for the TWU MSW program vary based on residency status, program length, and the number of credit hours taken. For detailed and up-to-date costs, prospective students can use TWU's tuition calculator available on the university website: Tuition Estimator.

Using the Estimator, here are some examples of estimated costs for Fall 2024:

  • Full-Time Generalist Students (12 credit hours):
    • Texas Residents: $6,102.00
    • Non-Residents: $11,022.00
  • Full-Time Advanced Standing Students (15 credit hours):
    • Texas Residents: $7,494.00
    • Non-Residents: $13,644.00

Please note that these figures are subject to change without notice, as determined by the University Board of Regents and State Legislature.

2. What scholarships are available for MSW students, and how do I apply?
TWU offers a range of scholarships specifically for MSW students, as well as general scholarships available to all TWU graduate students. Here’s what you need to know:

  • MSW Program Scholarships:
    Newly admitted MSW students may be eligible for a $1,000 scholarship during their first year in the program. Each year, up to five students are awarded this scholarship, and no application is required. Whether you are admitted as a generalist or an advanced standing student, you will automatically be considered for this scholarship at the start of your first semester. Recipients are typically selected based on academic excellence, with preference given to those who achieved a 4.0 GPA in their last 60 credit hours of undergraduate coursework.
  • Division of Social Work Scholarships:
    MSW students are automatically considered for all active social work scholarships when they submit the General Scholarship Application at twu.academicworks.com. The system matches you with scholarships you qualify for, and a scholarship committee reviews and scores applications using a standardized rubric. Awards are distributed based on scores until funds are fully allocated.
    • Key Dates: Applications open on July 1 and close on March 1 of the following year.
    • Funding Amount: Scholarships typically range from $1,000 to $5,000 per academic year.
    • Renewability: Most scholarships are renewable for up to two years for MSW students, provided you maintain eligibility.
  • TWU Graduate Student Scholarship:
    This scholarship is managed by TWU's General Scholarship Committee. To be eligible, you need a GPA of at least 3.2 in the last 60 credit hours and enroll in a minimum of 5 credit hours per semester. No application is required—departments nominate eligible students, and awards are distributed accordingly.
  • International Students:
    All scholarships at TWU, unless specifically requiring FAFSA, are open to international students. No separate scholarships are designated exclusively for international students. Unfortunately, we are currently unable to provide full financial aid to international students.

if you are interested in research, some professors may have research assistantship positions available, depending on funding. We encourage you to reach out to faculty members to explore potential opportunities.

It is worth noting that international and out-of-state students who receive at least $1,000 scholarship a year will be eligible for in-state tuition. TWU’s scholarship system ensures that all eligible students are considered for opportunities that can help fund their education. If you have additional questions, feel free to contact the MSW Program Coordinator at yli11@twu.edu or reach out to the TWU Scholarships Office. For more information, visit the Scholarships page at https://twu.edu/finaid/scholarships/.

3. What are the career options after graduation?
Graduates of the TWU MSW program are prepared for diverse and impactful careers in social work across various settings, such as hospitals, schools, mental health centers, child welfare agencies, and veterans’ services. An MSW degree equips you with the skills to pursue roles including:

  • Mental Health Therapist
  • Case Manager
  • Child and Family Social Worker
  • Child Welfare and Foster Care Specialist
  • Community Outreach Coordinator
  • Geriatric Social Worker
  • Nonprofit Leader or Administrator
  • Probation or Parole Officer
  • Policy Analyst and Advocate
  • Research Analyst
  • Social Justice and Equity Advocate
  • School Social Worker

Our MSW graduates are eligible to pursue licensure as Licensed Master Social Workers (LMSW) and Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSW) after fulfilling state requirements. Graduates can take the LMSW exam immediately upon completing the program. To qualify for the LCSW exam, most states require you to complete 3,000 supervised hours of clinical practice. Many social workers with an LCSW license go on to open their own private practice.

4. Are classes offered online? If not, how many days a week do I need to come to campus for classes?
The TWU MSW program follows a hybrid online model, offering both flexibility and in-person learning opportunities. Approximately half of the courses are conducted online, either synchronously or asynchronously, while the other half require in-person attendance on campus once a week. Typically, practice courses are held in person, while other courses are offered online. For in-person courses, you will need to come to campus one day a week, with some classes scheduled in the evening to accommodate different schedules.

To view the course format (online or in-person), visit our Generalist Degree Two-Year Plan. Courses marked with an asterisk (*) are delivered online.

Page last updated 2:35 PM, December 17, 2024