Applicants are encouraged to review the degree programs & application requirements before applying to the MSW program. The minimal requirements for application and admission include:

• A completed general graduate school application
• A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university
  • Applicants to the Advanced Standing program option must have earned a bachelor's degree in social work from a Council on Social Work Education- accredited program no more than five years prior to their anticipated MSW graduation date
• A total institutional undergraduate GPA of at least 3.00 (on a 4.00 scale)
  • Applicants to the Advanced Standing program option must have also earned a B or better GPA in the last 60 credit hours of an accredited bachelor's degree and a B or better in all required undergraduate social work classes
• Transcripts from all colleges and universities attended for credit. Unofficial transcripts must be uploaded in the application
• Statement of Purpose
• Full-time Columbia, Full-time Online, and Extended-time applicants must submit at least two recommendations from individuals such as professors, employers, or supervisors who can provide a detailed assessment of the applicant’s specific qualifications for both graduate studies and master’s-level social work practice. Applicants must provide the names and email addresses of their recommenders within the application. Recommendations from those an applicant has a personal relationship with (e.g., relative, friend, or neighbor) are not adequate
• Advanced Standing applicants must submit three recommendations. Of the three recommendations, one must be from the BSW program director or faculty advisor, and one must be from the undergraduate field instructor or current social work supervisor if employed. Applicants must provide the names and email addresses of their recommenders within the application. Recommendations from those an applicant has a personal relationship with (e.g., relative, friend, or neighbor) are not adequate
• Current CV or resume that demonstrates evidence of service and/or work experiences congruent with social work values, skills, and knowledge
• TOEFL/IELTS/PTE/Duolingo scores for applicants whose native language is not English (see international applicants requirements)

Note: An interview may also be required. 

 

The Graduate School coordinates applications to the MSW program. Supporting materials are required in addition to the application for graduate admission.

The College of Social Work reviews only completed application files and makes admission recommendations to the Graduate School. The Graduate School reviews applicants’ credentials and makes formal decisions regarding admission. An applicant is not an admitted student until the Graduate School has officially confirmed their admission. 

The MSW program is committed to diversity in its student body. Admission is limited and competitive.

Graduate coursework relevant to the MSW program that is not part of a completed certificate or graduate degree may be transferred for credit toward the MSW degree. In most cases, transfer credits for the MSW degree must be from programs accredited by the Council on Social Work Education. No more than 12 semester hours of graduate credit may be transferred into a master’s program that requires 30-36 hours; no more than 15 semester hours of graduate credit may be transferred into a master’s program that requires 37-45 hours; and no more than 18 semester hours of graduate credit may be transferred into a master’s program that requires 46 or more semester hours. Transfer credits must have a grade of B or better and be no more than six years old at the time of USC MSW graduation. See the Transfer of Course Credit and Use of Prior USC Graduate Credit section of the Graduate Academic Regulations Bulletin. For questions, contact the College of Social Work Office of Admissions at coswadms@mailbox.sc.edu.

Admitted MSW students interested in requesting  transfer credit must submit a Request for Transfer of Graduate Credit (G-RTC), official transcript, and syllabus for each course to the College of Social Work Office of Admissions. Requests for transfer of course credit are reviewed by the MSW Program Director and submitted to the Graduate School for final approval.