Master of Social Work (MSW)
Now accepting applications for Summer/Fall 2025 admission! (note Summer 2025 applications are for Advanced Standing candidates only (those with a BSW degree from an accredited program within the past 8 years).
Apply now. Attend an information session. Admission Requirements
This program educates graduate students in advanced integrated social work practice with individuals, families, groups, communities, and social administration. The focus of this education is to produce competent and effective practitioners committed to enhancing social well-being and quality of life with particular emphasis on vulnerable and oppressed populations in small towns and rural areas characteristic of the Appalachian region.
All students will specialize in
Advanced Integrated Practice. The curriculum prepares students to integrate
micro, mezzo, and macro practice skills across service sectors and within interdisciplinary
teams to effectively address social and human problems across a wide range of practice
areas, with a particular emphasis on effective models of rural service delivery.
Both the BSW and the MSW programs are nationally accredited by the Council for
Social Work Education (CSWE).
The MSW Program offers social work education for the 21st century, incorporating
digital literacy in both the on campus and online programs.
The WVU MSW is ranked #83 by
US News & World Report in their 2024 rankings of graduate schools
of social work.
Social Work Licensure
Graduates of the WVU MSW program are eligible to pursue social work licensure at their degree level. States can have varying requirements for social work licensure, particularly at the clinical license level. It is recommended that students consult their state licensing board for more information. For detailed information about state-specific licensing, please see the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) licensing and regulation website.
Regular Standing Advanced Standing
On-Campus MSW Program On-Campus Application Process VideoOnline MSW Program Online Application Process Video
Deadlines Technology Requirements
Regular Standing
Domestic applicants: Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university- International applicants: Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution. You are considered an international applicant if you are not a citizen or permanent resident of the United States. (*note: international applicants living outside of the United States are not eligible to apply to the online MSW program.)
Advanced Standing
- Domestic applicants who have received a BSW from a Council on Social Work Education-accredited program within the last eight years may apply for advanced standing.
- International applicants who have received a BSW from a Council on Social Work Education-accredited program, recognized through its International Social Work Degree Recognition and Evaluation Services, or covered under a memorandum of understanding with international social work accreditors within the last eight years may apply for advanced-standing. (*note: international applicants living outside the United States are not eligible to apply to the online MSW program)
On-Campus MSW Program
- Apply Now - On Campus MSW
- Full or part time options
- Full Time Advanced Standing Degree Plan Complete the degree in one calendar year (May/summer admission)
- Part Time Advanced Standing Degree Plan Complete the degree in 2 years (fall admission)
- Full Time Regular Standing Degree Plan Complete the degree in 2 years (fall admission)
- Part Time Regular Standing Degree Plan Complete the degree in 3 years (fall admission)
- On Campus Frequently Asked Questions
- Field Internship Frequently Asked Questions
For more information, contact MSW Admissions & Recruitment at socialwork@mail.wvu.edu or 304-293-3280.
Watch this 11-minute video for an overview of the on-campus MSW programs and application process.Online MSW Program
- Apply Now - Online MSW
- Asynchronous
- Part time with fall admission only
- In state tuition regardless of residency
- Advanced Standing Degree Plan Complete the degree in 2 years (fall admission)
- Regular Standing Degree Plan Complete the degree in 3 years (fall admission)
- Applicants can apply to both the on campus and online programs, each requiring a separate application and fees.
- Online Frequently Asked Questions
- Field Internship Frequently Asked Questions
Once students have begun coursework in either online or on campus programs, they are not permitted to switch.
Request more information on the Online MSW program.
Deadlines for applications- Summer and Fall 2025 admission
On-Campus Program (Summer/Fall 2024 applications are closed)
Advanced Standing (Full Time)
- November 1 is the early decision deadline. Applications submitted by November 1 will receive an early decision notification and accepted applicants are eligible for graduate assistantships and scholarships provided through the School of Social Work.
- January 15 is the deadline for summer admission*. Students applying by this deadline are eligible for School of Social Work graduate assistantships and scholarships. *Submission of an Advanced Standing (full time) application between January 15 and March 1 will be considered after March 1.
- March 1 is the final deadline. All applications must be submitted by March 1 for consideration.
Regular Standing (Full and Part Time) and Advanced Standing (Part Time)
- November 1 is the early decision deadline. Applications submitted by November 1 will receive an early decision notification and accepted applicants are eligible for graduate assistantships and scholarships provided through the School of Social Work.
- January 15 is the priority deadline. Applications submitted by January 15 are eligible for School of Social Work graduate assistantships and scholarships.
- March 1 is the final deadline. All applications must be submitted by March 1 for consideration.
Online Program
Regular and Advanced Standing (Part Time Only)
- November 1 is the early decision deadline. Applications submitted by November 1 will receive an early decision notification and accepted applicants are eligible for scholarships provided through the School of Social Work.
- February 1 is the priority deadline. Applications submitted by February 1 will be eligible for scholarships through the School of Social Work.
- April 15 is the final deadline. Applications submitted between February 2 and April 15 will be reviewed on a rolling basis.