Admissions

The online Master of Social Work (MSW) program seeks to admit intelligent and principled students who are pursuing social work not just as a career but also as part of a larger commitment to the values and ethics of the field. We review applications holistically to ensure that we are admitting qualified students with a range of academic backgrounds and professional skills.

To apply, you must have the following:

  • a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
  • 18 undergraduate liberal arts credits

Application Deadlines

We offer multiple start dates per year and review applications on a rolling basis. If you submit your application by the priority deadline, we will waive the application fee. View the application deadlines for our upcoming start dates below.

Deadlines for application to the program.
Start Date Priority deadline Final deadline
January 2019 Cohort September 24, 2018 October 29, 2018
May 2019 Cohort January 21, 2019 February 25, 2019
September 2019 Cohort May 20, 2019 June 24, 2019

Plans of Study

Traditional

This plan of study offers a comprehensive master’s-level social work education that comprises both generalist and specialist knowledge. As a traditional MSW student, you could earn your degree in as few as 16 months accelerated, 24 months full time, or 32 months part time. Visit our application items page for a full list of requirements.

Advanced Standing

This plan of study enables qualified students with a social work background to bypass generalist coursework and earn their degree in as few as eight months full time or 16 months part time. You may be eligible for advanced standing if within the past five years you have either

earned a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) from a program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)

or

completed one year of coursework through another CSWE-accredited MSW program.

It is recommended that applicants have a 3.0 GPA from the BSW or one year of coursework through another MSW program.

To be considered for admission, both BSW graduates and transfer applicants must provide additional forms, as outlined on the application items page.

Fordham University Graduate School of Social Service (GSS) also offers a hybrid MSW program for students residing in the Long Island area, combining online courses with traditional face-to-face classes at Molloy College’s campus. GSS also offers its MSW program at three different campus locations: Lincoln Center, Westchester and Long Island. Visit the main GSS website for more information.