Admission Requirements

Application Deadlines

Priority Scholarship Consideration

A limited number of program-length scholarships are generally reserved for fall-entering students. Priority consideration for these scholarships will be given to completed applications, including accompanying material, received by March 1 for the following Fall semester. Applications received after March 1 or for another start term may still considered for scholarships depending on scholarship availability.

Fall Priority Scholarship Consideration – March 1

Rolling application deadlines

Applications are reviewed as soon as they are completed and decisions are made throughout the admission cycle until all available spots are filled. Students may start for Spring, Summer, or Fall; however, only full-time students who start in the Fall are provided a practicum placement in their first semester. Students who start in the Spring or Summer will take the practicum for the next available Fall semester.

We will continue to review completed applications after the posted deadline as space allows. Please reach out to grad@lasalle.edu for more information.

Fall with practicum placement (for full-time students) – June 10

Fall without practicum placement (for part-time students) – August 10

Spring – December 10

Summer (advanced standing applicants only) – May 10

Application Requirements

  1. A completed application
  2. Official transcript(s) from colleges/universities you have attended for your undergraduate and graduate degree, if applicable.  You need to have completed your undergraduate program from an accredited college/university. If you are in the process of completing undergraduate coursework, you may submit transcripts with courses that are in progress. If admitted, you must submit your final, official transcript(s) with the degree conferred date prior to enrollment.
    • In order for a transcript to be official, it must be received directly from the college/university or through an official third-party service such as Parchment or the National Student Clearinghouse. Transcripts received from applicants and/or an unapproved third party will be considered unofficial.
    • If you completed your undergraduate degree from a non-US University, you must submit your transcripts for evaluation through an International Credential Evaluation Service.  Information about these services may be found here.
    • Applicants with a lower minimum GPA may be accepted provisionally for one semester and must achieve a minimum GPA in SWK courses by the end of the semester to continue in the program.
  3. Resume/CV
  4. Two (2) letters of recommendation from an academic and/or professional reference who can attest to your motivation and ability to succeed in graduate studies.
  5. Personal Essay/Statement responding to the prompt (maximum 4 pages). Social work is based on an understanding of the integral and reciprocal relationship between people and their environments. As a result, social work practice addresses how issues such as race and racism, socioeconomic status, age, ability, family, sexual orientation, and gender identity affect the well-being of people and communities.
    • The mission of La Salle University is to “prepare students for the lifelong pursuit and exploration of wisdom, knowledge, and faith that lead to engaged and fulfilling lives marked by a commitment to the common good.” Describe your experiences of care and commitment to the common good.
    • Personal interest in social work including areas of strength and challenge as well as person-in-environment influences: biological, psychological, social, and cultural influences
    • MSW students complete 1100 hours of their practicum (Advanced Standing students: 600 hours in advanced practice.)  Discuss your specific plans and schedule for successfully completing the practicum hours.
  6. Students in the MSW program are required to complete field placements that mandate state and federal background checks, including child abuse, criminal, and FBI clearances.

Additional Requirements for Advanced Standing Applicants

  • Baccalaureate degree in Social Work (BSW) from a CSWE-accredited within the past seven years with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0
    • Final course grade of B- or above in all undergraduate social work practicum and practice courses
    • Applicants below the minimum GPA may be accepted provisionally for one semester and must achieve a minimum GPA of 3.25 in SWK courses by the end of the semester to continue in the program.
  • 2nd letter of recommendation must be from a BSW practicum instructor or practicum faculty liaison
  • Copy of signed senior practicum evaluation
  • Completion of Case Study Assessment & Intervention Plan
    • Case study is sent via email when the application is submitted. You will have a chance to upload additional material after application submission on your Application Portal.

Additional Requirements for International Students

International students are welcome to apply to our graduate program. For admission requirements specific to international applicants, please visit our International Student Admissions page for graduate students here.

Five-Year BSW-to-MSW Program

Students may earn both the B.S.W. and M.S.W. degrees by participating in the University’s Five-Year Program. Students satisfy the undergraduate social work major requirements during their first four years at the University and earn a minimum of 120 credits.