MSW Frequently Asked Questions

Question: I haven't been in school for a long time. Do I really need transcripts from every college or university I ever attended?
Answer: Yes, this is a university record keeping requirement.

Question: What if I haven't finished my degree yet?
Answer: You can submit transcripts showing all academic work to date, but before you can enroll in graduate courses, you must submit an official transcript that show the degree has been awarded. Your admission will be considered provisional until all required documentation has been received in our office.

Question: Do I need to submit GRE scores?
Answer: The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board requires all graduate applicants at Texas public universities to submit official GRE scores. However the GCSW does not require the scores for admission to the M.S.W. program. You may apply to the GCSW without scores, but must submit them prior to enrollment in the program. There is no minimum GRE score requirement.

Question: How will I know what classes to take? How do I register for classes?
Answer: Once admitted to the GCSW, you will receive information identifying the specific courses for which you must register. Registration is done through the University's Enrollment Services Online website in the spring and summer for the Fall semester.

Question: If I have a B.S.W., can I get credit for my previous social work courses?
Answer: Applicants who hold the B.S.W. degree (Bachelor's in Social Work) from a CSWE accredited program are encouraged to apply for Advanced Standing. For more information, see the link for Advanced Standing under “M.S.W. Admissions” on the main admissions page of this website.
Not everyone who applies for Advanced Standing will be admitted with the advanced status; the admissions committee may deny advanced standing but still approve admission to the regular program.

Question: How can I get more information before applying?
Answer: Prospective applicants are encouraged to attend one of the Information Sessions scheduled at the GCSW in the Fall and early Spring. Dates for the sessions are on our main admissions page.

Question: What happens if I'm accepted, but can't enroll?
Answer: If you can't start the program in the semester in which you applied, you can request that your admission be deferred for one year. A limited number of deferrals are allowed each year; you may be told to reapply for the following year.

Question: Who should I ask to provide recommendations for me?
Answer: Admissions reviewers want to hear from persons who can address your interest and commitment to social work, who can describe your readiness for graduate education, and/or who can describe your previous academic performance. Current or former professors, employers or supervisors (especially if in social work) often provide recommendations for applicants.

Question: Can I get transfer credit for courses taken somewhere else?
Answer: Transfer credit may be granted for courses taken in other disciplines provided that: a grade of B or better was earned; the course was completed within five years of enrollment in the GCSW; and the course is relevant to your course of study in this program. Generally, no more than six hours credit is approved. Requests must be discussed with your advisor. We regret that we do not have the resources to provide course transfer evaluation prior to admission.

Question: Who decides where I will do my field work?
Answer: Field practicum assignments are handled by the Office of Field Education. An overview of field is given at new student orientation and other required meetings are held in the fall to provide more information. The GCSW has more than 500 approved field settings in which students are placed.

Question: Does the GCSW have a part-time or evening/weekend program?
Answer : We have a flex option program for students who are unable to take courses during the day. For the first semester, flex option students take the required foundation courses (15 hours) on evenings and weekends. However, all new students will meet together Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday the first week of the semester, from 9:00 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. For the first week only, every incoming student must make arrangements to attend these three days of classes – no exceptions. After the first semester, students have much more flexibility with the program and can take day or evening classes.

All MSW students are required to complete 1080 clock hours of field work in community agencies. Flex option students are not exempt from this requirement, even if they are currently working in a social service agency. Flex option students must be able to do field work from October to May of their first year for 16 clock hours per week sometime during Mondays through Fridays 8:00 am – 5:00 pm. Flex option students complete advanced field work, beginning in the summer of their second year of the program. They again must be able to complete 16 clock hours per week sometime during Mondays – Fridays, 8:00 am – 5:00 pm. The advanced placement takes place over three consecutive semesters.

Question : Can you tell me more about the certificates you offer? Do I have to complete additional hours to get a certificate?
Answer: The GCSW offers three certificate options in addition to the two track choices of Clinical Practice and Leadership, Administration & Advocacy. The certificates offer an opportunity to further develop expertise in a specific area of social work by taking electives in focused content areas. The certificate opportunities include Gerontological Social Work, Political Social Work, and Trabajo Social. Each require 9 credit hours, but these hours are completed within other requirements, not in addition.

Question: What if I apply for admission as a flex option student, but I want to go full-time, or I apply for full-time, but want to change to flex option?
Answer: Applicants are strongly encouraged to apply for the status they are able to manage. The GCSW reserves the right to limit the number of full- and flex option students admitted in a given year. Students who wish to change their status prior to their initial enrollment may have to postpone starting the program for a full year if all slots are full. Once a student has successfully completed the first semester of the program, students may work with the academic advisor to change their status.

Question: How will I know about the status of my application?
Answer: You'll receive notices from us letting you know whether your application is complete and, if not, what you need to submit before we can review your materials. We often send reminders and updates via email so be sure we have your current email address on file in our admissions office.

Other Questions?
Ask via email: mswinfo@sw.uh.edu