Send application materials to:

University of Houston
UH Graduate College of Social Work
Admissions Office
110HA Social Work Building
Houston, TX 77204-4013

A complete application packet is available for download here.

1.  Online ApplyTexas Application

Apply online using the ApplyTexas application.

2.  Application Fee

Submit a non-refundable application fee of $60.00 with your ApplyTexas application.

3.  M.S.W. Program Cover Page

Complete and submit the M.S.W. Program Cover Page.

4.  Official Transcripts

Submit official transcripts from all of your previous college/university work. Transcripts can either be sent to the GCSW directly from your colleges and universities or submitted with your other application materials in a sealed envelope from the school or university. Unsealed transcripts issued directly to you will not be accepted. Please let us know on your application all legal names that may appear on any of your transcripts.

5.  Three Part Personal Narrative Statement

Complete and submit your three part personal narrative statement; all sections must be submitted or your application will not be reviewed. Use proper references as appropriate.

Part I  (Autobiographical Essay):  What were the significant factors that influenced your choice of social work? What skills and experiences do you have that will contribute to your success as a graduate student and social work professional? How is the GCSW a good place for you to build on those skills? 2 pages, double spaced, 12 point font.

Part II (Essay on Career Goals):  Tell us about your career goals as they relate to your definition of social and economic justice. 1 page, double spaced, 12 point font.

Part III (Social Issue Essay): Discuss a social issue that is of concern to you and relevant to social work practice. Share ideas about key factors contributing to the issue as well as possible ways to address the problem. 1 – 2 pages, double spaced, 12 point font.

6.  Resume

Submit a comprehensive resume which includes but is not limited to the following.  Recommended length for resume is 1 - 2 pages.

• Paid or volunteer experience in social service agencies or other settings (include beginning and ending dates, whether full-time or part-time, number of hours per week)
• Community and/or college activities
• Hobbies and/or leisure activities
• Reading interests (give specific examples) 

7.  Three Recommendations

Submit three recommendations from professors or professionals. If you graduated from college within the last 5 years, one recommendation from a professor or instructor is required. If you are applying for Advanced Standing, one of your three recommendations must be from your faculty advisor or chairperson of your B.S.W. Program. For all applicants: if more than one of the three recommendations is personal, the file will be considered incomplete and will not be reviewed.  At least two references should be academic or professional.  Recommendation forms are required for the application. 

8.  Official GRE Score

Submit official scores from the GRE (Graduate Record Exam). Scores should be less than five years old. The University of Houston’s institutional code for the GRE is 6870 and the social work code is 5001. Information about costs and test dates at UH may be obtained from UH Student Service Center (Room 204), (713) 743-5444. The GCSW does not require a minimum score on the GRE.

Deadlines

Fall: For Advanced Standing and priority consideration, applications must be postmarked by February 1st. All other applications must be received no later than March 31st. Spring: For Advanced Standing only, applications must be postmarked by October 1st.

myUH

After you submit your application on Applytexas, you will receive instructions in the mail for logging onto the University's system at my.uh.edu. There you can check the status of your application and update your contact information as needed. Once your application shows complete, it can take 6-8 weeks for a decision letter to be mailed.

Scholarship Application

For students interested in applying for GCSW scholarships, the deadline are November 1st for Spring and May 1st for Fall. Click here for the scholarship application.

International Applicants

Additional materials are required for international applicants. Please refer to the University of Houston's information for International Applicants.

All records and documents submitted to the GCSW become property of the University and may not be returned. The application fee covers part of the cost of handling the application and is therefore non-refundable.