Requirements & Funding
Western Carolina鈥檚 Department of Social Work is seeking applicants who demonstrate a personal and professional commitment to the values of the Social Work profession. Consideration for admission will be given to those applicants who exemplify the greatest potential for successful scholarship through their past academic and/or work experiences.
The Master鈥檚 Degree in Social Work (MSW) Program requires 鈥�62 hours of graduate coursework beyond the bachelor degree from an accredited college or university.
Only complete application packets will be considered.
The following requirements are鈥痜or admission to the regular and Advanced Standing Programs full- or part-time鈥� Master of Social Work (MSW) Program at Western Carolina University:
- Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution
- GPA Requirements:
- Traditional 2 or 4 year Program: 3.0 on a 4.0 scale for the last 60 hours of undergraduate coursework, or a 2.85 on a 4.0 scale cumulatively
- Advanced Standing Program: 3.2 on a 4.0 scale
- Adequate undergraduate preparation (18 semester hours) with a range of studies in the liberal arts, humanities, physical sciences, diversity, and behavioral sciences- an undergraduate degree in Social Work is not required for admission
- Three letters of recommendation (at least鈥� one should be an academic recommendation)
- Some Human Services-related experience, including volunteer work desirable
Fund Your MSW
There are a number of ways that you can finance your Master's Degree.
- HRSA Behavioral Health Workforce Stipend: This $25,000 stipend iThis $25,000 stipend is available to students in their specialization (final) year who are interested in integrated healthcare. Learn More
- Graduate Assistantships: Teaching and research graduate assistantships are available to a limited number of qualified graduate students. An assistantship is a paid academic appointment made to a graduate student that involves part-time teaching or research employment. LEARN MORE
- Fellowships and Scholarships: Graduate students can be considered for a number of scholarships. In order to be considered for scholarships awarded by WCU, you must submit the online scholarship application prior to February 1st for the following fall. LEARN MORE
- Financial Aid: Federal loans, grants, and more are available by filling out your FAFSA and applying. LEARN MORE
For more information, please contact:
Email: MSW@wcu.edu
