Program Description

Application Requirements

Program-Specific Instructions

Expanded Goals Statement:

Please respond to both prompts in your statement.

Prompt 1: Begin your essay by presenting your understanding of social work (in your own words) and your interest in pursuing a Master of Social Work at George Mason University. Include your reasons for this particular degree in relation to your academic background, work experience, and professional career goals. Describe your personal qualities and development and how they have influenced your career choice. (Prompt 1 length: maximum of 1 page/single spaced).

Prompt 2: The NASW Code of Ethics (2021) describes social justice as a core value of the social work profession. Define a social problem that is important to you (e.g., immigration, gender equity, poverty, racism, disability rights); and briefly outline your understanding of the problem/issue, how it is a social justice issue, and the role of social work in addressing the issue. Please use APA 7th edition citation style. (Total Prompt length: maximum of 1-2 pages/double spaced).

Advanced Standing

MSW Advanced Standing applicants must have a BSW from the last five years and a 3.2 minimum grade point average on a 4.0 scale. In addition to the requirements listed above, one of their two letters of recommendation must be from a Professor or Practicum Advisor, and they must submit a BSW Field Practicum Evaluation Form (pdf). Be sure to check the MSW Advanced Standing Recommendation box on the Recommendation form in the online admissions application.

Advanced Standing Priority Deadlines

Fall: December 15 (on-campus program); July 1 (online program)

Spring: September 1 (online program)

Applications for the MSW on-campus program are being accepted on a rolling basis for the Fall 2025 semester. Please note that practicum sites have competitive deadlines and opportunities may become limited by summer. Applications received after May 1, 2025 are not guaranteed a practicum placement, and the student may need to defer practicum and enroll as a part-time Advanced Standing student (2-year program).

Traditional On-campus Program Deadlines

Fall: January 15

Applications are being reviewed on a rolling basis for the Fall 2025 semester. Please note that practicum sites have competitive deadlines and opportunities may become limited by summer. Applications received after May 1, 2025 are not guaranteed a practicum placement, and the student may need to defer practicum and enroll as a part-time student (3-year program).

Traditional Online Program Deadlines

Part Time and Accelerated

Fall: August 1

Spring: December 1

Summer: April 15

Transfer Students

Transfer students can apply to the MSW online program or the MSW on-campus program.

Applicants must provide:

1. A copy of all field/placement evaluations (for transfer applicants only) 

2. An official letter sent to us from the Dean or the MSW Program Director from your previous school on official letterhead confirming that you were a student in good standing when you left the program. The verification letter can be emailed to socw@gmu.edu 

English Proficiency Requirements

All Mason students must have a full command of academic English to be successful in their studies. For this reason, Mason requires applicants to demonstrate English proficiency for admission consideration, regardless of citizenship. Click here to view the requirements.

International Transcript Requirements

All transcripts from colleges or universities outside the United States must be translated into English, if applicable, and submitted for evaluation to the Mason Office of Admissions. Mason will provide evaluation service free of charge for all international transcripts, however, some programs may request an outside evaluation be completed. Because of volume, more time may be needed to process applications requiring a Mason evaluation. You should submit your application 6 weeks prior to the deadline if you plan to utilize Mason’s free evaluation service. For expedited service, students may submit their documents to any NACES member organization at their own expense. If you decide to use an external evaluation service or if your program requires an outside evaluation, GPA and Degree equivalences must be included with your course-by-course evaluation. Mason evaluations are used for internal purposes and are not released to applicants. For information on international transcript requirements, go here.