Admission

Applying to MSW@Denver

Our online MSW program prepares students to transform lives and become powerful social change makers in their communities. We seek candidates with diverse backgrounds and educational experiences, and we encourage those with and without related experience to apply. If you’re ready to begin your social work journey, start the application process today.

Start Dates and Deadlines

You can start the MSW@Denver program at four convenient times throughout the year: January, March, June or September. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and you are encouraged to submit your application as soon as possible. 

January

March

June

September

January 2027

DeadlineDate
Priority Deadline
October 2, 2026
Final Deadline
October 23, 2026
Classes Start
January 2027

Why Apply by the Priority Deadline?

  • Receive a waiver for the $65 application fee.
  • Prepare for your future by receiving an earlier admission decision.
  • Gain more time to focus on your finances by seeking scholarships and identifying options for funding your degree.

Admission Criteria

Online MSW

In order to be considered for admission to the Online MSW Program: MSW@Denver, you must:

  • Hold a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university other than a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW).
    • Those with a BSW are only eligible to enroll in the online advanced standing program.
  • Have an undergraduate GPA of 2.5 or higher on a 4.0 scale. (A 3.0 GPA is preferred, however, if your GPA is lower than 3.0, the admission committee is likely to look at your last 60 or 90 undergraduate credits.)*

*Students who are admitted with a grade average of less than 2.75 on a 4.0 scale will hold a probationary status. For additional information, please refer to the MSW@DEN Handbook or reach out to your Enrollment Specialist.

Online Advanced-Standing MSW

In order to be considered for admission to the Online Advanced-Standing MSW Program: MSW@Denver, you must:

  • Hold a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) from a regionally accredited college or university at any point in time.
  • Have an undergraduate GPA of 2.5 or higher on a 4.0 scale. (A 3.0 GPA is preferred, however, if your GPA is lower than 3.0, the admission committee is likely to look at your last 60 or 90 undergraduate credits.)*

*Students who are admitted with a grade average of less than 2.75 on a 4.0 scale will hold a probationary status. For additional information, please refer to the MSW@DEN Handbook or reach out to your Enrollment Specialist.

View a full list of application requirements.

Request information to learn more about MSW@Denver or contact Admission at +1-855-219-5995.

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Frequently Asked Questions

  • To apply for the Master of Social Work online, you will need a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited school and a minimum GPA of 2.5. At the University of Denver, we take a holistic approach to every application; we consider your professional background, personal experiences, and your potential to thrive as a social worker alongside your academic history. You’ll work closely with an enrollment specialist to complete your file, which includes a résumé and a statement of purpose.

  • No, a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) is not required. If your degree is in another field, you will enter our standard track, which provides essential social work building blocks over approximately 21 to 27 months. However, if you earned a BSW from a CSWE-accredited program within the last seven years, you may be eligible for the Advanced Standing track which can be completed in as few as 18 months. These applicants typically have a GPA between 3.0 and 3.2 and have completed prerequisites like biology and statistics.

  • No, you don’t need to submit GRE scores to apply for this program. We believe your readiness for graduate study is best demonstrated through your previous coursework and your commitment to the field of social work. This helps keep the application process focused on what truly matters: your goals and experience.

  • You’ll need to provide official transcripts from all colleges you’ve attended, a current résumé, and a personal statement. You can begin and even submit your application while your official documents are being processed. While letters of recommendation are optional, you’re welcome to submit up to two if you’d like to provide more context regarding your strengths. We want to see a clear picture of who you are and why you’re ready to make an impact.

  • The standard application fee for the Graduate School of Social Work is $65. However, you can receive a waiver for the $65 application fee by submitting your application by the priority deadline. Additionally, current DU seniors and recent alumni may be eligible for a fee waiver through the Crimson Application process.

  • Most applicants do not need to sit for an interview to be considered for the online program. Our team at the Graduate School of Social Work focuses on your written materials—such as your statement of purpose and professional history—allowing you to share your story and career aspirations in your own words.

  • Once your application is complete, you can usually expect a decision within four to eight weeks. We offer four different start dates throughout the year so you can begin when it fits your schedule. For a speedier start, we recommend aiming to complete your application by the priority deadline, typically three months ahead of the start date.

  • Yes, international students are encouraged to apply to the University of Denver online program. You will need to hold the equivalent of a bachelor’s degree and provide English proficiency scores, such as the TOEFL or IELTS, if English is not your native language. This flexible format allows you to earn a DU degree while residing outside the United States.

  • Yes, the University of Denver’s online Master of Social Work program is fully accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). This accreditation ensures the curriculum meets the highest professional standards and prepares you for social work licensure, including the path to becoming a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW).

  • We generally look for a cumulative undergraduate GPA of 2.5 or higher. However, we take a holistic approach to every application we receive at the University of Denver. This means we consider your professional background, personal experiences, and your potential to thrive as a social worker alongside your academic history.

  • If you’ve earned a Bachelor of Social Work from a CSWE-accredited program within the last seven years, you may be eligible for the Advanced Standing track. Typically, applicants for this Denver University path have a GPA between 3.0 and 3.2 and have completed prerequisites like biology and statistics. This track allows you to build on your existing knowledge and move into advanced practice more quickly.

  • Yes, you can begin and even submit your application while your official documents are being processed. While we’ll eventually need official transcripts for final enrollment, you can often upload unofficial copies to help us start reviewing your file. This ensures you don’t have to wait to get the process moving.

Visit our main website to learn more about the application process for our on campus MSW programs in Denver, Durango and Glenwood Springs.