Master of Social Work

Specific Admission Requirements

The Master of Social Work (MSW) program offers two admission pathways depending on your academic background. Review the requirements below to determine which pathway applies to you.

Final application deadline: Friday, August 7, 2026

Generalist Standing

• A bachelor’s degree from a university accredited by a nationally recognized accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, with at least 18 credits of liberal arts studies;
• A course in statistics or completion of SW 585 Introductory Research & Statistics (2 c.h.) with a grade of B or higher during the first semester of the Generalist year;
• A research course or completion of SW 585 Introductory Research & Statistics (2 c.h.) with a grade of B or higher during the first semester of the Generalist year;
• A GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale in the last 60 credit hours of academic work, or a GPA of 2.5–2.99 on a 4.0 scale in the last 60 credit hours of academic work, with a grade of B or higher in all courses during the first semester of the Generalist year;
• Completion of the CSU Pueblo Graduate Admission Application and payment of the $35 application fee.

Advanced Standing

• A Bachelor of Social Work degree from a CSWE-accredited program or a degree recognized through CSWE’s International Social Work Degree Recognition and Evaluation Services;
• A course in statistics;
• A research course;
• A GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale in the last 60 credit hours of academic work;
• At least 150 hours of volunteer or paid work experience in the human services field, beyond placement hours, completed within a six-month period during the last five calendar years;
• Your most recent placement evaluation;
• Three letters of recommendation. One must be from a professor, one from an academic advisor, and one from an employer or field supervisor. BSW students from CSU Pueblo may not use a current social work professor as a reference. An additional educational or professional reference may be substituted for the academic advisor’s recommendation.
• Completion of the CSU Pueblo Graduate Admission Application and payment of the $35 application fee.

The MAT and GRE are not required for admission.

Documents to Submit with Your Application

Transcripts

Official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions must be submitted directly by the institutions. Unofficial transcripts may be submitted for your current institution.

Resume or Curriculum Vitae

Submit a resume or CV outlining your education and professional experience. Advanced Standing applicants should clearly indicate the total number of volunteer or paid work-experience hours completed in the human services field.

Placement Evaluation Document

Advanced Standing applicants must submit their most recent placement evaluation document from their BSW field practicum.

Letters of Recommendation

Submit three letters of recommendation. At least one should come from a professor and one from an employer or placement supervisor.

Personal Statement

Ensure that your personal statement addresses the following:

• The expected role of graduate studies in your personal and professional development, including your motivation for pursuing the degree;
• Your employment history and professional goals;
• Your strengths and areas of growth as a graduate student;
• A diversity statement describing your experiences with diverse populations;
• How previous volunteer or paid work experience relates to the nine social work competencies. This item is required only for Advanced Standing applicants.