Admission Criteria
Apply to the UTRGV Graduate College:
Step #1: Submit a UTRGV Graduate Application at www.utrgv.edu/graduate/onlineapplication. The university application fee of $50 ($100 for International Applicants) can be paid online by credit card or electronic check (in the online application). All application fees are nonrefundable.
Step #2: Request your transcripts and other supporting documentation to be mailed to:
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
The Graduate College
Marialice Shary Shivers Bldg. 1.158
1201 W. University Drive
Edinburg, TX 78539-2999
Review and submit all Program Requirements:
- Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution in the United States or a recognized international equivalent in a similar or related field.
- Undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0.
- Official transcripts from each institution attended (must be submitted directly to UTRGV).
- Personal statement detailing professional goals and reasons for pursuing the graduate degree. (Instructions)
- Three letters of recommendation from professional or academic sources using this reference form. (Reference Form)
- Verified successful completion of a course in basic statistics.
- Professional Resume
Advanced (33-hour program):
- Online application at www.utrgv.edu/graduate/onlineapplication. The university application fee of $50 ($100 for International applicants) can be paid online by credit card or electronic check (in the online application). All application fees are non‐refundable.
- Clear admission to the UTRGV Graduate College.
- BSW from a CSWE accredited program.
- 3.2 GPA or higher, in social work core undergraduate courses.
- Official transcripts from each institution attended (must be submitted directly to UTRGV).
- Personal statement detailing professional goals and reasons for pursuing the graduate degree. (Instructions)
- Three letters of recommendation from professional or academic sources using this reference form. (Reference Form)
- Verified successful completion of a course in basic statistics.
- Professional Resume
References form
Applicants must obtain three reference forms (MSSW Admissions Letter of Reference) filled out by professional references. These should be former or current supervisors; former or current employers; or former or current professors.
Application Review
The evaluation process for admission to the programs begins after the deadline for receipt of all materials. The Admissions Review Committee is comprised of members of the MSSW Committee of the School of Social Work. The reviews will include assignment of points in four categories: GPA, three letters of reference, professional, related work experience, and a personal statement. We encourage applicants to provide as much information as possible about work history or even a resume. Applicants must meet all benchmark criteria to be considered for admission to any MSSW program; however, this does not guarantee admission.
Offers of Admission to the Graduate College
Official admission offers will be made only by the Graduate College and are valid for up to a year from date of admission. Through the online application website, you will be able to view the status of your application. Students who are accepted but do not enroll for the semester requested must submit a request to defer enrollment. An additional fee will be charged if the student reapplies more than one year from the semester originally accepted.
Additional requirements for domestic applicants who attended foreign universities:
- TOEFL or IELTS Language Proficiency Test with minimum scores: 550 on paper‐based, 213 on computer based, or 79 on internet‐based for the TOEFL; 6.5 for the IELTS. TOEFL and IELTS scores are valid for 2 years.
- English translation of educational records.
- Transcript Evaluation by the Foreign Credentials Service of America (FCSA).
Additional requirements for international applicants:
- TOEFL or IELTS Language Proficiency Test with minimum scores: 550 on paper‐based, 213 on computer based, or 79 on internet‐based for the TOEFL; 6.5 for the IELTS. TOEFL and IELTS scores are valid for 2 years.
- English translation of educational records.
- Transcript Evaluation by the Foreign Credentials Service of America (FCSA). For additional information, click here.
- Financial Documentation showing sufficient funds (minimum of $25,000) to cover all expenses (living and academic) for the first year of study.
- Immigration documents, including a current copy of your valid passport.