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MSSW Program


Jo Redcliffe, Ph.D.

MSSW Program Director

Phone: 956-882-1901
Email: jo.redcliffe@utrgv.edu

Denise A. Longoria, Ph.D., LCSW-S

Director of Online Programs and Distance Learning

Phone: 956-523-7450
Phone Alt: (956) 665-3575
Email: denise.longoria@utrgv.edu

MSSW Prospective Students - Related Links

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

Admission Criteria Regular (63-hour program)

Review and Submit

  • Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution in the United States or a recognized international equivalent in a similar or related field.
  • Undergraduate overall GPA of at least 3.0.
  • Students with a BSW from an accredited social work program will only be considered for the MSSW advanced standing program (33-hour program); they may not gain admission into the 63-credit hour program. If they are not admitted to the advanced standing program, they must reapply to the 33-hour program at a later date once they meet admission criteria. They may meet with the MSSW director to develop a plan for meeting admission criteria. Please read the admission criteria below for the advanced standing (33-hour) program.
  • 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 for Personal Statement)
  • Three letters of recommendation from professional or academic sources using this reference form. (Reference Form)
  • Verified successful completion of a course in basic statistics.
  • Current Resume.

Admission Criteria Advanced (33-hour program)

Review and Submit

  • Clear admission to the UTRGV Graduate College.
  • BSW from a CSWE accredited program.
  • Undergraduate overall GPA of at least 3.0
  • 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 Personal Statement)
  • Three letters of recommendation from professional or academic sources using this reference form. (Reference Form)
  • Verified successful completion of a course in basic statistics.
  • Current Resume

Additional Requirements International

Additional Requirements for Domestic Applicants Who Attended Foreign Universities

  • TOEFL or IELTS Language Proficiency Test with minimum scores (TOEFL and IELTS scores are valid for 2 years):
    • Paper based: 550
    • Computer based: 213
    • Internet based: 79
    • IELTS: 6.5
  • 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 (TOEFL and IELTS scores are valid for 2 years):
    • Paper based: 550
    • Computer based: 213
    • Internet based: 79
    • IELTS: 6.5
  • English translation of educational records.
  • Transcript Evaluation by the Foreign Credentials Service of America (FCSA).
  • 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.

Useful Information

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.

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. Applicants must meet all benchmark criteria to be considered for admission to any MSSW program; however, this does not guarantee admission.

The Official Admission Offer will be made only by the Graduate College and is 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.