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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 (30-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)
- A Recommendation Questionnaire is emailed to three professional or academic sources you provide
- Verified successful completion of a course in basic statistics.
- Current Resume
Admission Criteria Advanced Standing (60-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 MSW advanced standing program (30-hour program); they may not gain admission into the 60-credit hour program. If they are not admitted to the advanced standing program, they must reapply to the 30-hour program at a later date once they meet admission criteria. They may meet with the MSW director to develop a plan for meeting admission criteria. Please read the admission criteria below for the advanced standing (30-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)
- A Recommendation Questionnaire is emailed to three professional or academic sources you provide
- 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
A Recommendation Questionnaire is emailed to three professional or academic sources you provide.
The evaluation process for admission to the program begins after the deadline for receipt of all materials. The Admissions Review Committee is comprised of members of the MSW Committee of the School of Social Work. The reviews include assignment of points in four categories: GPA, recommendation forms, professional, related work experience, and a personal statement. Applicants are encouraged to provide information about work history, including volunteer experiences, specific dates worked, and duties performed. Applicants must meet all benchmark criteria to be considered for admission to the MSW program.
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.