Admission Requirements
Begin Your Journey Take the Next Step
The MSW program has a fall entry only.
In accordance with accreditation standards set forth by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), the MSW program does not grant academic credit for life or work experience.
Full Program | Full-Time or Part-Time
Priority deadline for Full-Time MSW applicants is May 15 and June 15 for Part-Time MSW applicants. Final deadline is August 1.
- Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution
- Overall cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher
- Completed online application
- Two letters of recommendation
- Resume
- Official transcripts from all previously attended institutions
- Non-refundable application fee
- Attendance at an information session is strongly encouraged.
- Admission Essay (see requirements below)
Admission Essay
To complete this admissions essay, create a Word document with a title page. Respond to each topic area in two or three paragraphs (no more than 200 words per topic area). Do your best to be clear and concise. Submissions should be double spaced with one-inch margins. It is recommended that you read all questions thoroughly prior to writing your responses.
1. Interest in pursuing a profession in social work
Read the following description of the social work profession from the International Federation of Social Workers' “Global Social Work Statement of Ethical Principles” and describe two social work practice goals and how they align with this definition.
Social work is a practice-based profession and an academic discipline that promotes social change and development, social cohesion and the empowerment and liberation of people. Principles of social justice, human rights, collective responsibility and respect for diversities are central to social work. Underpinned by theories of social work, social sciences, humanities and indigenous knowledges, social work engages people and structures to address life challenges and enhance wellbeing. The above definition may be amplified at national and/or regional levels.
2. Commitment to social justice
According to the National Association of Social Workers’ “Code of Ethics,” Social justice is a core value of the profession. This means that social workers are called upon to challenge injustice, which includes racial justice, economic justice, and environmental justice.
Describe your commitment to social justice and provide two examples of times in your personal or professional life you have been an advocate for social, racial, economic or environmental justice.
3. Alignment with the Sacred Heart School of Social Work mission
Consider what influenced your decision to pursue social work at Sacred Heart University. Please read the School of Social Work mission statement below.
To prepare social workers—through instruction in integrated social work theory, research, methods and practice—to identify, dismantle and resist all forms of social inequality and oppression, particularly issues of racism and its impact on social work practice. We are deeply committed to training social workers to think critically and intervene against cultural, social, political and economic practices that do not advance human rights, justice or the dignity and worth of every human being.
4. Critical self-reflection
Social workers are required to engage in critical self-reflection, identify their own implicit biases and be willing to examine how their past experiences may shape their interactions with others, especially others with diverse backgrounds.
Discuss what interpersonal skills and perspectives you use when engaging with people of cultural identities that are different than your own.
5. Planning and preparing
Graduate-level courses typically require 9-10 hours per week of study/course work, per course. Additionally, when students are enrolled in field placement courses, field hours require you to complete 16-18 hours per week in a supervised/qualified field setting.
Describe your readiness to manage these demands.
6. Use of technology in learning
The MSW program utilizes a combination of learning strategies to implement its curriculum. Students are expected to utilize online learning systems such as Blackboard to review course content and submit assignments. Additionally, students are expected to use a variety of methods to complete assignments, such as writing professional papers, engaging in group work, preparing video responses, creating narrated presentations, etc.
Describe your readiness to utilize technology in your learning experiences and your willingness to further develop your skills.
Most application materials can be uploaded in the application portal once the initial application is submitted. Transcripts can be sent to Graduate Admissions either electronically to gradstudies@sacredheart.edu or by mail to:
Graduate Admissions
Sacred Heart University
5151 Park Avenue
Fairfield, CT 06825
International Students
Additional documents are required for international students. Refer to our International Admissions Application Instructions for more information.
Advanced Standing
Priority deadline for Advanced Standing MSW applicants is May 15. Final deadline is August 1.
- Bachelor's degree in Social Work from a CSWE-accredited institution within the last six years
- Overall cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher
- Overall social work GPA of 3.0 or higher with no less than a B in each course
- Completed online application
- Two letters of recommendation
- Resume
- Field evaluation form(s) from all field placements. This form should have been completed by the applicant's BSW field placement supervisor(s) after completing each field placement in their BSW program. It was likely provided to their BSW program director, field coordinator/director, academic advisor, or field liaison. Applicants may need to contact their BSW program department for this information.
- Official transcripts from all previously attended institutions
- Non-refundable application fee
- Attendance at an information session is strongly encouraged.
- Admission Essay (see requirements below)
Admission Essay
To complete this admissions essay, create a Word document with a title page. Respond to each topic area in two or three paragraphs (no more than 200 words per topic area). Do your best to be clear and concise. Submissions should be double spaced with one-inch margins. It is recommended that you read all questions thoroughly prior to writing your responses.
1. Interest in pursuing a profession in social work
Read the following description of the social work profession from the International Federation of Social Workers' “Global Social Work Statement of Ethical Principles” and describe two social work practice goals and how they align with this definition.
Social work is a practice-based profession and an academic discipline that promotes social change and development, social cohesion and the empowerment and liberation of people. Principles of social justice, human rights, collective responsibility and respect for diversities are central to social work. Underpinned by theories of social work, social sciences, humanities and indigenous knowledges, social work engages people and structures to address life challenges and enhance wellbeing. The above definition may be amplified at national and/or regional levels.
2. Commitment to social justice
According to the National Association of Social Workers’ “Code of Ethics,” Social justice is a core value of the profession. This means that social workers are called upon to challenge injustice, which includes racial justice, economic justice, and environmental justice.
Describe your commitment to social justice and provide two examples of times in your personal or professional life you have been an advocate for social, racial, economic or environmental justice.
3. Alignment with the Sacred Heart School of Social Work mission
Consider what influenced your decision to pursue social work at Sacred Heart University. Please read the School of Social Work mission statement below.
To prepare social workers—through instruction in integrated social work theory, research, methods and practice—to identify, dismantle and resist all forms of social inequality and oppression, particularly issues of racism and its impact on social work practice. We are deeply committed to training social workers to think critically and intervene against cultural, social, political and economic practices that do not advance human rights, justice or the dignity and worth of every human being.
4. Critical self-reflection
Social workers are required to engage in critical self-reflection, identify their own implicit biases and be willing to examine how their past experiences may shape their interactions with others, especially others with diverse backgrounds.
Discuss what interpersonal skills and perspectives you use when engaging with people of cultural identities that are different than your own.
5. Planning and preparing
Graduate-level courses typically require 9-10 hours per week of study/course work, per course. Additionally, when students are enrolled in field placement courses, field hours require you to complete 16-18 hours per week in a supervised/qualified field setting.
Describe your readiness to manage these demands.
6. Use of technology in learning
The MSW program utilizes a combination of learning strategies to implement its curriculum. Students are expected to utilize online learning systems such as Blackboard to review course content and submit assignments. Additionally, students are expected to use a variety of methods to complete assignments, such as writing professional papers, engaging in group work, preparing video responses, creating narrated presentations, etc.
Describe your readiness to utilize technology in your learning experiences and your willingness to further develop your skills.
Most application materials can be uploaded in the application portal once the initial application is submitted. Transcripts can be sent to the Office of Graduate Admissions either electronically to gradstudies@sacredheart.edu or by mail to:
Graduate Admissions
Sacred Heart University
5151 Park Avenue
Fairfield, CT 06825
International Students
Additional documents are required for international students. Refer to our International Admissions Application Instructions for more information.
More Information
For further information regarding admission requirements for US Citizens, contact:
Keith Hassell
Executive Director of Graduate Admissions
203-365-4731
hassellk@sacredheart.edu
For further information regarding admission requirements for International Students, contact:
Edith Goutier
Director of International Admissions
+1-475-450-5714
goutiere@sacredheart.edu