MSW FAQs

We have compiled a list below of the most frequently asked questions from prospective students. If you have a question not addressed below, please feel free to contact the Department of Social Work office at (319) 273-6246.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is this a clinical program?

UNI's MSW program is an advanced generalist program. We believe that trauma-informed care should occur at all levels of social work practice. While many of our students do go on to do clinical work, we believe it is just as important to have trauma-informed mezzo and macro level social workers to create the systemic changes that we need. Our coursework encompasses all levels of social work practice.

What are the critical dates for applying to the Graduate Program?

Applications deadlines are posted on the MSW Admissions Info website and may vary based on the program option you are applying for. Typically, applications open approximately three months prior to the deadline. All completed applications will be reviewed by the Graduate Admissions Committee following the deadline. You will be notified of the committee's decision on your application within eight weeks of the application deadline.

How do I apply to the MSW program?

Applications for graduate study are submitted using an online account through UNI's Graduate College's application portal. Click "new" or "returning" user and begin filling out your application information and submitting the required documents. All documents should be uploaded to this online account and submitted before the application deadline.

How do I apply for a tuition scholarship or an assistantship?

If you are applying for our full-time, on-campus program and wish to be considered for a tuition scholarship and/or a graduate assistantship, please be sure to complete the Application for Graduate Tuition Scholarship and/or Application for Graduate Assistantship Stipend form(s). These applications are located on the Grad College's website.

Due to the requirement of full-time student status in order to qualify for a tuition scholarship or graduate assistantship, these options are only available to our on-campus students.

How do I get financial aid for my MSW?

Students who need financial assistance can contact the Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships. Their website offers a page on Financing Graduate School, which may be very useful in helping you determine your funding options/needs. Additional information on tuition scholarships and Graduate Assistantships can be found on the Graduate College's website.

What is Advanced Standing?

Advanced Standing programs are designed for graduates of baccalaureate programs in social work/social welfare accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) those recognized through its International Social Work Degree Recognition and Evaluation Services, or covered under a memorandum of understanding with international social work accreditors across all program options. It allows students to enter the advanced level of the MSW curriculum, reducing the number of required courses and therefore the length of the program.

Am I eligible for Advanced Standing?

To be eligible, applicants must have a BSW or BASW from a U.S. program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.

What criteria will the Graduate Admission's Committee use to determine if I will be accepted into the program?

The UNI MSW program employs a two-stage admissions evaluation process. The Graduate Admission's Committee will review each complete application in its entirety. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed. For the first evaluation stage, the Graduate Admissions Committee will evaluate candidates in a comprehensive manner and consider the following elements:

GPA (application weight: 40%)
Related work/volunteer/practicum experience (application weight: 20%)
Personal Statement (application weight: 40%)
Three Letters of Recommendation (showing evidence of the applicant’s potential for graduate social work education and practice)

Based on the aforementioned factors, the Graduate Admissions Committee will invite selected applicants for a campus interview for the second evaluation stage involving group interviews. Interviews will be held on-campus for on-campus program applicants and via Zoom for distance education program applicants. Faculty and graduate students will conduct group interviews to assess applicants’ level of interest, motivation, and compatibility with the program.