What are the Prerequisites for a Master’s Degree in Social Work?

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Published January 29, 2025 · 3 Min Read

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Interested in getting a master's degree in social work? This guide will help you understand the prerequisites you'll need and what you'll be able to achieve with the degree.

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Have you ever thought about pursuing a graduate degree in social work? The road can be challenging, but a master's degree in social work (MSW) can open new doors in your career.

But the hard work begins well before you even set foot in your first MSW course. These programs typically require a number of prerequisites before you can even apply.

This guide will help you understand what it takes to qualify for MSW programs — and what the MSW can help you achieve after graduation.

Popular Online Social Work Programs

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

Social Work: A Brief Overview

Social workers help their clients understand and solve complex mental issues. Ideally, therapy and other services that social workers provide can greatly improve their clients' quality of life.

One of the primary purposes or strategies of social work is to emphasize the strengths of individuals, families, and communities.

Prerequisites for a Master's Degree in Social Work

Looking for an MSW degree? Remember that each educational institution will have its own requirements or prerequisites.

With the caveat that every program is different and exceptions can exist, here are some common prerequisites for MSW programs:

  • Bachelor's degree — check your program to determine whether you need a specific degree
  • Academic transcripts and a required GPA between 2.5-3.0
  • Resume or CV
  • Passing a background check
  • Personal statement
  • Application fee
  • Standardized test scores from exams including MAT and GRE (this is less common in MSW program)

Graduate Records Examination (GRE)

The GRE is an exam that helps evaluate a student's preparedness for graduate-level work. The GRE is used for many different graduate programs both in and out of healthcare.

The GRE examines factors like verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing. GRE scores are required by a lot of different schools and programs — but not all. Check in with your program to determine whether they require GRE scores.

Master's Degree in Social Work Salary and Career Outlook

If you obtain an MSW degree, you may find that you are a more competitive candidate for a given nursing position than those who do not have an MSW degree.

One such example is that of a social and community service manager. These individuals are responsible for the coordination and supervision of community organizations and social service programs. According to the federal Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), social and community service managers earn a median annual salary of about $77,000.

If you have considered pursuing your MSW degree, you should know that each educational institution will have its own set of unique requirements. Now that you have an answer to the question, "What are the prerequisites for an MSW degree?," you can determine whether pursuing this educational path would be appropriate and advantageous for you.

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