The following information answers Frequent Asked Questions about the MSW program and the admissions process. Additional information is also available regarding PhD and Combined MSW/PhD Degree [2] programs.
When is the application for the Department of Social Welfare available?
You may apply to the MSW and Ph.D programs as early as September each year.
What are the application deadlines?
For admission to the Fall Quarter 2012, the departmental deadline for international, Ph.D., and Masters in Social Welfare (M.S.W.) applicants who want fellowship consideration is December 15, 2012.
The deadline for M.S.W. program consideration only is January 15th . The deadline for the Ph.D program is January 10th. Please note: Incomplete or late applications received after the deadline will not be reviewed.
Does the Department admit students mid-year?
No. Students are admitted for the Fall Quarter only.
What is the application fee?
We understand that applying to graduate school is an expensive process. The fee for domestic applicants is $80. The fee for international applicants is $100. Application fee must be submitted online by credit
or debit card before the application can be processed. Note: Fees are
subject to change
How do I apply for a fee waiver?
Waivers
will only be granted to those who fall under one of the categories
listed on the UCLA Graduate Division application. Alternatively, the
university will grant fee waivers for students currently enrolled in
school who can submit a letter from their financial aid officer
indicating that payment would be a hardship. This should be uploaded
directly to the website.
How much does it cost to attend UCLA Graduate School?
Annual fees for UCLA graduate students for academic year 2011-12 are $20,180.89 for California residents (including mandatory medical insurance), and $32,833.89 for nonresidents (same fees as above plus nonresident tuition fee). For more UCLA fee information, visit the UCLA Registrar's Office Web site [3].
May I contact the Department by E-mail?
We welcome your inquiry at sw@publicaffairs.ucla.edu
Does the Department offer a part-time MSW program?
No. At the moment the program offers only a full time program.
Does the Department accept transfer students into the MSW program? No.
Does the MSW program have advanced standing? No.
What are the requirements for admission to the MSW program?
A Bachlors of Art, Bachlors of Science, or Bachelors of Social Work degree obtained before the beginning of the Fall Quarter.
At least seven (7) courses in the Humanities and Socio-Behavioral sciences (which include: Sociology, Psychology, History, Economics, Geography, Political Science, Ethnic Studies)
(1) course with Human Biology content (e.g., Anatomy, Physiology, Kinesiology, introduction to Psychology, anthropology).
A statistics course in any area with a grade of "B" or better.
The Graduate Record Exam (GRE)--General Test only.
NOTE: Applicants who have submitted their application will be notified by the department via email when GRE test results have been received.
GPA (Grade Point Average)--3.0 or better in the last two years of undergraduate work.
Three (3) Letters of Recommendation. One from an academic source, one from a work related source, and the third from either academic or work.
Personal statement (two pages). Statement of the applicant’s concept of social welfare (two pages). (See MSW Application Checklist [4] for details)
One (1) official transcript from each school attended should be requested and forwarded to the Department of Social Welfare.
All supporting documents are uploaded on the UCLA Graduate Online Application. The applicant is also required to submit a filing fee of $80 for domestic applicants and $100 for international applicants. Application fee must be submitted online by credit or debit card before the application can be processed. Note: Fees are subject to change.
What does the MSW program entail?
The program is a full-time, two (2) academic year program (21 calendar months), with field placements both years. Classes are taught mostly during the day, with some early evening instruction. The first year curriculum includes both Social Welfare with Individuals, Families, and Groups (SWIFG), and Social Welfare with Organizations, Communities, and Policy Settings (SWOCPS). In the 2nd Year, a concentration in either SWIFG or SWOCPS is selected. A specialization in Gerontological Services, Health Services, Mental Health Services, Children and Youth Services, and Non-Profit Services may also be selected by 2nd Year MSW students.
How much work experience is required for MSW admissions?
While there is no set number, the majority of our students have at least 3-5 years of social work related experience.
How many students are admitted to the MSW program annually? What percentage of applicants are admitted?
The Department admits approximately 100 students to the MSW program each year. This is about 20-25% of the applicant pool.
What about financial aid?
Although very limited, there is a variety of financial aid available. If you are applying for Fellowships, the deadline for the application is December 15th. In addition, the Department has stipends for MSW students through the CALSWEC and IUC Child Welfare programs, CALSWEC Mental Health, Geriatric Social Work Education Center and through a few of the agencies it uses for field placements. There are various sources of financial aid for doctoral students, including fellowships, tuition waivers, and research and teaching assistantships.
What sort of career will the MSW prepare me for?
MSW graduates work in variety of settings along the social welfare continuum. MSW alumni from UCLA have worked in the public and private sectors, and have held jobs as child and adult therapists, children’s social workers in protective services, psychiatric and medical social workers, probation officers, community organizers, program planners, researchers, and executive directors.
Does the Department have Joint Degree Programs?
How do I apply to one of the concurrent degree programs?
For
concurrent degrees, you need to submit a complete application to
each school separately. If you are admitted to both programs, the
graduate advisor in each program will tell you which courses
you need to take for the concurrent degree program.
Where can I obtain more information on registration fees and tuition?
For information on university fees and tuition for graduate students visit the Registrar's website at http://www.registrar.ucla.edu/fees [9]
Where can I find information on establishing California residency for tuition purposes?
http://www.registrar.ucla.edu/faq/residencefaq.htm [10]
Links:
[1] http://luskin.ucla.edu/school-public-affairs/social-welfare
[2] http://luskin.ucla.edu/content/faq-phd-and-combined-mswphd-degree-program
[3] http://www.registrar.ucla.edu/fees/
[4] http://publicaffairs.ucla.edu/content/msw-application-checklist
[5] http://www.law.ucla.edu/
[6] http://publicaffairs.ucla.edu/content/master-public-policy
[7] http://www.sscnet.ucla.edu/asianam/
[8] http://ph.ucla.edu/
[9] http://www.registrar.ucla.edu/fees
[10] http://www.registrar.ucla.edu/faq/residencefaq.htm