How to Apply - Online MSW

We’re excited you’re ready to take the next step in joining the Garland School of Social Work at Baylor University, one of the top MSW programs in the country! Click the APPLY NOW button to start your application for the Online campus. 

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The Garland School of Social Work releases online MSW admissions decisions on a rolling basis throughout the year. We encourage prospective students to apply as early as possible. 

MSW Online eligibility requirements

Online Master of Social Work application requirements

Students interested in applying for the Baylor University MSW Online Standard or Advanced Standing Degree option are required to submit the following documents: 

• Online MSW Application 

• GSSW Financial Aid Form 

• Free Application for Federal Aid (FAFSA) 

• The FAFSA should open by December 31 of each year, and should be completed as soon as possible to secure your financial aid award letter. Click here to learn how to prepare for the FAFSA. 

  • More financial aid resources

• Practicum Evaluation (For Advanced Standing only) 

• Transcripts from ALL previous institutions. If you have earned a credit from any institution, you must provide your transcript for that school. Prior to graduation, transcripts should include grades earned at least one semester into your final year, only 1 semester of grades can be in progress when submitting the OMSW application. Applicants must have a conferred degree prior to registering for classes.

  • Transcripts uploaded or submitted by the applicant are considered unofficial; however, transcripts that are sent directly from the institution are considered official. 

  • Please note: Unofficial transcripts are accepted during the application process, but official transcripts must be submitted if admitted to the program.

  • Official certified electronic transcripts should be sent to: MSW_Admissions@baylor.edu  

  • Official hard copy transcripts should be mailed to: 
    Garland School of Social Work 
    Graduate Admissions 
    One Bear Place, #97320 
    Waco, Texas 76798-7320 

• Three recommendations from people who can speak to some of the following areas: intellectual competence; potential for success; the ability to work with people on sensitive issues, including people from diverse backgrounds; critical thinking and communication skills; and a sense of values and ethics. Professional references related to social work (professors, employers, etc.) are encouraged. 

  • Recommendation letters must include the following:

    • Standard program: 2 professional and 1 academic

    • Advanced Standing program: 2 academic and 1 professional. Of these two academic references, one must be the undergraduate program director, the director of practicum education, or the social work supervisor

    • If you previously started an application, you may reuse reference letters as long as they were submitted within one year of the date your application is finalized and reviewed for admission.

• Application Essay. All essay prompts related to these topics can be found in the online application. These essays are an opportunity for applicants to highlight their strengths and communicate their motivation for pursuing social work. Responses for each topic should be no more than 500 words. Your essay will be used to evaluate your writing skills. As part of the MSW application, Standard and Advanced Standing applicants are required to submit essay responses for each of the following topics: 

  • The social work profession 

  • Advocating for others 

  • Diana R. Garland School of Social Work Mission Statement 

  • Societal issues 

    • Please note: Additional Practicum Evaluation essays are required for Advanced Standing students. Click here to learn more about those essay requirements.

A completed application includes submission of the MSW Online Application form and all supplemental application materials outlined above. Please allow up to 72 hours of processing time for all documents. 

Transfer Students 

A limited number of transfer credits may be accepted from other institutions. For information about transfer student eligibility requirements, click here. 

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Online Master of Social Work application and deposit deadlines 

*Our 4-term track has an earlier deadline than all other tracks due to the practicum component beginning in the first term.

For more information regarding the Baylor MSW Application, contact the School of Social Work via email at MSW_Admissions@baylor.edu or phone at (254) 710-8360.