MSW Frequently Asked Questions About Admissions
Questions
- I haven't been in school for a long time. Do I really need transcripts from every college or university I ever attended?
- What if I haven't finished my degree yet?
- Do I need to submit GRE scores?
- How will I know what classes to take? How do I register for classes?
- If I have a B.S.W., can I get credit for my previous social work courses?
- How can I learn more about the program?
- What happens if I'm accepted, but can't enroll?
- Who should I ask to provide recommendations for me?
- Can I get transfer credit for courses taken somewhere else?
- Who decides where I will do my field work?
- What are the GCSW's part-time options?
- At which campuses do you offer the MSW program?
- Can you tell me more about the concentrations and specializations you offer?
- What happens if I need to change my enrollment status?
- How will I know about the status of my application?
- Can I get credit for credit for correspondence courses, extension courses, continuing education courses, or life or employment experience?
Questions and Answers
I haven't been in school for a long time. Do I really need transcripts from every college or university I ever attended?
Answer:
Yes, this is a university record keeping requirement.
What if I haven't finished my degree yet?
Answer:
You can submit transcripts showing all academic work to date, but before you can enroll in graduate courses, you must submit an official transcript that show the degree has been awarded. Your admission will be considered provisional until all required documentation has been received in our office.
Do I need to submit GRE scores?
Answer:
How will I know what classes to take? How do I register for classes?
Answer:
Once admitted to the GCSW, you will participate in a summer orientation program during which you will receive specific information about your degree plan and registration. Registration is done online through the university’s system, myUH.
If I have a B.S.W., can I get credit for my previous social work courses?
Answer:
Applicants who hold the B.S.W. degree (Bachelor's in Social Work) from a CSWE accredited program are encouraged to apply for Advanced Standing. For more information, see Advanced Standing under “Special Admissions Categories” on the main admissions page of this website. Not everyone who applies for Advanced Standing will be admitted with the advanced status; the admissions committee may deny advanced standing but still approve admission to the regular program.
How can I learn more about the program?
Answer:
Prospective applicants are encouraged to attend one of the Information Sessions scheduled at the GCSW in the Fall and early Spring. Individuals can also request information by filling out our Request for Information form online.
What happens if I'm accepted, but can't enroll?
Answer:
If you can't start the program in the semester in which you applied, you can request that your admission be deferred for one year. A limited number of deferrals are allowed each year; you may be told to reapply for the following year.
Who should I ask to provide recommendations for me?
Answer:
Please see the MSW Application Checklist for detailed instructions on the Letters of Recommendation.
Can I get transfer credit for courses taken somewhere else?
Answer:
Transfer credit may be granted for courses taken in other disciplines under a few provisions. Please see our Transfer Credit Policy page for the most up-to-date information.
Who decides where I will do my field work?
Answer:
Field practicum assignments are handled by the Office of Field Education. An overview of field is given during summer orientation. Other required meetings are held in the fall to provide more information. The GCSW has more than 300 approved field settings in which students are placed.
What are the GCSW's part-time options?
Answer:
Our hybrid program offers a course of study that is especially suited to the needs of working professionals. Students take courses that are delivered 50% online and 50% face to face and are in class one to two Saturdays each month. This offers the flexibility and convenience of an online program combined with an opportunity to meet face to face for skill development. Hybrid students will attend the UH Sugar Land campus for the Saturday classes. Students concentrate in Clinical or Macro Practice. The program takes three years to complete, or two years with the Advanced Standing waiver. Some of the field requirement can be completed during evenings and weekends for part of the program, but students are not guaranteed a placement that offers exclusive evening and weekend hours.
For highly self-directed students, our Online Program is ideal. This program offers students across the country the opportunity to participate in a unique online learning community with top rated faculty. Students concentrate in Clinical or Macro Practice. Online students will benefit from smaller class sizes and a diverse student population. Students complete their field work in their home communities. The program takes three years to complete, or two years with the Advanced Standing waiver.
At which campuses do you offer the MSW program?
Answer:
Our Face-to-Face students attend their classes at the University of Houston Main Campus. Hybrid students attend Saturday classes at the University of Houston at Sugar Land.
Can you tell me more about the concentrations you offer?
Answer:
For all students, the GCSW offers two Areas of Specialized Practice: Clinical and Macro.
Clinical Practice is the application of theories, methods, skills, values and ethics needed to enhance the cognitive, mental, emotional, behavioral, physical and social well-being of individuals, couples, families, groups and communities. Clinical practice requires leadership in promoting social, economic and political justice. Its methods are relationship-centered, contextualized, culturally sensitive and strengths focused. It includes knowledge about biopsychosocial functioning and evidence-based interventions. Clinical practice includes, (but not limited to) assessment and intervention, diagnosis and treatment, education and prevention, advocacy, counseling and psychotherapy, supervision and consultation.
Macro Practice prepares students for practice in urban settings where the needs of diverse, vulnerable populations require highly skilled professional leaders. Students are prepared to work in communities, in public and private organizations to promote progressive social change that contributes to the growth and empowerment of individuals, agencies and communities. Core concepts and practice skills are developed for work at the community, organizational, societal, and global levels. Students are prepared to assume leadership positions as advocates, managers, program planners, researchers, policy analysts, and agency and community capacity builders.
What happens if I need to change my enrollment status?
Answer:
Applicants are strongly encouraged to apply for the enrollment plan they are able to manage. Students who wish to change their status prior to their initial enrollment may have to postpone starting the program for a full year if all slots are full. Once a student has successfully completed the first semester of the program, students may work with the academic advisor to change their status. Any student who would like to make a change from their original enrollment model will need to complete an internal application, and the request to change will be subject to program availability.
How will I know about the status of my application?
Answer:
You can check the status of your application on UH at www.applyweb.com/uhouston.
Can I get credit for credit for correspondence courses, extension courses, continuing education courses, or life or employment experience?
Answer:
Under no circumstances will credit toward the MSW degree be approved for correspondence courses, extension courses, continuing education courses, or life or employment experience.