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Apply to the MSW Program

Application for Fall 2026 is now open! Please review the content below for details. 

This page provides an overview of what you need to know to apply to our program. We look forward to your application!

How to Apply

Submit your Electronic Application (Application fee: $40)

Submit Additional Required Materials

  1. Unofficial transcripts from ALL previous colleges or universities attended
    • A certified English transcript evaluation must accompany all international transcripts not issued within the U.S. system. Transcript evaluations should be completed by a professional translation service or a recognized credential evaluation agency. A list of participating members can be found at NACES.
  1. Current resume or CV
  2. Two (2) letters of reference
    • References should address your academic abilities, professional experience, and potential for success in a graduate social work program.
    • Transfer applicants from another Social Work Program must include at least one reference letter from a faculty member or professional within that program indicating prior good standing.
  1. Personal Statement
    • Applicants provide a written statement addressing their interest in and preparation for the program/field. Statement should not exceed 5 pages. Components of the statement are listed below and detailed information on statement requirements is on page 11-12 of the admission packet (academic-programs/graduate-students/2026-2027-MSW-Application-Packet_rev.pdf)
      1. Describe how your interest in social work developed, your career goals, and their alignment with the NMSU School of Social Work’s mission.
      2. Discuss how your professional goals and your personal values align with the National Association of Social Workers’ Code of Ethics. While applicants may choose to address different values in their statement, all applicants should address the values of social justice and dignity and worth of the person, exploring their preparation to work with diverse populations and commitment to challenging social injustice.
      3. Discuss how you will navigate the significant responsibilities and commitments of completing the MSW program including completing the expected course and practicum requirements.
      4. (Optional) If your application indicates past involvement in the criminal justice system or a history of academic concerns, please address these in your final paragraph. These issues do not prohibit admission. However, it is important for the committee to understand how they have been addressed. Page 6 of the admissions packet has additional considerations for students with a history of legal involvement (academic-programs/graduate-students/2026-2027-MSW-Application-Packet_rev.pdf)

*Use of Artificial Intelligence on personal statement: The personal statement must reflect your own writing and insights. If AI is used in any capacity, students should provide an attribution statement indicating what AI tool they utilized and in what capacity.

An in-depth guide to all admissions information, policies and procedures can be found here. (academic-programs/graduate-students/2026-2027-MSW-Application-Packet_rev.pdf)

Before Applying

Consider all program options and ensure you select an option that meets your needs.  All programs involve some synchronous class attendance and practicum completion.

Regular MSW Two-Year Program (Main Campus or Online)

Regular MSW Three-Year Program (Main Campus or Online)

Advanced Standing MSW One-Year Program (Main Campus or Online- Requires BSW)

Dual MSW/MPH Program (Main Campus or Online)

General MSW Admission Eligibility Requirements

  1. Completed bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
  2. Minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. The School of Social Work will consider a 2.75 to 2.99 GPA for provisional admission; provisionally admitted students are limited to 9 credits in their first semester and will be admitted to the three-year program.

Advanced Standing Eligibility Requirements

  1. Completed Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) Degree from a program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) within five (5) years of the first semester of the Advanced Standing program.
  2. Overall cumulative GPA of at least 3.0, with a minimum GPA of 3.5 in all required BSW coursework. There is no provisional admission to the Advanced Standing program.
  3. Preferred Experience: Two years of experience in a Social Work-related setting is preferred. This may include employment, volunteer work, or other service and leadership activities. Please document this experience on your resume.
  4. Ability to begin courses in the summer (Advanced Standing students complete 3 credits the summer before the fall cohort begins)

Application and Review Timeline

The MSW program admits a new cohort of students every fall. Below is the timeline for students hoping to join the Fall 2026 cohort. Offers of admission are made on a rolling basis. Applicants should apply as early as possible for best consideration.

  • Application Opens Online: 09/15/2025
  • Application Reviews Begin: 10/15/2025 (decisions typically sent within 8 weeks)
  • Application Deadline: 01/15/2026 (apply by this date to ensure review)
  • Late Application Window: 01/15/2026-2/15/2026 (applications are accepted but not guaranteed review)
  • Online Application Closes: 02/15/2026
  • Admission Cycle Complete: 04/15/2026 (reviews and decisions complete)

More details on the application and review timeline and process can be found on page 17 of the application packet (academic-programs/graduate-students/2026-2027-MSW-Application-Packet_rev.pdf)

Advanced Standing Applications

In addition to the application materials above, Advanced Standing applicants who meet eligibility criteria must submit:

  1. Final BSW Practicum Evaluation (a mid-term evaluation is acceptable)
  2. Sample Case Study (see complete instructions on pages 13-14 of the application packet) (academic-programs/graduate-students/2026-2027-MSW-Application-Packet_rev.pdf)

Dual MPH/MSW Applications

For applicants interested in pursuing both the Master of Public Health (MPH) and Master of Social Work (MSW) degrees, please note the following:

  • Separate Applications: Submit separate applications to both the MPH and MSW programs.
  • Three-Year MSW: Indicate your intention to enroll in the three-year MSW program in the site you have selected.
  • Notification: After submitting both applications, please email our MSW Program Coordinator, Dr. Sterling Brown, at shbrown@nmsu.edu to confirm your intent to enroll in the dual-degree program if admitted to both.

Additional Information for International Applicants

  • International students will be admitted to the Main Campus 3-Year Program
  • The School of Social Work has limited Graduate Assistantships available. These are typically not awarded until the summer and often do not provide sufficient time to obtain a visa in advance of fall arrivals. International applicants may need to defer their admission if a visa is not secured prior to August 1.

MSW Program Contact:

Dr. Sterling Brown, DBH, LCSW
College Assistant Professor
MSW Program Coordinator