MSW Program Application Cycle for 2025-2026
Important Deadlines
- September 1, 2024: Application Cycle Opens
(Submit by this date for full consideration and early spring decisions.) - January 31, 2025: Priority Deadline has been extended to January 31st
(Applications received by this date are guaranteed full consideration. Decisions will be communicated in mid-March. Applications submitted after this date will be reviewed on a rolling basis, subject to availability.) - March 15, 2025: Application Cycle Closes
(Applications will no longer be accepted after this date.)
How to Apply
- Review the Program & Application Process
(Note: The application packet has been updated as of 8/30/2024. Please ensure you use the FALL 2025 packet.) - Complete the Electronic Application
- NMSU Graduate School Application
(All applicants must apply through the NMSU Graduate School. You will be able to submit your application, unofficial transcripts, and required MSW documents simultaneously. Application fee: $40)
- NMSU Graduate School Application
Application Requirements for All MSW Applicants
- Earn a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
- Minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale (Regular MSW only). The School of Social Work will consider a 2.75 to 2.99 GPA for provisional admission.
- A completed MSW Program Application form.
- Copy of transcripts from all previous colleges or universities attended.
- A current resume.
- Three (3) 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.) - Personal Statement.
Additional Requirements for Advanced Standing Applicants
- Completed a Bachelor of Social Work 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.
- Provide a copy of the final Practicum evaluation with your application packet. (If your program includes a block practicum, a mid-term evaluation is acceptable.)
- An overall cumulative GPA of at least 3.0, with a minimum GPA of 3.5 in all required BSW coursework.
(No provisional admission to the Advanced Standing program is granted based on GPA.) - Basic Statistics or Research Methods Course Requirement:
(Document on the MSW Application Form that you have taken a beginning statistics course at an accredited university. If you haven't completed the course at the time of application, please provide your plan to complete it before the program starts.) - 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.) - Completion of all steps under “Application Materials Required for the Advanced Standing MSW Program.”
- Complete the Case Study.
- Summer 2025 Start Date.
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.
- Part-Time Status: Indicate your intention to enroll as a part-time student in the site you have selected when applying to the MSW program.
- 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 Requirements for International Applicants
- Credential Evaluation Services:
(An in-depth evaluation of your international transcripts to determine course equivalency and overall academic standing is required.)- 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.
- Submitting Your Transcripts:
(Please submit your official transcripts AND certified transcript evaluations and upload the documents within your application.) - Important Notes:
- The evaluation process can take several weeks, so please plan accordingly.
- If you have any questions regarding international transcript requirements, please contact our Student Program Coordinator, Maribel Lopez, at mkeeper@nmsu.edu.
- International students will be admitted to the Main Campus 3-Year Program.
Program Checklist Guide
Important Information
- Two-Year Program (Site-Based and Global):
- Students will take four academic courses each semester, plus a practicum placement and seminar.
- Three-Year Program:
- Students will take three academic courses per semester. In the final two years, they will also participate in a practicum placement and seminar.
- Practicum Component:
- The practicum requires approximately 16-20 hours per week at your placement, in addition to meetings and assignments required for the field practicum.
- One-Year Advanced Standing Program:
- Students will take four advanced generalist courses and participate in a practicum and practicum seminar.
If you have questions about any aspect of the program, we strongly encourage you to contact the individuals listed below before starting the application process.
