The program's admission criteria center on assessing readiness for graduate education and readiness for the profession of social work. The MSW/MA program's admission eligibility requirements include the following:
- graduation from an accredited baccalaureate institution
- overall minimum of 3.0 GPA (on a 4.0 scale)
- potential for professional success as demonstrated by references and/or relevant paid or non-paid professional experience
- demonstrated commitment to the aims and goals of the profession of social work (as demonstrated by references, select academic study, experience, and/or special insight which can be demonstrated in the narrative portions of the admission application).
Prospective students can submit materials through the LAS application portal at go.depaul.edu/apply. Under GRADUATE please select the type of degree you are pursuing. When starting the online application please select the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences application.
The application priority date is February 15 and must be submitted no later than April 1 to start in fall quarter annually.
To apply, prospective students must submit the following:
- Online application and paid application fee.
- Official transcripts from all degree-granting institutions attended; a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution is required.
- Personal statement addressing each of the following prompts. The responses will be used to assess the applicant's potential for success in professional social work and their readiness for graduate education. Please limit your total response to 4 to 6 pages typed and double-spaced.
Tell us why you want to study social work and women’s and gender studies at DePaul University, which is a Catholic, urban and Vincentian institution in Chicago. Explain how the dual degree relates to your personal values and professional goals.
Tell us how you will manage to complete two (academic) year-long professional social work internships of up to 2 to 2 1/2 days a week while completing your graduate course work.
- A curriculum vitae (CV) or résumé that summarizes your education and relevant experience.
- Two letters of recommendation (one academic and one professional). Extra consideration is given to references from MSW social workers.
- A writing sample (e.g., an upper-level undergraduate paper from a relevant course that indicates your preparedness for graduate study in our program).
International Applicants
International students (those who were educated outside of the U.S. and/or require an F1 visa) must take additional steps to be considered for admission. Please visit the
International Admission page for exact information.
Apply now If you need assistance to complete your application and/or have questions, contact the LAS Graduate Admission office at (773) 325-7315 or graddepaul@depaul.edu.