MSW Admission
We prepare social workers to improve vulnerable lives at home and in the world; therefore we seek applicants from a variety of personal, educational, and professional backgrounds. We pride ourselves on putting our values of equity, justice, and inclusion into action throughout the admission process.
Our admissions team guides prospective students through the application process, considering applicants’ experience while assisting with questions and concerns.
We value the contributions made by a diverse community of scholars. Learn more about Boston College's notice of nondiscrimination.
- A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college.
- A strong undergraduate record demonstrating the ability to complete graduate education. No standardized tests are required; however, non-traditional transcripts or junior/senior GPAs below 3.0 may be strengthened with the Miller Analogies Test or Graduate Record Examination (GRE). BCSSW School Code is 3219 and BCSSW Department Code is 5199.
- Evidence of English language proficiency on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) for students whose first language is not English. TOEFL should be taken no later than the October prior to the year in which admission is sought. BCSSW School Code is 5939 and BCSSW Department Code is 95. The IELTS test can be substituted with a score of 7.5 or above. An official score report should be mailed to the address below.
- The Admissions Committee attaches particular importance to knowledge of current social issues. Professional or volunteer experience in human services is considered; however, academic credit is not given for life or previous work experience.
TRANSFER STUDENTS
If you have completed course or fieldwork credits in an accredited MSW program, you may receive up to 32 transfer credits. Applicants may request transfer of not more than 6 non-MSW graduate credits taken prior to admission. Only courses with grades of B or higher that were not applied to a prior degree will be accepted. Credit for courses completed five years prior to admission to a current degree program are not acceptable for transfer. Requests for transfer credit must be made prior to program enrollment.
U.S. MILITARY VETERANS
The veteran’s perspective is uniquely valuable to the field of social work. A number of financial aid opportunities are available to U.S. military veterans interested in attending BCSSW.
BCSSW offers application fee waivers for U.S. military veterans. Simply submit a form or letter certifying your dates of service, or submit one of your required recommendation letters on organization letterhead, and then call or email the Admissions office to request the fee waiver. Please note, if you have paid the fee prior to submitting a request for a fee waiver, the fee is not refundable.
Boston College also offers veterans education benefits as well as on-campus resources for veterans.
Application Information
PrintThe Admissions Committee attaches particular importance to knowledge of current social issues. Professional or volunteer experience in human services is considered.
Deadlines
- Early
- 12/1/19
- Priority
- 1/15/20
- Regular
- 3/15/20
Application Form
Submit the electronic application form. Please note that the application system requires you to upload your personal statement, unofficial transcript(s) and resume prior to submission.
Resume
Please upload your most recent resume.
References
We require three letters of recommendation, which must be submitted electronically.
- When you register your recommenders in the application system, they will immediately receive an email with the link to the electronic reference form, so you should contact your references before registering them.
- You can log back into your application to check which letters have been received and send reminder emails.
- References should know you well enough to evaluate your potential in the field of social work. If you've worked in a social service agency, one reference should be your most recent employer or supervisor. If you are currently or were recently a student, one reference should be a faculty advisor or instructor. General references on file in college placement offices are usually not adequate for the purposes of this application.
Note: It is your responsibility to notify your references that they will be receiving an email with an electronic recommendation form and follow up with them to make sure they are submitted. If for some reason any of your recommenders are unable to complete an electronic reference form, please contact the Admissions Office for instructions.
Personal Statement
A personal statement must be uploaded before submitting the application form. You must submit an essay no longer than five double-spaced pages, addressing:
- What led to your choice of social work; personal growth stemming from your family, community, and educational background; instances of you giving and receiving help; other careers you considered; and relevance of current and/or past work experience to your choice of a major field.
- What you expect to gain from your professional education; reasons you chose Boston College; and your goals or plans in your service choice of Clinical or Macro specialized practice.
- How you plan to address work and other responsibilities during your course of study; how you will finance your education; and how you will do these things in addition to course and fieldwork.
Transcripts
University/college transcripts from ALL undergraduate and, if applicable, graduate schools attended are required for application review. Unofficial transcripts may be submitted through the online application form for review purposes only. Official copies of all transcripts reviewed for admission must be submitted upon acceptance/matriculation no later than July 1.
Official transcripts may be sent electronically or in hard copy. Hard copy official transcripts must be in signed/sealed envelopes from each institution. Electronic transcripts submitted via document management services such as Scrip-Safe may be sent to swadmit@bc.edu. All documents in languages other than English, should include a certified English translation in addition to the original language document.
Accepted applicants may send official transcripts to:
Boston College School of Social Work
McGuinn Hall, Admissions 221
140 Commonwealth Ave.
Chestnut Hill, MA 02467
Application Fee
The $40 application fee should be paid online by credit card at the time of submission of the application form. You may also mail a check or money order payable to "Boston College" to the address below. The application fee is not refundable.
Fee Waiver
BCSSW offers application fee waivers for:
- U.S. military veterans
- Full-time volunteers with a recognized non-profit service organization such as the Peace Corps, Jesuit Volunteer Corps, City Year, or AmeriCorps
Simply submit a form or letter certifying your dates of service, or submit one of your required recommendation letters on organization letterhead, and then call or email the Admissions office to request the fee waiver. Returned volunteers are also eligible for a fee waiver. Please note, if you have paid the fee prior to submitting a request for a fee waiver, the fee is not refundable.
Learn more about veterans education benefits and on-campus resources for U.S. Military Veterans.
Questions
Contact
BCSSW Admissions
617-552-4024
swadmit@bc.edu
Application Status: After you have submitted the electronic application, you can check the status of your application on the Application Status website.
International Students
Application Form
Please note that the zip code field does not work if you provide an international address. Please add your zip code or postal code to Address Line 1 or Address Line 2 on the application form. If you do not have a U.S. Social Security Number, DO NOT enter one on the application. You will be assigned an Eagle ID number (Boston College student ID number) to use to identify your other application materials. This Eagle ID number will allow you to access the Application Status website to check the status of your application materials and to submit the online application fee. Please use the same last name or surname on everything you submit to the Boston College School of Social Work.
Application Fee
The $40 application fee should be paid online by credit card at the time of submission of the application form. You may also mail a check or money order payable to "Boston College" to the address below. The application fee is not refundable.
Transcripts
Submit official academic records (transcripts or mark-sheets) for each year of post-secondary education (college or university), as well as official copies of the degrees you have been awarded. Copies of credentials must be validated by a school administrative officer such as a registrar or an official of the issuing institution, and must be attached to a certified (notarized) English translation.
Official copies of all transcripts reviewed for admission are required, once accepted, before you can register for classes.
International transcripts under review with WES (World Education Services) must be received directly from WES to be considered official. To fulfill the upload requirement on the application page, you may upload your unofficial international transcript as long as it has been translated to English.
Evidence of English Proficiency (TOEFL/IELTS)
Students who speak a native language other than English must provide evidence of proficiency. A video essay provided on your application and a minimum score of 100 on the iBT (internet-based test) on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is required. The minimum score for the PhD program is also 100. The BCSSW School Code is 5939 and BCSSW Department Code is 95.
You can obtain application forms and information about testing dates for the TOEFL from many U.S. consulates, USIA Centers, and TOEFL centers overseas by writing to TOEFL Registration CN 6152 Princeton, NJ 08541, USA, or by going to www.toefl.org.
Please note that we now accept the IELTS test as a substitute for the TOEFL with a score of 7.5 or above. Official score reports should be mailed to the address listed on the application instructions page.
The TOEFL/IELTS is not required if:
- You completed a 4-year Bachelors degree (or the equivalent) at an institution where the medium language of instruction is English. The medium language of instruction is indicated on your transcript, or verified in an official letter from the institution.
- You completed a 2-year Masters degree at an institution where the medium language of instruction is English. The medium language of instruction is indicated on your transcript, or verified in an official letter from the institution.
Visa Authorization and Finances
All applicants, including international applicants, are considered for department-based scholarships. You will be notified of any scholarship award along with your admission decision. Before a certificate of eligibility for the F-1 or J-1 Visa can be issued, a Confidential Declaration and Certification of Finances (DCF) of international applicants must be submitted to certify that you have sufficient funds to cover the rest of your educational and living expenses while attending Boston College. This form will be sent to you by the BCSSW Office of Admissions within a few weeks of receipt of your enrollment response form. Provided this documentation is in order, Boston College will issue a Certificate of Eligibility Form (Form I-20 for an F-1 Student Visa or a Form DS2019 for a J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa) for the student's use in obtaining a Visa.
Boston College's Office of International Students and Scholars serves over 1,000 international students, faculty, and research scholars from more than 98 countries. The office will advise you regarding your pre- and post-arrival needs and provide valuable orientation and social programs.
Application Deadline
Early
12/1/19
Priority*
1/15/20
Regular
3/15/20
Applications received by the dates listed above will be eligible for the greatest number of scholarship opportunities.
After March 15, applications will be considered on a rolling basis.
*Final deadline for Advanced Standing Program and transfer students.
Cost of Attendance
Two-Year MSW Program
| Year | Tuition | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| First |
$38,460 | 30 |
| Second | $44,870 | 35 |
Three-Year MSW Program
| Year | Tuition | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| First |
$15,384 | 12 |
| Second | $23,076 | 18 |
| Third | $44,870 | 35 |
Advanced Standing MSW Program
| Start | Tuition | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| June |
$56,408 | 44 |
| January | $15,384 (first semester) $41,024 (final year) |
12 32 |
Please note: The tuition rate for MSW students for the 2019-2020 academic year is $1,282 per credit (set annually). Credit hours vary each year depending on the length of the program you are in, yet the overall cost of degree remains the same. To calculate cost per program per year, see full-time and part-time curriculum plans.
Fees
Student ID Fee: $45 one-time charge
Activity Fee: $50 per year
Visit Boston College Student Services for an estimate of living expenses and information regarding health insurance.
Meet the BCSSW Admissions Team
Francois Exilhomme
Assistant Director, Admissions
617-552-3734
francois.exilhomme@bc.edu
Marisa Acevedo, MSW ‘20
Pittsburgh, PA
Clinical • Mental Health
“After graduation, I would like to continue working with women of color in the Boston area. I am interested in intimate partner violence and women’s issues.”
Naomi Encarnacion, MSW ‘20
Dorchester, MA
Clinical • Mental Health
“After graduation, my goal is to work with disadvantaged youth and young adults who have been exposed to high levels of trauma.”
Noor Ibrahim, MSW ‘20
Born in Baghdad, Iraq; currently live in Brighton, MA
Clinical • Mental Health
“I had been working in higher education prior to entering the MSW program, so I'm hoping to continue working with college students in a clinical capacity after graduation.”
Christina Mesa, MSW ‘20
Bridgewater, NJ
Clinical • Health and Mental Health
“After graduation, I would like to get licensed as an LICSW and eventually open up my own private practice.”
Emily O'Brien, MSW ‘20
Rochester, NY
Clinical • Children, Youth and Families
“After graduation, my goal is to work with children with complex trauma backgrounds, provide family therapy, or work with children with disabilities.”
Keulesia Webley-Sewell, MSW ‘20
Philadelphia, PA
Macro • Global Practice
“After graduation, I hope to either find a fellowship or work with a non-governmental organization around child protection.”
