Apply today #
Admission to the Indiana University School of Social Work (IUSSW) is competitive. We have Master’s programs located across the state of Indiana and available online.
Application Instructions #
It is important that you provide complete and accurate information when applying to the School. The School reserves the right to withdraw an application and/or revoke an offer of admission if you do not provide this information in a timely manner.
- Requirements
- Transcript uploads are REQUIRED. The question for transcripts is optional but the school requires an upload and may ask for an official transcript. Go to the Application Materials section for more detail regarding transcripts.
- Standardized tests are required for international applicants only.
- Steps and instructions to apply to by location are listed.
Navigate to the Add Program in the application menu to select the Master of Social Work offered in the Fall.
Start Term Information
- Advanced Standing Full-time & Part-time, Regular Standing Full-time & Part-time
Starts: Fall 2025
Deadline: 07/15/2025
Apply to the IU Bloomington campus
Here is a guide to follow.
Using the filters
Click the “Filters” button
The filters menu will appear with the following Filter options:
- Campus
- Start Year
- Delivery
- School
- Degree
- Start Term
Click open each filter option and check on the following the click “Close” to view the results.
-
1
Campus
Check "IU Bloomington"
-
2
Delivery
Check "On Campus"
-
3
School
Search for and check "IU School of Social Work"
-
4
Degree
Check "Master's"
-
5
Start Term
Check "Fall"
Select the program from the list
- Select the Master of Social Work, IU Bloomington, Master’s, Fall, 2025, On Campus from the filtered list.
- Return to My Application to complete the Program Materials section.
Fort Wayne location is operated from IU Indianapolis.
Navigate to the Add Program in the application menu to select the Master of Social Work – Fort Wayne offered in the Fall for the On Campus offsite courses for IU Indianapolis.
Start Term Information
- Advanced Standing Part-time, Regular Standing Part-time
Starts: Fall 2025
Deadline: 07/15/2025
Apply to the IU Indianapolis campus
Here is a guide to follow.
Using the filters
Click the “Filters” button
The filters menu will appear with the following Filter options:
- Campus
- Start Year
- Delivery
- School
- Degree
- Start Term
Click open each filter option and check on the following the click “Close” to view the results.
-
1
Campus
Check "IU Indianapolis"
-
2
Delivery
Check "On Campus"
-
3
School
Search for and check "Indiana University School of Social Work"
-
4
Degree
Check "Master's"
-
5
Start Term
Check "Fall"
Select the program from the list
- Select the Master of Social Work – Fort Wayne, IU Indianapolis, Master’s, Fall, 2025, On Campus from the filtered list.
- Return to My Application to complete the Program Materials section.
Lafayette is program locations operated from IU Indianapolis.
Navigate to the Add Program in the application menu to select the Master of Social Work – Lafayette offered in the Fall for the On Campus offsite courses for IU Indianapolis.
Start Term Information
- Advanced Standing Part-time
Starts: Fall 2025
Deadline: 07/15/2025
Apply to the IU Indianapolis campus
Here is a guide to follow.
Using the filters
Click the “Filters” button
The filters menu will appear with the following Filter options:
- Campus
- Start Year
- Delivery
- School
- Degree
- Start Term
Click open each filter option and check on the following the click “Close” to view the results.
-
1
Campus
Check "IU Indianapolis"
-
2
Delivery
Check "On Campus"
-
3
School
Search for and check "Indiana University School of Social Work"
-
4
Degree
Check "Master's"
-
5
Start Term
Check "Fall"
Select the program from the list
- Select the Master of Social Work – Lafayette, IU Indianapolis, Master’s, Fall, 2025, On Campus from the filtered list.
- Return to My Application to complete the Program Materials section.
IU Southeast is a program location operated from IU Indianapolis.
Navigate to the Add Program in the application menu to select the Master of Social Work – Southeast offered in the Fall for the On Campus offsite courses for IU Indianapolis.
Start Term Information
- Regular Standing Part-time
Starts: Fall 2025
Deadline: 07/15/2025
Apply to the IU Indianapolis campus
Here is a guide to follow.
Using the filters
Click the “Filters” button
The filters menu will appear with the following Filter options:
- Campus
- Start Year
- Delivery
- School
- Degree
- Start Term
Click open each filter option and check on the following the click “Close” to view the results.
-
1
Campus
Check "IU Indianapolis"
-
2
Delivery
Check "On Campus"
-
3
School
Search for and check "Indiana University School of Social Work"
-
4
Degree
Check "Master's"
-
5
Start Term
Check "Fall"
Select the program from the list
- Select the Master of Social Work – Southeast, IU Indianapolis, Master’s, Fall, 2025, On Campus from the filtered list.
- Return to My Application to complete the Program Materials section.
Navigate to the Add Program in the application menu to select the the Master of Social Work offered in the Fall. The following cohorts are offered to start at the terms listed:
- Fall offers the Regular Standing Full-time & Part-time and Advanced Standing Full-time & Part-time.
Here is a guide to follow.
Using the filters
The filters menu will appear with the following Filter options:
- Campus
- Start Year
- Delivery
- School
- Degree
- Start Term
Click open each filter option and check on the following the click “Close” to view the results.
-
1
Campus
Check "IU Indianapolis"
-
2
Delivery
Check "On Campus"
-
3
School
Search for and check "Indiana University School of Social Work"
-
4
Degree
Check "Master's"
-
5
Start Term
Check "Fall"
Select the program from the list
- Select the Master of Social Work, IU Indianapolis, Master’s, Fall, 2025, On Campus from the filtered list.
- Return to My Application to complete the Program Materials section.
Navigate to the Add Program in the application menu to select the the Master of Social Work offered in the Fall. All cohorts are offered to start at the term
Here is a guide to follow.
Using the filters
The filters menu will appear with the following Filter options:
- Campus
- Start Year
- Delivery
- School
- Degree
- Start Term
Click open each filter option and check on the following the click “Close” to view the results.
-
1
Campus
Check "IU Northwest"
-
2
Delivery
Check "On Campus"
-
3
School
Search for and check "IU School of Social Work"
-
4
Degree
Check "Master's"
-
5
Start Term
Check "Fall"
Select the program from the list
- Select the Master of Social Work, IU Northwest, Master’s, Fall, 2025, On Campus from the filtered list.
- Return to My Application to complete the Program Materials section.
Navigate to the Add Program in the application menu to select the the Master of Social Work offered in the Spring, Summer, or Fall. All cohorts are offered to start at the term
Here is a guide to follow.
Using the filters
The filters menu will appear with the following Filter options:
- Campus
- Start Year
- Delivery
- School
- Degree
- Start Term
Click open each filter option and check on the following the click “Close” to view the results.
-
1
Campus
Check "IU Indianapolis"
-
2
Delivery
Check "Online"
-
3
School
Search for and check "Indiana University School of Social Work"
-
4
Degree
Check "Master's"
-
5
Start Term
Check "Spring" or "Summer" or "Fall"
Select the program from the list
- Select the Master of Social Work, IU Indianapolis, Master’s, Summer, 2025, Online from the filtered list.
- Return to My Application to complete the Program Materials section.
Navigate to the Add Program in the application menu to select the the Master of Social Work offered in the Fall. All cohorts are offered to start at the term
Here is a guide to follow.
Using the filters
The filters menu will appear with the following Filter options:
- Campus
- Start Year
- Delivery
- School
- Degree
- Start Term
Click open each filter option and check on the following the click “Close” to view the results.
-
1
Campus
Check "IU South Bend"
-
2
Delivery
Check "On Campus"
-
3
School
Search for and check "IU School of Social Work"
-
4
Degree
Check "Master's"
-
5
Start Term
Check "Fall"
Select the program from the list
- Select the Master of Social Work, IU South Bend, Master’s, Fall, 2025, On Campus from the filtered list.
- Return to My Application to complete the Program Materials section.
Application Materials #
In addition to answering the questions on the form, provide the following information/documentation within the relevant sections:
A professional resume is required.
Your writing sample and statement should be one double-spaced, five-page (maximum) document that is in 12-point font. In-text citations, a title page, and a reference page are required, and they do not count towards the five-page maximum. A citation style is required; American Psychological Association (APA) is preferred. Your writing sample and statement must address ALL of the following topics:
- Describe a social problem. Assuming you have the power and resources at your disposal, what would you recommend for intervention and/or social change to address this social problem?
- Describe how your personal and intellectual qualifications, past human service experience, and/or future goals are relevant to assisting the most economically and socially disadvantaged groups in our society. Please provide specific examples.
- Recount an ethical dilemma you have had in your personal, professional, or volunteer experience. Discuss your decision-making process and the factors that contributed to the ultimate outcome. Please protect confidentiality and do NOT reveal the names of people or organizations.
- How will your decision to pursue an MSW help you reach your personal and professional goals?
Note: Please use headings or numbers to separate each response in your statement.
Please submit one current academic transcript from each college/university you have attended. This includes transcripts from study abroad, from institutions where you were enrolled for academic credit as a non-degree student, and/or for credits that you transferred to another college/university. Provided transcripts must show all completed and/or in-progress coursework. Scanned student copies or unofficial transcripts are accepted. However, self-reported or advising transcripts are not accepted. Please note that if you attended Indiana University, you do not need to submit your Indiana University transcripts.
Submitted transcripts must include:
- your name
- the institution’s name
- your dates of attendance
- the grades you received for each completed course in all of the terms you attended
Degree information, including the degree received and the date of its receipt (if applicable) must be on the transcript. If degree information is on a separate degree document (i.e., a diploma), please create one PDF that includes both the transcript and the degree document. Please do this, as applicable, for each college/university for which you are submitting a transcript.
Include a copy of the transcript key or interpretation guide. This information appears either on the back of the transcript or in a separate document. If your transcript(s) is not in English, please provide a certified English translation.
Before uploading the documents to the relevant section of the online application form, mark out your social security number and birth date so they cannot be read.
The School reserves the right to revoke an offer of admission if any discrepancies are found on your transcripts and/or if transcripts are not provided to the School in a timely manner.
Identify two professional references who are willing to write a letter of recommendation for you. Make sure you include the correct email address for each referee in your application . Once you submit your application form, an email will be sent to each referee that includes a link to an electronic Web form. Referees can upload a letter of recommendation to the form. Referees will be asked to address questions about characteristics social workers must have and how these relate to your personal and professional characteristics.
All materials should be submitted by the preferred campus deadline to be considered.
Criteria & Decisions #
If you received a BSW from an accredited program, you are eligible for advanced standing admission.
Admissions decisions to the MSW program are primarily based on a review of your previous undergraduate and graduate work, your experience in human services (paid, volunteer, research, and internship), and the references and written documentation you provide. You must meet the following criteria:
- Evidence of an earned bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university.
- An undergraduate record that reflects a liberal arts perspective as demonstrated by the successful completion of a minimum of six courses in social or behavioral sciences. Courses from the following disciplines are accepted: social work, psychology, sociology, anthropology, economics, history, human services, political science, government, criminal justice, and/or languages.
- Note: Other social or behavioral sciences courses outside of the listed disciplines may be accepted.
- An undergraduate record that reflects successful completion of a college-level math course or equivalent.
- Critical thinking skills and the ability to communicate effectively in writing, as reflected in the application questions and required writing sample and statement.
- Evidence of personal qualities considered important for social work practice.
- It is the policy of the School of Social Work that no student or applicant who has been convicted of sex offenses against children shall be eligible for admission or continuation into the BSW, MSW or Ph.D. programs.
Note: The Graduate Record Exam (GRE), the Miller’s Analogy Test (MAT), and other graduate tests are not required.
Once you submit your application, you will receive emails regarding the application process:
- As part of the application process, you must provide two academic or professional references. Once your references provide the necessary information requested by the School, you will receive an email that confirms your application is ready for committee review. You can login to the application as many times as needed to change the reference.
Once the committee review is complete, you will receive an email with a decision of admission. To accept an offer of admission, you must complete an intent form within a given time frame. Failure to meet this deadline may be cause for cancellation of admission. The offer of admission provides specific details about the intent form. You will receive additional emails about enrollment processes and orientations.
Should you choose not to enroll in the semester for which admission was granted, the School allows deferrals of up to one year. If you defer admission, you must confirm your intent at the time of the next enrollment/admission period.
Note: Admitted students who do not attend classes within the one-year admissions period forfeit their enrollment deposit.
Admissions with Conditions
Full admission to the MSW program is granted when all admission requirements are met. Tentative admission is granted contingent upon meeting specific conditions. Such conditions include:
- Qualified applicants are admitted before completing their bachelor’s degree requirements. Satisfactorily complete your undergraduate degree and provide a final official academic transcript before you register for the first semester.
- Qualified applicants do not have the minimum credit hours for the courses in social or behavioral sciences requirement.
- Qualified applicants do not have the minimum of a college-level math course or equivalent.
- Qualified applicants do not have other necessary requirements or materials.
Note: All conditions must be met and materials obtained before the first semester starts.
Tentative admission is changed to full admission once you have met the specified condition(s). Failure to fulfill these conditions(s), as stated above and/or in the offer of admission, may result in cancellation of admission.
Admissions Criteria
Admissions decisions are primarily based on a review of the following:
- Past academic performance, as reflected in a cumulative undergraduate GPA
- Critical thinking skills and the ability to communicate effectively in writing, as reflected in the application questions and required writing sample and statement
- Graduate course work performance (if any)
- Personal commitment to social work and suitability for the profession
- Length and type of work and volunteer experience
- Letters of reference
- Evidence of personal qualities considered important for social work practice
- Diversity considerations
Campus Deadlines #
Indianapolis Deadlines
- Advanced Standing Full-Time & Part-Time, Regular Standing Full-time & Part-Time
Starts: Fall- 2025
Deadline: 07/15/2025 - View the degree maps
- Apply to the IU Indianapolis campus
Bloomington Deadlines
- Advanced Standing Full-Time & Part-Time, Regular Standing Full-time & Part-Time
Starts: Fall- 2025
Deadline: 07/15/2025 - View the degree maps
- Apply to the IU Bloomington campus
Fort Wayne Deadlines
- Application Fee: $70
- Advanced & Regular Standing Part-time
Starts: Fall – 2025
Deadline: 07/15/2025 - View the degree maps
- Apply to the IU Fort Wayne campus
Northwest Deadlines
- Application Fee: $40
- Regular & Advanced Standing
Starts: Fall – 2025
Deadline: 07/15/2025 - View the degree map
- Apply to the IU Northwest campus
Southeast Deadlines
- Regular Standing Part-time
- Starts: Fall- 2025
Deadline: 07/15/2025 - View the degree map
- Apply to the IU Southeast campus
South Bend Deadlines
- Application Fee: $40
- Regular & Advanced Standing Full-Time/Part-Time
Starts: Fall – 2025
Deadline: 07/15/2025 - View the degree map
- Apply to the IU South Bend campus
Lafayette Deadlines
- Application Fee: $70
- Advanced Standing Part-time
Starts: Fall – 2025
Deadline: 07/15/2025 - View the degree map
- Apply to the Lafayette program
Online Program Deadlines
- Application Fee: $70
- Regular & Advanced Standing
Starts: Spring – 2025
Deadline: 12/09/2024 - Regular & Advanced Standing
Starts: Summer – 2025
Deadline: 03/15/2025 - Regular & Advanced Standing
Starts: Fall – 2025
Deadline: 07/15/2025 - View the degree maps for Online
- Apply to the Online program