No. The MSW is designed for students from all backgrounds.

The recommended GPA is 3.0 for undergraduate coursework. Applicants with an undergraduate GPA below 3.0 will have the option to include a statement of explanation with their admissions packet.

No. The GRE is not required.

We encourage applicants to submit one academic and one professional (e.g. work supervisor) reference, but we understand that this may not be possible for all applicants.

Applicants with degrees from non-U.S. institutions must complete an International Degree Review through the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). If CSWE determines that the undergraduate curriculum and degree meet the necessary educational standards, an international applicant will then qualify for Advanced Standing in our program. Instructions for completing this process can be found at this link: https://www.cswe.org/accreditation/scopeandservices/international-degree-review/application-instructions/

The admissions system is managed by the UAB Graduate School, so for technical assistance with your application please contact them at (205) 934-8227.

No. We are only able to review applications that have been marked as complete by the UAB Graduate School (i.e., those that include ALL required application components). You can check the status of your application by logging back into the online application portal or follow up with the Graduate School if you have any questions about whether or not it is complete.

Applications are not able to be carried over to another year once they go through the full admissions process. We definitely encourage applicants who were not admitted to take the opportunity to strengthen their original application materials and then re-apply, but a new application would need to be started in the online system.

No. While we appreciate that students come to the MSW program at different life stages and often with valuable work experience, this may not substitute for earning academic credit in any social work generalist or specialized curriculum course or be considered in lieu of field practicum hours.

Yes. Some classes are offered in the evening. However, it is not possible to graduate taking evening classes exclusively.

MSW courses are scheduled on Mondays and Tuesdays (occasionally a Wednesday evening course may be offered). Daytime hours on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday are reserved for students to be in their field placements.

No, we only admit students for fall entry.

Yes, some courses are offered in summer, but these are usually electives.

Current tuition rates for UAB graduate students can be found on Cost & Aid page.

Yes. Information about financial aid offered through UAB including scholarships, grants, and loans can be found on Cost & Aid website.

The College of Arts and Sciences also offers a number of scholarships for graduate students. View more information on each opportunity.

Finally, the Department of Social Work offers number of paid internships, traineeships, stipends, and scholarships to current MSW students. Each award has its own set of criteria and/or qualifications, and award availability and amount can vary from year to year. All available opportunities will be shared with students prior to beginning coursework (typically during the field placement process).

Most MSW field agencies require to students to complete placement Monday-Friday during typical business hours. Placements that allow students to complete hours on nights/weekends are rare and cannot be guaranteed to any student.

Most placement settings are located within the Birmingham-Jefferson County area, and placements outside this geographic area are possible, but uncommon. Such considerations involve very specific student needs, the availability of appropriate supervision, UAB Social Work Program budgetary and faculty time constraints, and an agency's ability to meet the requirements delineated in the Field Practicum Agreement. Any student with extenuating circumstances is advised to discuss the situation with the Field Office upon applying to Field.

On occasion, a student may be familiar with a particular agency and want to complete the field practicum experience at that site. Students should discuss this with the Director of Field Education at the field applicant interview. It is the responsibility of the Field Office to evaluate any new placement site and to make the determination if said site is appropriate for MSW field placement.

Yes, if a student is enrolled in one of our part-time programs. However, it would not be feasible to maintain full-time employment while also taking classes on a full-time basis.

Students who are currently employed in a social service agency may negotiate with employers for a reassignment of tasks that will provide appropriate learning experiences required for field practicum. The Field Faculty determine the suitability of tasks. Please see the Employment-based Field Placement Agreement in the MSW Student Handbook.

The UAB Department of Social Work offers funding opportunities for several field placement experiences, including stipends and traineeships. Students must apply and be accepted for these opportunities. Information will be sent to students upon admission to the MSW Program.

The selection of field placement settings is based on consideration of the student's learning and interests conjoined with Social Work Program's curriculum goals and placement site criteria. The final determination of placement sites is the ultimate responsibility of the Field Coordinator. The Field Coordinator will attempt to place a student, but cannot guarantee the student’s first preference for a particular field agency.

We have over 100 different partner agencies, and field placement opportunities are available with a wide variety of populations and practice settings including: addictions, aging, child welfare, community development, corrections, developmental disabilities, homelessness, domestic violence, international social work, immigrant and refugee services, LGBTQ individuals, military social work, program evaluation, school social work, and social policy.

Yes, the MSW program was accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) in February of 2019.