Apply to this Online Program

The Master of Social Work (MSW) online application will open in fall 2022.

Next admission date: January 31, 2023. 

Pursuing graduate social work study

The Master of Social Work (MSW) online program at Missouri State is a competitive and selective admission program. The decision to admit new students depends not only upon the quality of the applicants who apply in general, but also upon the number of applicants applying and the number of seats available each year. Applicants from the Heart of the Midwest are eligible to apply to MSU's online MSW program. 

For more information, visit the Social Work Graduate Course Catalog.

Application components 

SocialWorkCAS Application: You will apply using Social Work Centralized Application Service (SocialWorkCAS). To begin this process, create an application account at SocialWorkCAS. SocialWorkCAS will verify your application for accuracy, calculate your GPA and send your materials to all Master of Social Work programs of your choice.

Note: the documents required below will all be submitted through SocialWorkCAS.

Official transcripts: Submit transcripts from all of the undergraduate and graduate institutions you’ve attended. The transcript verification process will take up to four (4) weeks during peak periods. Your admissions packet is not complete until your transcripts have been verified. Verification must take place before the application deadline. Do not mail transcripts directly to Missouri State University. Please have official transcripts mailed to:

  • SocialWorkCAS Transcript Processing Center
    PO Box 9212
    Watertown, MA 02471

Coursework Entry: We encourage you to have unofficial transcripts on hand to assist with entering required information in the application. If you wish to input your coursework with assistance, you may utilize the Professional Transcript Entry Service (PTE).

Résumé: Submit a current résumé or curriculum vitae to SocialWorkCAS.  Please include employment, internship, and volunteer experiences.

Personal Statement/Essay: Once a personal SocialWorkCAS account has been created, you will find the statement question prompts under ‘Program Materials'. Personal statements are a crucial element of the application process and should be carefully and thoughtfully written. Faculty members will read your statements and assess them for quality of content, clarity of expression, and writing style (including grammar, punctuation, and spelling). 

Letters of Reference: Three academic or professional references are required to be submitted directly to SocialWorkCAS. You will be responsible to ensure all references have been submitted by the application deadline. 

Application schedule 

Opens: Fall 2022
Formal Application Due Date: January 31, 2023

Advanced standing applicants  

  • Must submit verification of a confirmed BSW degree from a Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) accredited program. 
  • This verification must be submitted through SocialWorkCAS with the application. This can be accomplished two ways:
    • First, by a notation of CSWE on your official transcript.
    • Second, by a screenshot of the accreditation status of your BSW program listed on the CSWE website. 

International advanced standing applicants 

International students are able to apply for advanced standing program by completing the following procedures. CSWE's International Social Work Degree Recognition and Evaluation Service (ISWDRES) recognizes academic credentials in social work that are comparable to accredited baccalaureate and master's degrees in social work in the United States. Recognition is necessary to establish qualifications for employment, graduate school admission, membership in the National Association of Social Workers, state licensing, and/or certification. 

  • An International applicant is required to complete the ISWDRES screening form through Council on Social Work Education to determine if a social work degree has been obtained before applying to advanced standing program. 
  • This verification must be submitted through SocialWorkCAS with the application. This can be accomplished two ways:
    • First, by a notation of CSWE on your official transcript.
    • Second, by a screenshot of the accreditation status of your BSW program listed on the CSWE website. 
  • Some international transcripts cannot be verified by SocialWorkCAS. Please contact the MSW Program Coordinator directly if this applies to you. 
  • See ISWDRES Application Instructions for further information and process steps.

Applicant technical support information

  • Having trouble accessing the application? The preferred browsers are Google Chrome or Firefox.

  • If you have questions about your application, please contact your SocialWorkCAS Customer Service Representative at (857) 304-2016 or through the SocialWorkCAS Applicant Help Center.

For more information: