How to Apply

School of Social Work (SSW) students have an opportunity to pursue the MSW as a full-time or part-time student. In addition, students who hold a bachelor's in social work from a CSWE-accredited program can enter the program as an advanced standing student, enabling them to complete the program in nine months as a full-time student or over a two year period as a part-time student.

We also offer the Social Work in Schools Licensure (Formerly Type 73 Certification) for those students interested in becoming school social workers, and a Gerontology Certificate in Aging Care for those who want to meet the demands of the older adult population.

To reach a broader student base, we also offer a part-time MSW program at the University Center of Lake County in Grayslake, Illinois.

We look forward to the opportunity to work with you to achieve your academic and professional goals while challenging you to change the world.

Application Process

Apply Online

The School of Social Work at Dominican University does not discriminate on the basis of race, gender, religion, national or ethnic origin, disability, age, marital status, political orientation, sexual orientation or diverse lifestyle in the administration of its educational policies, admission policies, scholarships, loan programs or any other program administered by the university.

  • A completed online application for Dominican’s School of Social Work.
  • Students applying for advanced standing (bachelors in social work required) must complete the advanced standing application and the general admissions application.
  • Personal Statement (Please refer to questions on application.)
  • Resume
  • An official transcript documenting a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university and an official transcript from each college where graduate credit was earned
  • A minimum 2.75 grade point average is required for general admissions and a 3.0 is required for advanced-standing admissions.
  • Two letters of recommendation: at least one letter from an academic reference and one from a professional reference. In the event that a prospect is unable to provide an academic reference, an additional professional reference may be submitted, granted it reflects the prospect’s experience in some human services or social services capacity.
  • Interviews are used selectively.

GRE or GMAT are not required for the MSW program.

Application Dates and Deadlines

Early application prior to the dates listed below is strongly encouraged. Priority for scholarships and internship placements will be given to students who apply early. Limited space is available for Summer and Fall 2018. Late applications will continue to be reviewed following these dates as space allows.

  • Summer II Term: Priority deadline March 1 (Full-time students)
  • Fall Term: Priority deadline March 1 (Full-time students)
  • Fall Term: Priority deadline June 1 (Part-time students)
  • Deadlines also apply to students applying for Advanced Standing
International Students

International students must complete the general admissions application and additional application and visa requirements.

Transfer Credit Policy

If you are admitted to the program prior to completing a bachelor’s degree, your admission will be conditional until we receive the final transcript from your undergraduate institution. 

Students who have taken graduate courses at another accredited institution may transfer up to six semester hours of credit toward the MSW. A minimum grade of B is required for transfer credit. Transfer credit requests are subject to review and approval by the director of the School of Social Work and should be submitted prior to admission.

BSW credits considered for transfer to the advanced-standing program must be from a CSWE-accredited institution and be completed within eight years of matriculation. In no case will credit be given for life experiences.

Students-at-Large

Individuals seeking to take MSW courses at Dominican University can take a maximum of four courses as a Student-at-Large.

Admission as a Student-at-Large does not guarantee admission into the MSW program, but credit earned as a Student-at-Large can be later applied to Dominican’s MSW program upon admission.

Students must abide by the University’s and School of Social Work policies and procedures. Students-at-Large are not eligible to receive Federal Financial Aid or Scholarships.

Please submit the following for admission as a Student-at-Large:

  • Completed online application
  • Official transcripts from undergraduate institution verifying earned bachelor’s degree and if applicable, official transcripts from any master level coursework.
Contact Information

For more information, please contact us at gradinfo@dom.edu.