Master of Social Work (MSW)
Boston University School of Social Work · Boston, MA
- Field: Social Work
- Degrees: Master's
- Application fee: $95
- GRE: Not required
- Letters: 3 (recommendations)
Deadlines
- On-Campus Advanced Standing deadline, fall 2027: Nov. 13, 2026
- Worcester Hybrid priority deadline, fall 2027: Dec. 1, 2026
- On-Campus priority deadline (Traditional and Human Service Experience tracks), fall 2027: Jan. 13, 2027
- On-Campus final deadline (Traditional and Human Service Experience tracks), fall 2027: March 11, 2027
Essays
Personal statement (3–4 pages, double spaced, 12 pt; minimum of 3 full pages)
Address three topics: how academic and life experiences led you to the MSW, prepared you for graduate study and shaped post-MSW goals; how you have upheld and will uphold social work ethical values, especially anti-oppressive practice and social justice; and why BU and the specific track or major you are applying to fit your studies and future practice.
Optional essay (250 words maximum)
Additional information for the committee, such as gaps in work experience, choice of recommenders, or concerns about academic or test performance.
Current résumé or CV (No page limit)
Editor's notes
- BU treats the personal statement as a writing sample, sets a hard floor of three full pages, and asks you to explain why your specific track or major fits, not just why BU. Choose your track before you apply, because you cannot switch after enrolling, and write the third section around that choice. The ethics section asks specifically about anti-oppressive practice and social justice, so give a concrete example from your own work. Use the 250-word optional essay only for a real gap or concern. On-campus applicants should note the early dates: November 13 for Advanced Standing and January 13 for the priority deadline.
