Master of Social Work (M.S.W.)
Virginia Commonwealth University School of Social Work · Richmond, VA
- Field: Social Work
- Degrees: Master's
- Application fee: $75
- Letters: 3 (recommendations)
Deadlines
- On-campus advanced standing, summer 2027 start: final application submit: Feb. 3, 2027
- On-campus regular standing (full and part time), fall 2027: final application submit: March 24, 2027
Essays
Professional statement of intent: NASW value (500 words maximum)
Identify one value from the NASW code of ethics (e.g., social justice, dignity and worth of the person, importance of human relations, etc.) and how it relates to your desire to complete/acquire an M.S.W. degree.
Professional statement of intent: career goals (500 words maximum)
Please describe your social work career goals.
Professional statement of intent: social and racial justice (500 words maximum)
Comment on what the School's statement of commitment to social and racial justice, including its stance against anti-Black racism and white dominance in institutional discrimination, means to you and your desire to be a social worker.
Social and human services work and volunteer experience (entered in the application, including military, AmeriCorps or Peace Corps service)
Written case assessment (advanced standing only; prompt in the application)
Editor's notes
- VCU reviews four areas: education, work experience, the statement of intent, and recommendations. The statement is three separate answers of up to 500 words each, so treat each as its own short essay rather than splitting one long draft. For the NASW question, choose a single value and connect it to a specific experience rather than listing several. Read the School's commitment statement before answering the social and racial justice question. Only complete packages count, and supporting documents must arrive within a week of the March 24, 2027 deadline for fall regular standing (February 3 for summer advanced standing).
