For traditional programs, the majority of graduate schools require a GPA of 3.0 or greater to apply (28 of the 33 programs). However, some of these schools will still allow students with a GPA lower than 3.0 to apply if they have taken the GRE (see the table below for more information).
The only programs that do not have a minimum GPA of 3.0 are offered by:
- Case Western Reserve University – minimum GPA 2.7
- Our Lady of the Lake University – minimum GPA 2.5
- Portland State University – minimum GPA 2.5 (students with a GPA between 2.5-2.74 may be admitted conditionally)
- University of Louisville – minimum GPA 2.75
- Western New Mexico University – minimum GPA 2.75
Both Case Western Reserve University and the University of Louisville will allow students with a GPA greater than 2.5 to apply, if they have taken the GRE.
[Please note: the majority of online MSW programs have a selective admission process, meaning that even if a student meets the minimum requirements for the program, they are not guaranteed admission.]
GPA Requirements for Advanced Standing Online MSW Programs
For students who have already earned a Bachelor of Social Work from a CSWE accredited undergraduate program, the majority of advanced standing programs have a minimum GPA requirement of 3.0 or higher (see the table below for more information). The only programs that have a GPA requirement lower than 3.0 are Case Western Reserve University (minimum GPA 2.7) and Western New Mexico University (minimum GPA 2.75). Advanced standing programs often have stricter admission criteria when compared to traditional programs. Consequently, several programs actual require a minimum GPA greater than 3.0 including:
- Humboldt State University – minimum GPA 3.5
- University of Louisville – minimum GPA 3.0 and 3.25 in Social Work Courses
- University of Southern California – minimum GPA 3.25 and 3.5 in Social Work Courses
BSW students who do not meet the minimum GPA requirements for an advanced standing program, may still be eligible to earn a MSW degree through a traditional program.
For students who are not sure about their qualifications, we recommend contacting universities before applying to determine your chances for admission.
GPA Requirements by Online Master of Social Work Program
Click on the school name for more information about their programs, admission requirements and eligibility restrictions.
Traditional Programs (34)
| SCHOOL NAME | STRUCTURE OF PROGRAM* | PROGRAM OPTIONS | MINIMUM GPA | GRE REQUIREMENTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arizona State University | 100% Online | FT & PT | 3.0 (in last 60 semester hours) | GRE or MAT Only required for students with a GPA lower than 3.2 |
| Boise State University | 100% Online | FT & PT | 3.0 preferred | Not required |
| Boston University | 100% Online | PT | 3.0 | Not required |
| California State University, Northridge | 100% Online | FT | 3.0 | Only required for students with a GPA between 2.5 - 2.99 |
| California State University, San Bernardino | Limited Campus Visits Required | PT | 3.0 (2.8 may be considered) | Not required |
| Case Western Reserve University | 100% Online | PT | 2.7 | Only required for students with a GPA lower than 2.7 |
| Columbia University | Limited Campus Visits Required | FT & PT | No Minimum GPA (Average GPA 3.5) | Not required |
| Edinboro University | 100% Online | FT | 3.0 | Only required for students with a GPA lower than 3.0 |
| Florida State University | 100% Online | PT | 3.0 | GRE required |
| Fordham University | 100% Online | PT | 3.0 | Not required |
| Humboldt State University | Limited Campus Visits Required | PT | 3.0 | Not required but recommended if GPA is below 3.0 |
| Indiana University | Limited Campus Visits Required | PT | 3.0 | Not required |
| Louisiana State University | 100% Online | FT & PT | 3.0 | GRE required |
| Our Lady of the Lake University | 100% Online | PT | 2.5 | Not required |
| Portland State University | Limited Campus Visits Required | PT | 2.5 | Not required |
| Rutgers University | 100% Online | PT | 3.0 | Not required |
| Simmons University | 100% Online | FT & PT | 3.0 | Not required |
| The Catholic University of America | 100% Online | PT | 3.0 Preferred | Not required |
| Texas State University - San Marcos | 100% Online | PT | 3.0 | Not required |
| University at Buffalo (SUNY) | 100% Online | PT | 3.0 | Not required |
| University of Alaska Anchorage | Limited Campus Visits Required | FT & PT | 3.0 Preferred | Not required |
| University of Central Florida | 100% Online | PT | 3.0 | Not required |
| University of Denver | 100% Online | FT | 3.0 | Not required |
| University of Houston | 100% Online | PT | 3.0 | GRE required |
| University of Louisville | 100% Online | FT & PT | 2.75 | Only required for students with a GPA between 2.5 - 2.75 |
| University of New England (UNE) | 100% Online | PT | 3.0 | Not required |
| University of New Hampshire | 100% Online | FT | 3.0 | Not required |
| University of North Dakota | Limited Campus Visits Required | PT | 3.0 | Not required |
| University of Southern California (USC) | 100% Online | FT & PT | 3.0 | Not required |
| University of Tennessee at Knoxville | 100% Online | FT & PT | 3.0 | GRE required |
| University of Texas - Arlington | 100% Online | PT | 3.0 | Only required for students with a GPA lower than 3.0 |
| Western New Mexico University | 100% Online | FT & PT | 2.75 | Not required |
| Widener University | 100% Online | PT | 3.0 | Not required |
Advanced Standing Programs (24)
| SCHOOL NAME | STRUCTURE OF PROGRAM* | PROGRAM OPTIONS | MINIMUM GPA | GRE REQUIREMENTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Boise State University | 100% Online | FT & PT | 3.0 preferred | Not required |
| Boston University | 100% Online | PT | 3.0 | Not required |
| Case Western Reserve University | 100% Online | PT | 2.7 | Only required for students with a GPA lower than 2.7 |
| Edinboro University | 100% Online | FT | 3.0 | Not required |
| Florida State University | 100% Online | PT | 3.0 | GRE required |
| Fordham University | 100% Online | PT | 3.0 | Not required |
| Humboldt State University | Limited Campus Visits Required | PT | 3.5 | Not required |
| Indiana University | Limited Campus Visits Required | PT | 3.0 | Not required |
| Louisiana State University | 100% Online | FT | 3.0 | GRE required |
| Our Lady of the Lake University | 100% Online | PT | 3.0 | Not required |
| Texas State University - San Marcos | 100% Online | PT | 3.0 | Not required |
| University at Buffalo (SUNY) | 100% Online | PT | 3.0 | Not required |
| University of Alaska Anchorage | Limited Campus Visits Required | FT & PT | 3.0 (3.5 in BSW core courses) | Not required |
| University of Houston | 100% Online | PT | 3.0 | GRE required |
| University of Louisville | 100% Online | FT & PT | 3.0 (3.25 in Social Work Courses) | Not required |
| University of New England (UNE) | 100% Online | PT | 3.0 | Not required |
| University of North Dakota | Limited Campus Visits Required | PT | 3.0 | Not required |
| University of Southern California (USC) | 100% Online | FT & PT | 3.25 (3.5 in Social Work Courses) | Not required |
| University of Tennessee at Knoxville | 100% Online | FT & PT | 3.0 | GRE required |
| University of Texas - Arlington | 100% Online | PT | 3.0 | Only required for students with a GPA lower than 3.0 |
| Western New Mexico University | 100% Online | FT & PT | 2.75 | Not required |
*All online MSW programs require field education at a local health services agency. Programs that are 100% online do not require students to visit the campus during the program.
Program options include full-time (FT) and part-time (PT) programs. Most full-time online MSW programs designed for traditional students take two years to complete, whereas part-time programs typically take two and a half to four years to complete depending on the program.
More FAQs about Online MSW Programs
- FAQ: Are there any one year online MSW programs?
- FAQ: Are there any online MSW programs for BSW students?
- FAQ: Are there any online MSW programs for non-BSW students?
- FAQ: Are there any online MSW programs that do not require the GRE?
- FAQ: Are there any online MSW programs that have multiple start dates?
- FAQ: Are there any online MSW programs that start in the Spring?
- FAQ: Are there any online MSW programs with a children, youth, and family counseling concentration?
- FAQ: Are there any online MSW programs with a trauma concentration?
- FAQ: Are there any online MSW programs with asynchronous instruction
- FAQ: Are there any two year online MSW programs?
- FAQ: Can you get an MSW without a BSW?
- FAQ: MSW vs. LCSW
- FAQ: MSW vs. MSSW vs. MSSA
- FAQ: What does it mean if an online MSW program uses a cohort model?
- FAQ: What is an advanced generalist online MSW program?
- FAQ: What is the difference between micro, mezzo and macro social work?
- FAQ: What is the difference between online, campus, hybrid, and distance learning MSW programs?
- FAQ: Where do licensed clinical social workers work?