Advanced Standing

To be eligible for Advanced Standing, students must have:

1. Received a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) from a CSWE-accredited institution within the last 5 years; 
2. Earned a B+ average or higher in their practicum course;
3. Obtained a  grade-point average of 3.3 or better on a 4-point scale in social work-related courses.

Applicants to Tulane’s MSW program must meet the following requirements:

1. Demonstrate a strong performance in the junior and senior years of undergraduate study or in a postgraduate degree program or have strong employer references;
2. Possess a bachelor's degree. An official transcript listing your bachelor's degree with the conferral date is required;
3. Obtained a grade-point average of 3.0 or better on a 4-point scale (preferred).

In addition to submitting an online application for admission to the Tulane University School of Social Work, applicants to the Master of Social Work program must also submit the following:

• Personal Essay - Three to five double-spaced pages that should include the following statement of purpose:
  1. Trace the origin and development of your interest in social work as a professional, including any significant influences or experiences.
  2. What qualifications do you bring to the classroom and social work practice? Do you have any limitations that might affect your ability to practice social work, that you would like to disclose?
  3. Discuss your experience working with populations other than your own. This may include gender identity, race, religion, socioeconomic and/or cultural background. 
• Resume - It should be similar in structure to one you would submit for employment.
• Official Transcript(s) - One copy of official transcript(s) from each college/university attended. To be considered official, a transcript (1) must be sent directly from your institution to Tulane School of Social Work and (2) must show completion of coursework required for the degree, the degree earned, and the date of degree conferral. 
• References/Recommendations - A minimum of two (2) Letters of Recommendation (LORs) must be received. The recommenders will submit the letters of recommendation directly into the application portal. Applicants should select two individuals who know them well and have agreed to write a recommendation. As an applicant, keep the following guidelines in mind:
  • If you are presently working or have been engaged in volunteer work in human services, one of the letters should be submitted by your supervisor or employer.
  • If you are currently only a student, the two (2) letters should be submitted by a faculty advisor or professor in your major area who is familiar with your academic work.
  • NO personal references (family, friends, social acquaintances, co-workers) will be accepted.
  • We ask applicants to please have on hand the name, title, professional email address, phone number and relationship of each recommender.
  • If you need guidance on asking for letters of recommendation, please review our helpful tips.

Reference/recommendation letters can be submitted via the application website, mailed to the TSSW Office, or emailed:

Tulane University School of Social Work #8906
127 Elk Place
New Orleans, LA 70112

tsswtranscripts@wave.tulane.edu

Advanced Standing students must also submit their final practicum/internship evaluation signed by the student and supervisor.