School of Social Work Admission
The Saint Louis University School of Social Work is glad that you're considering us for your studies in the field of social work. SLU offers a wide variety of programs in social work and related fields, including applied behavior analysis, criminology and criminal justice and gerontology. For a complete listing of these offerings, visit our Academics page.
Undergraduate Admission
For information about applying to Saint Louis University as a first-time freshman or transfer student, visit the Saint Louis University Office of Admission.
For more information about undergraduate financial aid and scholarships, visit the SLU Office of Student Financial Services.
Graduate Admission
Degrees in the Saint Louis University School of Social Work are designed to empower students to progress through their programs on a full-time or part-time basis. As the saying goes, “a journey of a thousand miles begins with one step.” Our graduate, dual degree, accelerated, certificate, and doctoral programs prepare students for impactful careers in social work, applied behavior analysis, criminology, and related fields. Please see below to learn more about the admission requirements for each program.
Our admissions team is available to help you throughout the application and admissions process. Contact us at sswadmissions@slu.edu
Graduate Degree Programs
Applied Behavior Analysis, M.S.
In person and Online
This program prepares students to use evidence-based interventions to improve the lives of individuals with developmental, behavioral, and learning challenges. Offered both in-person and online, it includes comprehensive training in assessment, intervention, and research.
Criminology and Criminal Justice, M.A.
This program offers advanced study in crime theory, justice policy, and research methods. Graduates are prepared for leadership roles in criminal justice agencies, research institutions, and policy organizations.
Social Work, M.S.W.
The M.S.W. prepares students for advanced social work practice in clinical and community settings. Multiple specializations allow students to tailor their studies to career goals.
Dual Graduate Degree Programs
Social Work, M.S.W., and Applied Behavior Analysis, M.A.
This dual degree integrates social work practice with behavior analysis to address diverse client needs. Graduates are prepared for roles in education, health care and human services.
Social Work, M.S.W., and Criminology and Criminal Justice, M.A.
This program blends social work practice with criminological research and policy analysis. Graduates are equipped to address complex social justice and public safety issues.
Social Work, M.S.W., and Law, J.D.
The M.S.W./J.D. program trains professionals to navigate both social service and legal systems. Graduates are uniquely qualified for careers in policy, advocacy and law.
Social Work, M.S.W., and Public Health, M.P.H.
This dual degree combines social work’s person-centered focus with public health’s population-level approach. Graduates address social and health issues through integrated strategies.
Doctoral Degree Programs
Social Work, Ph.D.
This program focuses on research, scholarship, and leadership in the social work field. Graduates are prepared for academic, policy, and advanced program evaluation roles.
Graduate Certificate Programs
Applied Behavior Analysis, Post-Master’s Certificate
Designed for professionals with a graduate degree in a related field, this certificate offers advanced training in Applied Behavior Analysis. Coursework meets requirements to sit for the Board Certified Behavior Analyst® (BCBA®) exam.
Interprofessional Gerontology, Post-Baccalaureate Certificate
This certificate provides specialized training to address the needs of older adults from social work, healthcare, and policy perspectives. It is ideal for professionals seeking to expand their expertise in aging populations.
Accelerated Bachelor’s to Master’s Degree Programs
Criminology and Criminal Justice, B.A. to J.D.
This pathway allows students to earn both a bachelor’s degree and a Juris Doctor in less time. Law school coursework begins during the senior undergraduate year.
Criminology and Criminal Justice, B.A. to M.A.
This program allows exceptional undergraduates to complete both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in less time. Graduate coursework begins during the senior undergraduate year.
Forensic Science, B.S., Crime Scene Investigation Concentration to Criminology and Criminal Justice, M.A.
This accelerated option combines forensic science skills with criminology and criminal justice expertise. Graduates are prepared for roles in law enforcement, investigations, and related fields.
Social Work, B.S., to Social Work, M.S.W.
Eligible undergraduates begin M.S.W. coursework in their senior year. This pathway shortens the time to earn both degrees.
Financial Aid for Graduate Students
The SLU School of Social Work recognizes that cost can be a concern when choosing to continue your education, and has identified the following financial aid resources to assist you:
Beginning in 2023, 100% of new School of Social Work graduate students will receive scholarship support thanks to our generous alumni and benefactors. You may also qualify for federal graduate student loans and apply for assistantship and fellowship opportunities. Plus, incoming students receive one semester of paid practicum experience while fulfilling course requirements. Please note that the terms of the scholarship are subject to change if a student petitions for a degree transfer or fails to remain in good academic standing.
The Doerr Fellowship for Equity and Inclusion is a two-year full-tuition fellowship funded by the School of Social Work for new and continuing students. This fellowship requires recipients to serve as members of the School of Social Work's Equity and Inclusion Committee. Recipients will also be expected to actively participate in the Doerr Center's diversity, equity and inclusion activities throughout the year. This fellowship does not include a stipend or health insurance, nor does it cover any fees.
Eligibility Requirement: Awarded to newly accepted master’s enrolled as a degree-seeking student in the School of Social Work.
Full Graduate Assistants work 20 hours a week and receive tuition remission for one academic year, as well as a monthly stipend and the option for health insurance coverage. Graduate assistants provide assistance with research/scholarship, teaching, community engagement, and other professional or departmental activities.
Eligibility Requirement: Awarded to newly accepted master’s or returning students
enrolled as a degree-seeking student in the School of Social Work
Partial Graduate Interns work either 8 or 16 hours a week and receive $5,000 or $10,000
respectively in tuition remittance for the academic year. Graduate interns provide
assistance with research/scholarship, teaching, community engagement, and other professional
or departmental activities.
Eligibility Requirement: Awarded to newly accepted master’s or returning students
enrolled as a degree-seeking student in the School of Social Work
All Graduate Assistantships/Internships are 9 to 12 month positions beginning in the
summer, fall or spring of each academic year. Individuals can only be awarded a Full
Graduate Assistantship for one academic year. Internships can be awarded for up to
two consecutive years.
For more information about graduate assistantships, fellowships, scholarships and financial aid, please visit SLU’s Graduate Scholarships, Fellowships, Assistantships and Awards website.