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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.  

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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

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Graduate Degree Programs

Applied Behavior Analysis, M.S.

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.

Admission and program requirements

Criminology and Criminal Justice, M.A.

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.

Admission and program requirements

Social Work, M.S.W.

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.

Admission and program requirements

Dual Graduate Degree Programs

Social Work, M.S.W., and Applied Behavior Analysis, M.A.

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.

Admission and program requirements

Social Work, M.S.W., and Criminology and Criminal Justice, M.A. 

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.

Admission and program requirements

Social Work, M.S.W., and Law, J.D.

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.

Admission and program requirements

Social Work, M.S.W., and Public Health, M.P.H.

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.

Admission and program requirements

Doctoral Degree Programs

Social Work, Ph.D.

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.

Admission and program requirements

Graduate Certificate Programs

Applied Behavior Analysis, Post-Master’s Certificate

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.

Admission and program requirements

Interprofessional Gerontology, Post-Baccalaureate Certificate

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.

Admission and program requirements

Accelerated Bachelor’s to Master’s Degree Programs

Criminology and Criminal Justice, B.A. to J.D.

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.

Admission and program requirements

Criminology and Criminal Justice, B.A. to M.A.

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.

Admission and program requirements

Forensic Science, B.S., Crime Scene Investigation Concentration to Criminology and Criminal Justice, M.A.

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.

Admission and program requirements

Social Work, B.S., to Social Work, M.S.W.

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.

Admission and program requirements

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:

Graduate Scholarships

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. 

Fellowships

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. 

Apply here by March 1 

Graduate Assistantships

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.

Apply here by March 1 

For more information about graduate assistantships, fellowships, scholarships and financial aid, please visit SLU’s Graduate Scholarships, Fellowships, Assistantships and Awards website.