Transferring from Another School of Social Work
We accept a limited number of transfer students each year. A student who is enrolled in another graduate social work program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education may apply for transfer-student status equal to a maximum of one half of the total credits needed for graduation from the Boston University School of Social Work. Applicants must be in good standing with the school from which they are transferring and have a minimum GPA of 3.0.
Transfer students must meet SSW admission requirements and application deadlines, and should address their request to transfer in the personal statement. Additionally, a letter of good standing is required at the time you submit your application. This should come from the dean/director (or their designee) of the School of Social Work from which you wish to transfer after you’ve completed your coursework.
Applications are first reviewed for admission. If the applicant is accepted, transfer credits will be reviewed for equivalency with Boston University School of Social Work curriculum.
Once you’ve applied to BUSSW and have been accepted, please email the following materials to abozza@bu.edu:
- A Request to Transfer Credit form for each course you are petitioning for and for which you’ve earned a grade of B or better. All courses must have been completed within five years of your anticipated enrollment.
- A syllabus for each course being submitted for transfer credit.
- An evaluation of your first-year fieldwork (or portion thereof), if applicable.
** Petitions/material submissions for transfer credits for graduate social work or other graduate courses are to be submitted after acceptance and before matriculating into BU School of Social Work.
Transferring Credits from Another School of Social Work
Transfer credits may be awarded to individuals who have taken social work courses as a non-degree student at any School of Social Work. Up to 9 credits may be received for courses taken on a non-matriculating basis, so long as the credits were received from an accredited graduate school of social work.
Transferring Credits from Another Graduate Program (Non Social Work Programs)
Transfer credits may be awarded to individuals who have taken courses in a graduate level program that is not Social Work. Up to 6 credits may be received for courses taken on a matriculating or non-matriculating basis in another accredited, non-social work graduate program.
** Petitions/material submissions for transfer credits for graduate social work or other graduate courses are to be submitted after acceptance and before matriculating in the BU School of Social Work.
Note: Credits which have been applied to a prior degree cannot be transferred. In addition, academic credit is not given for life experience or previous work experience.
Course Waivers
Incoming students with exceptional prior course background in BUSSW foundation course areas may take a waiver exam for SR 743 Research I. Waiver exams must be completed prior to starting classes. The waiver exam policy does not apply to the advanced curriculum.