Application open for our Master of Social Work (MSW) and PhD in Social Work programs
The application is open now for the following programs:
Find important information and deadlines below and on our MSW Admissions and PhD in Social Work webpages.
Important Notes: Read Before Applying
- Applicants are encouraged to use a Gmail account when creating an application to ensure that you receive all emails regarding application status updates, admission decisions, and other important communications.
- Once you are enrolled in a program, you cannot switch tracks (ex. Traditional Track to Human Service Experience Track). If you would like to switch tracks, this must be done during the application phase and prior to the application deadline. Additionally, you cannot transfer to another campus or program (ex. Charles River Campus to Online Program) to switch tracks once enrolled in a program.
- Applicants may apply for only one campus per application cycle.
- If you have applied and were not accepted, you must wait one year to reapply to any of our campuses or programs, including the Online MSW Program.
- Advanced Standing applicants: Applicants who are currently in their senior year of a Bachelor of Social Work program and completing their field internship must submit a mid-year field evaluation with their application or as soon as it becomes available. Your acceptance is conditional upon receiving your final field evaluation. If you are doing a block placement and do not have a mid-year evaluation yet, please email busswad@bu.edu for instructions on what to submit with your advanced standing application.
Contact us at busswad@bu.edu or 1-833-255-8970 for assistance or questions.
Start Your Application
MSW Application Deadlines
On-Campus Program – Charles River (Boston) Campus
The application period for Fall 2026 entry to the On-Campus Program – Charles River (Boston) Campus is open now! Apply here.
- Advanced Standing Deadline – November 14, 2025 (all Advanced Standing applicants should apply by this date)
- Please note: our application portal is only able to list one program deadline at a time. After our Advanced Standing deadline passes, the portal will reflect our Priority Deadline. If you are applying for our Priority Deadline, you are welcome to submit your application any time before January 14.
- Priority Deadline – January 14, 2026
- Final Deadline – March 11, 2026
Online Program
The application period for Spring 2026 entry to the Online MSW Program is open now! Apply here.
- Final Deadline – October 22, 2025
Applicants to our Online MSW Program are eligible for a $95 application fee waiver. To request a fee waiver, please email busswad@bu.edu before submitting your application.
The Online MSW Program accepts students three times a year. Students can apply to begin the online program in the spring (January), summer (May), or fall (September) semester.
Worcester Hybrid Program
The application period for Fall 2026 entry to the Worcester Hybrid MSW Program is open now! Apply here.
- Priority Deadline – December 1, 2025
- Standard Deadline – March 12, 2026
- Final Deadline – June 4, 2026
Applicants to our Worcester Hybrid MSW Program are eligible for a $95 application fee waiver. To request a fee waiver, please email busswad@bu.edu before submitting your application.
PhD Application Deadlines
PhD in Social Work
The application period for Fall 2026 entry to the PhD in Social Work Program is open now!
Apply here.
- Final Deadline – December 15, 2025
Reapplication (MSW & PhD)
Reapplication
If a student will not be able to complete the MSW or PhD program within the allowed timeframe after previously taking a
leave of absence*, or has completely withdrawn from a program and wishes to return, the student must re-apply to the program by completing the full admissions process. Please indicate on your application that you are re-applying in the “Personal Information” section under the “Other Information” tab. Be sure to upload transcripts indicating any courses taken within BUSSW. Indicate in your personal statement when you last attended.
*MSW students must complete their degree within six years of the start of the program. PhD students must complete their degree within seven years of their start date.
