At the University of Montana, we are committed to excellence, creativity, and innovation in social work education. Today’s graduate-level social worker must be able to work with a diverse clientele and engage in practice at multiple levels, from counseling to community change.

At the University of Montana, we take an integrated-practice approach premised on the inseparability of individual struggles and social issues such as poverty, discrimination, oppression, and social injustice. We seek to engage individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities in strengthening personal capacities, social programs, and public policies. We draw on the rich legacy of social justice work in creating a cutting-edge learning experience that prepares social workers for 21st-century challenges. Our advanced integrated-practice curriculum embraces the profession’s commitment to value-based social work practice and promotes social and economic justice by:

• grounding students in social work values and critical thinking;
• providing students with frameworks for understanding historical, political, and cultural contexts of practice, honoring difference, confronting oppression, and taking action for social justice;
• preparing students to bridge direct practice with individuals, groups, and families and the knowledge and skills of community building;
• teaching students to integrate research, policy analysis, and advocacy in their practice regardless of setting, problem area, or specific job description; and
• preparing students as social work leaders committed to promoting empowering, participatory, social-justice-oriented practice.

Program Specifics

• Students complete a 60-credits over three (part-time) academic years
• All courses are taken online and asynchronously
• During years 2 and 3, the fall and spring semesters include a 450-hour practicum placement where students will gain hands-on experience in the field. This translates to approximately 15 hours/week of practicum and coursework
• Many students maintain employment while attending

Applicants must have:

• A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university
  
  
  • If you have an undergraduate GPA of less than 3.0, you may still apply but must write a brief statement regarding the low GPA and what strategies you will use as a grad student to maintain a 3.0 or higher
  • Minimum grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 for all undergraduate work, based on a 4.00 scale
• Official transcripts from all previous institutions
• 3 references – one must be academic
• 2 essays – see details below
• Professional resume/CV

Essay Questions

Both documents must each be 3-4 pages, not counting title and reference pages, and must follow APA formatting guidelines, including proper citation of sources

• Essay Question One: Submit an essay that addresses how your personal qualities, life experience, and professional and volunteer work have led you to the field of social work and prepared you to honor the UM MSW Mission Statement (see below). How will these qualities and experiences shape what you bring to the MSW learning community and to the pursuit of social justice in the field of social work? How do these qualities and experiences make you a strong candidate for the specific MSW program offered at the University of Montana?
• Essay Question Two: Submit an essay that analyzes a contemporary social issue that you consider relevant to the field of social work. In this essay, demonstrate your skills in professional writing and critical analysis. The essay should include the following:
  
  
  • Overview of the issue and its relevance to social work.
  • Brief historical background and context of the issue.
  • Rationale that addresses why this issue matters to social workers in pursuit of social justice.
  • Brief overview of relevant research (3-4 sources) that provides evidence regarding the nature of the issue and strategies for addressing it.
  • Brief description of ways in which social workers and others are working to address the issue.
  • Innovative possibilities for action and change that you would put forth based on your understanding of and experience relating to the issue.
  • Proper citation sources and reference page.

UM School of Social Work Mission Statement

The Master of Social Work program prepares social workers who, guided by a person-in-environment perspective, will promote and support the profession's historic commitment to social and economic justice and equality through direct practice activities and community-based efforts reflecting the needs and dignity of all people. The program educates students to become competent, ethical, and collaborative practitioners, community leaders, and researchers who appreciate diversity, use critical thinking skills, and understand rural and global contexts. Graduates will embrace advances in knowledge and practice promoting the rights and well-being of people and creating a more humane society.

Application Review Process

• Please note that we will only start reviewing applications once all required materials have been submitted. Applications that are not complete will not be eligible for admission consideration.
• If your academic records do not fully showcase your potential, we encourage you to include a personal statement in your application. This statement should explain to the Admissions Committee why you believe you are capable of meeting the demands of graduate education. You can submit this statement under the Documents tab in the application portal.
• GRE: The School of Social Work does not require the Graduate Record Examinations for application. However, if your GPA is below 3.0, we advise submitting your GRE scores. This can provide additional insight into your readiness for graduate-level study.

Application Deadline and Requirements

Applications are due on the 5th day of the month before the start of each term.

• Fall Term Deadline: August 5th
• Spring Term Deadline: December 5th
• Summer Term Deadline: April 5th

General Information

For specific inquiries about the University of Montana Master of Social Work program, please contact the MSW Director, Amanda Cahill, at amanda.cahill@mso.umt.edu.

For general questions about the MSW Online program, including requirements and the application process, please contact the MSW Online Program Coordinator, Kinsey Webb, at kinsey.webb@mso.umt.edu.