Master of Social Work at George Mason University

George Mason University

United States of America, Fairfax

University Rank:#951

International students can study the Social Work at George Mason University at its main campus in Fairfax , United States of America. This Master degree is available as a Full Time program delivered on campus in English. The program has a duration of 2 years and is offered at the university's main campus. Students can apply for the next intake starting on August 21, 2027.

About Master of Social Work

George Mason's accredited Master of Social Work (MSW) program, which began in fall 2002, prepares students for advanced social work practice. The MSW program builds upon a foundation of generalist social work knowledge and skills that integrates micro and macro theory and practice and emphasizes empowerment and systems transformation. This foundation equips students to enhance human well-being and to promote social and economic justice and human rights through ethical professional practice with culturally diverse individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities.

Once the generalist curriculum (30 credit hours) is complete, students choose a specialization in Children, Youth, and Families (CYF) or Adults and Healthy Aging (AHA). Graduates will be prepared to strengthen their communities, stimulate positive change through advocacy, social, and political action, and help meet local, national, and global challenges. All social work students are expected to abide by the Code of Ethics of the National Association of Social Workers. No academic credit towards field experience or coursework is given based on previous work or life experience.

The MSW degree is offered via a regular on-campus or fully online delivery format. The curriculum in both programs is the same, but students must matriculate through only one pathway. Separate application processes are used for on-campus and online programs. On-campus students can complete their degree in a two-, three-, or four-year plan of study. All courses are sequenced and must be taken in the order designated. Students should meet with their academic advisor to ensure timely completion of all degree requirements. The fully online program is offered in a flexible 8-week schedule format, and courses are taken in a prescribed sequence, one at a time, except during semesters when students are in their field practicum.

In both program options, students are required to successfully complete 1,050 hours of supervised field practicum in agencies approved by the Department of Social Work: 450 hours during the generalist year and 600 hours during the specialized practice year. Field placements generally require availability during regular daytime hours. The Department of Social Work will make reasonable efforts to work with a student to secure an appropriate field placement, but it does not guarantee a placement.

Disciplines

College of Public Health

Requirements and Admission Criteria for Master of Social Work at George Mason University

Entry Requirements

International students interested in pursuing graduate study must meet the following requirements:

Completed online application for graduate study and application fee
An earned baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution of higher education, or international equivalent, verified from copies of unofficial transcripts uploaded to the online application Self-Service Center. Note: Due to admissions deadlines, graduate students are sometimes admitted before conferral of a bachelor’s degree. Students who are awaiting conferral of the degree will be permitted to register for their first semester. However, continuance in any graduate program requires an official transcript which verifies conferral of a bachelor’s degree.
Copies of unofficial university transcripts and any earned degree uploaded to the online application Self-Service Center from all universities attended.
All transcripts from colleges or universities outside the United States must be translated into English, if applicable, and submitted for evaluation to the Mason Office of Admissions. Mason will provide evaluation service free of charge for all international transcripts, however, some programs may request an outside evaluation be completed. Because of volume, more time may be needed to process applications requiring a Mason evaluation. For expedited service, students may submit their documents to any NACES member organization at their own expense. For suggested NACES evaluation services, please reference the International Transfer Requirements section above. If you decide to use an external evaluation service or if your program requires an outside evaluation, GPA and Degree equivalences must be included with your course-by-course evaluation. The Office of Admissions has final authority on all evaluations. Evaluations are used for internal purposes and are not released to applicants. For information on international transcript requirements, go here.
Verification of English language proficiency. Please see English language requirements page.
Official GRE, GMAT, LSAT, or MAT or other official test scores, as required by your program sent directly to Mason from the testing agency
Other supplemental materials specified by your academic program such as essays, departmental forms, portfolios, or interviews

English Requirements

PTEMin 67
IELTSMin 7
TOEFLMin 88

Tuition and Fee Information for Master of Social Work at George Mason University

Application Fee 75

How to Apply for Master of Social Work at George Mason University

Your complete application package will require supplemental forms and documents to go along with your application. Examples might include your high school transcript, letters of recommendation, transcripts from universities/colleges attended, visa status, results of standardized tests, essays, resume, activity lists, etc. Materials that you supply can be prepared before you apply. For the Common Application, these items can be uploaded into your application. For Mason’s Exclusive Online Application for Admission, these items can be sent electronically or mailed as directed when you apply. The rest of your documents can be provided after you apply, just be aware of the deadlines that apply to you.

Master of Social Work at George Mason University

George Mason University

United States of America, Fairfax