Our Traditional MSW Program is Perfect for Career Changers

Welcome to the Barry University Social Work Program. We view our School and Barry, as a family, and we are so proud to be a part of your journey. Informed by our Core Performance Standards, we will require advanced development of your skills in relationships, communication, critical thinking, and organization. We will challenge you to be your very best and support you all along the way.

The MSW Traditional 63 credits program is designed for motivated newcomers to the field of social work. This program offers the necessary skills to be effective in the field.

Clinical in scope, our trauma-informed, resiliency framework curriculum also provides MSW graduates with a foundation in policy practice, administrative leadership, and applied social research. In addition, our exceptional faculty offer students opportunities for enhanced learning. Our Center for Human Rights and Social Justice also provides a framework for social change.

• CSWE-accredited Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited or internationally recognized college or university.
• Undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher with a 3.0 or higher in all Social Work courses.
• Two Letters of Recommendation from past professors, professionals, supervisors, or community leaders who can attest to your readiness for social work graduate studies.
• A final field evaluation from your undergraduate field placement (can be used in place of one reference
• Write your personal statement. Please write your response in paragraph format:

The Director of Graduate Admissions for Social Work considers your personal statement to be an essential part of your application. It provides you with an opportunity to tell us about yourself, your professional interests that have influenced you to pursue an MSW degree. Your personal statement also gives the Director a glimpse into your ability to write and think critically. Your statement should be typed, doubled spaced, in APA format, and consist of at least 500 words.

Please choose one of the following prompts and provide a minimum 500-word response in the form of an essay.

• Think back to a situation in your life where you had to decide between taking a risk and playing it safe. - Which choice did you make? What was the outcome of your choice?
• Would you have made the same decision looking back on the experience or would you have made a different decision?
• What movie, poem, musical composition, or novel has most influenced your life and the way that you view the world? Why?
• Describe an experience that forever changed your life and how it changed your outlook on life.
• If you were given the ability to change one moment in your life, would you do so? Why or why not? If so, what moment would you change and why?
• How has the neighborhood you've grown up in molded you into the person you are today?

Application Fee

$30 nonrefundable fee must be paid at the time of application.

Non-Discriminatory Admissions Process

To meet the Council on Social Work Education's (CSWE) Educational Policy and Accreditation Standards (EPAS) 4.1.1, the program's admissions policies emphasize equity and inclusivity, ensuring that underrepresented, historically marginalized, and currently oppressed groups have fair access to educational opportunities. The admissions process actively seeks to reduce barriers by offering accessible application formats, holistic review procedures, and flexible criteria that value diverse experiences and perspectives. The program may also engage in targeted outreach to these groups, ensuring that they are aware of opportunities and support systems available within the institution.

By prioritizing these populations, the program demonstrates a commitment to addressing historical and current inequities, reflecting its mission to build a diverse and socially aware student body. Furthermore, the program evaluates its admissions policies regularly to ensure that they align with ongoing equity and inclusion efforts, remaining responsive to evolving community needs and social justice priorities.

At BarryU, our tuition is competitive, affordable and still promises all the perks of a private school education. Our cost per credit is in-line with other institutions, but we offer a mission-driven educational experience and provide our students with small class sizes, personalized attention, and academic excellence. Scholarships, graduate assistantships, and financial aid can also be explored to help offset overall costs.

Barry University participates in the full array of federal and state financial aid programs. At Barry, we are committed to doing all we can to help you finance your education.

For the 2024-2025 academic year, the tuition cost of an MSW degree is $675 per credit. 

The MSW is affordable given the strong demand for social workers. This investment supports entry into a high-impact profession with diverse career opportunities, addressing critical workforce needs in mental health, healthcare, and community services, while offering long-term financial and professional rewards.

If you are an international student, applying as early as possible is in your best interest in order to allow ample time for immigration processing. Please be aware that admission to Barry University does not guarantee that you will be granted a student visa by the United States Embassy or Consulate in your country of origin.