Admissions Requirements

We encourage you to apply to the BSW degree program as early as possible. Whether you're thinking about applying or have already decided that Barry University is where you belong, our admission counselors are here to help.

For assistance in the application, email admissions@barry.edu, or call 305-899-3100 (local) or 1-800-695-2279 (toll-free).

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.

Start your application now. If you get interrupted and have to return to it later, you can.

Transcripts and Test Scores

Submit official transcripts from all secondary and post secondary institutions. If you completed a G.E.D., forward the official results of that examination and the official high school transcripts documenting your secondary education. Submit official SAT or ACT scores (applies to students under the age of 21). The Barry University code for SAT I is 5053; for ACT, the code is 0718.

GPA: To be admitted into the Bachelor of Social Work program as a freshman/first-year student, your high school transcript must indicate a minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.7. (Admission decisions are determined by all components of your application.)

SAT/ACT Scores: To be admitted into the BSW program as a freshman/first-year student, you must have a minimum SAT score of 930 or an ACT of 18. (Admission decisions are determined by all components of your application.)

If you do not meet these requirements, you still may be eligible for enrollment in the BSW program, based on a review by the BSW Admissions Committee. If the Committee decides to accept you into the program, you will be required to take lower-division social work courses in your freshman and sophomore years, completing those courses with a 2.7 or higher. This additional course work will help ensure your success in the program.

In keeping with CSWE standards, the School of Social Work cannot grant academic credit for life experience or previous work experience, in whole or in part, in lieu of the field internship or any courses in the curriculum.

Start your application now. If you get interrupted and have to return to it later, you can.

Transcripts

Submit official transcripts from all post secondary institutions.
Please note: To be admitted into the BSW degree program as a transfer student, your most recent college GPA must indicate a minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.7. (Admission decisions are determined by all components of your application.)

Exceptions to this policy on college GPA may be granted for special circumstances including:

• Life experience since high school
• Special skills or talents
• Immigrant status

Such exceptions are at the discretion of the Bachelor of Social Work Program Director and require an interview at our main campus in Miami Shores, Florida.

Credit Transfer. Specialized transcript evaluators from Barry's Recruitment and Admissions will evaluate all undergraduate course work you took prior to seeking admission to Barry.

Credits are transferable to Barry in semester-hour equivalents. Transfer credit is awarded for grades of C or better. Credit is not allowed for developmental, preparatory, or vocational course work. Your grades and grade point average will not be transferred, nor will they appear on the Barry transcript. To transfer credit for courses with grades of P, CR, or S, you will need to supply a statement from the institution where the credit was earned that the work is of at least C quality. A maximum of 64 credits will be accepted. Only six of these credits may transfer with upper-level status.

In keeping with CSWE standards, the School of Social Work cannot grant academic credit for life experience or previous work experience, in whole or in part, in lieu of the field internship or any courses in the curriculum.

*The regional accrediting bodies include:

• New England Association of Schools and Colleges
• Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools
• North Central Association of Colleges and Schools
• Northwestern Association of Schools and Colleges
• Southern Association of Colleges and Schools/Commission on Colleges
• Western Association of Schools and Colleges/Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges
• Western Association of Schools and Colleges/Accrediting Commission for Senior Colleges and Universities

Start your application now. If you get interrupted and have to return to it later, you can.

Transcripts

Submit official transcripts from all secondary and post secondary institutions. Barry University prefers that all documents be evaluated and/or translated by Josef Silny and Associates or World Education Service. Please email the Office of Admissions at ssw-admissions@barry.edu or call 305-899-3100 for further information.

TOEFL/IELTS Scores

Submit your official TOEFL or IELTS scores. International applicants who do not give evidence of being native English speakers, including those applying for transfer from U.S. institutions, are required to submit either a score of at least 61 on the internet based TOEFL (500 on the paper based TOEFL) or at least 6.0 on the IELTS.

If you score less than 500 61 on the TOEFL (500 on the paper based test), or less than 6.0 on the IELTS you will be required to improve your English proficiency.

Intensive English instruction is offered at Barry University through the ELS Language Center. Students who complete Master's Level 112 at the ELS Language Center are not required to sit for the TOEFL/IELTS examination. Students who wish to study in the ELS Language Center prior to applying for an academic program should write to:

ELS Language Centers
c/o Barry University
11300 NE 2nd Ave.
Miami Shores, FL 33161-6695
Phone: 305-899-3390
Fax: 305-892-2229
mia@els.com

Consideration may be given to waiving the TOEFL requirement for international applicants who meet one of the following situations:

• The international freshman/first-year applicant presents a composite SAT or ACT test score (English version) which meets the admission standard and also reflects a verbal score that demonstrates English proficiency.
• The international transfer applicant has attended an accredited college/university in the USA, has completed at least 24 hours of transferable degree credits, and is in good standing at the last institution attended.

Your letter of acceptance will include instructions on what to do after you are accepted. Other information will follow once we receive your enrollment deposit. To get an idea of the steps you will need to take as an accepted international student, please refer to the material below.

Submit the enrollment deposit. Your enrollment deposit will equal your first semester's tuition fee. The amount will be given to you in writing, with your acceptance letter. After you have submitted your enrollment deposit, you will be sent the following information from various Barry University offices:

• on-campus housing application (Office of Residential Life)
• medical insurance requirements (Office of Student Health)
• detailed information regarding your I-20 issuance ( Barry University Intercultural Center ), and
• information on the international student orientation ( Barry University Intercultural Center )

Prepare the documentary evidence needed for the I-20. Evidence of adequate finances to fund your studies at Barry University must be attached to the Certificate of Eligibility (I-20A) when you apply for your student visa at the United States Embassy or Consular Office.

In order to be issued a Certificate of Eligibility Form (I-20) by Barry University, you will need to submit an enrollment deposit, a completed Financial Affidavit Form, and an original bank letter or a government/institution sponsorship letter.

Financial Affidavit Form. Please ensure that this document is completed by you (as the student) and your financial sponsor(s). This form is issued by Barry University and sent at the time of admission acceptance. This form is an additional document giving evidence of your financial sponsorship. (Please retain a photocopy of this document for your records.)

You must also submit one of the following:

• Original Bank Letter. An original bank letter addressed to Barry University stating that you and/or your sponsor(s) have funds available to pay the total cost associated with attending Barry University for one year. Please note that the bank letter must not be dated more than six months prior to the start date of classes. You will also need to retain an original bank letter for your records as U.S. Embassy officials may require proof of adequate funds.
  
  OR
  
  
• Government/institution Sponsorship Letter. If you are a government- or institution-sponsored international student, you must submit a government/institution sponsorship letter or a notarized letter of support guaranteeing payment of tuition and fees, books, room and board, medical insurance, and personal expenses for one academic year (two semesters). You will also need to retain a copy of the government/institution sponsorship letter for your records as U.S. Embassy officials may require proof of adequate funds.

Find out how to transfer funds to the U.S. Become familiar with the regulations of your government about sending money to the United States. You should make arrangements to have the necessary funds available at the designated times of enrollment. You may contact your admission counselor by emailing ssw-admissions@barry.edu, or calling 1-305-899-3100 to inquire about the wire transfer process at Barry University.

Submit a Transfer Eligibility Form, if appropriate. If you have attended, or are currently attending, a school in the United States , Puerto Rico , the U.S. Virgin Islands, or Guam , you are required to submit a Transfer Eligibility Form, signed by your school advisor or counselor . This form is issued by Barry University and sent at the time of admission acceptance. 

It is assumed that you are in good health and able to maintain a serious program of study. Before coming to the University, accepted candidates are strongly recommended to submit a physician's report in English for approval by the Campus Health Center. Proof of adequate health insurance is required (with coverage of at least U.S. $50,000). If proof is not available, you will be issued health insurance by the University and billed accordingly.

You must also demonstrate that you have had all vaccinations including: diphtheria and tetanus taken within the last ten years, measles, mumps, and rubella (two doses). You may not register for classes without having met these medical requirements through Barry University's Health Center.

If possible, contact the Office of Admissions to set up a visit to Barry's main campus in Miami Shores, Florida.