Application Process

Master of Social Work (MSW) Application Process

  • Official Transcripts – Applicants may submit unofficial transcripts in PDF format for admission consideration. Final official transcripts will not be required until applicants have deposited and moved forward in the enrollment process. For unconditional admission, your cumulative GPA over the last two years of your undergraduate education should be no less than 3.00. We will, however, consider applicants with less than a 3.00 GPA for conditional admission. If your GPA is less than 3.00, submit a brief letter explaining your undergraduate performance and how you will be able to maintain a 3.00 in Carroll's MSW program.
  • Professional Essay – Applicants answer the following questions (Maximum of 500 words for each response):
    • What is motivating you to seek an MSW degree?
    • How will an MSW degree help you achieve your professional goals? 
    • How do your personal values align with social work's mission and ethical principles?
    • Are there specific social issues you'd like to address or populations you'd like to serve as a professional social worker?
    • Under what conditions do you learn best? 
  • References – Submit three professional/academic references from people who can comment on your potential to successfully complete graduate study.
  • Resume – Describe your educational background and professional or volunteer experience. Emphasize experience in social service-related areas.

Requirement - Students must complete 18-semester credits in humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences. These courses can be taken in disciplines such as anthropology, biology, general studies, history, liberal studies, psychology, or sociology. (Note – these courses do not need to be completed when you apply but must be finished before starting the program).

Scholarships/Financial Aid

We understand financial cost can be a major consideration when selecting an MSW program. We've priced our tuition to be competitive with other programs in our region and major online programs,  while also providing students with an exceptional learning experience. For up to information about program tuition and fees, visit our cost of attendance page.

Students in Carroll's MSW program may be eligible for various kinds of financial support including scholarships, employment-based field practicums, paid practicums, tuition assistance, and more. Most Carroll MSW students enrolling for the first time in a graduate program are also eligible for Federal graduate financial aid. In many cases, the amount of Federal aid available is enough to cover the cost of the program. 

If you have any questions at all about scholarships and financial aid, please send us an email. We're here to help!

Community-based internships (or practicums) are an essential component of graduate social work education, providing students with essential opportunities to connect classroom-based learning and actual practice. If you are currently employed by a social service, behavioral health, or health care organization, tasks undertaken as an employee may qualify as field hours if they are directly linked to social work competencies and practice levels. 

A number of programs are available to help social workers repay students loans. Two major programs include Public Service Loan Forgiveness and Health Resources and Services Administration's (HRSA) National Health Service Corp (NHSC) Loan Repayment Program.

For individuals living in Montana, NHSC is an excellent program because many Montana communities qualify as rural communities and Montana is considered to be a medically underserved state. See this infographic for more information about NHSC programs.

Another great option for information about loan forgiveness is the National Association of Social Worker's Student Loan Debt Forgiveness Program page. Here, you can learn more about the programs above, as well as other repayment options available for social workers.

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