We know you have a lot going on, so we worked to make applying for the Iowa MSW easier than ever.

Earn your Master of Social Work and turn your passion for helping others into a professional path. With an easy application process and flexible options, you can quickly get started building the skills to create real change in your community.

Important deadlines

2026 admissions are closed for the following MSW program options

  • Iowa City Advanced Standing
  • Iowa City Regular Standing
  • Des Moines Advanced Standing
  • Online Advanced Standing
  • Online Regular Standing

Information regarding 2027 admissions for these program options will become available in summer 2026.

Admissions remain open for the following MSW program options

  • Des Moines Regular Standing
    • Application deadline extended to March 2, 2026
  • Sioux City Advanced Standing
    • Standard application deadline is February 1, 2027
  • Sioux City Regular Standing
    • Application deadline extended to April 1, 2026

Admissions cycle for advanced standing program by location

Application deadlines depend on the learning center location and the degree path you are interested in.

Advanced Standing MSW Program Admissions cycle
Advanced standing MSW Program typeLearning centerProgram optionsProgram startEarly review application deadlineStandard application deadline
In-personIowa City and Des Moines1 yearSummer 2026n/aDec. 1, 2025
In-personIowa City and Des Moines2 yearSummer 2026Dec. 1, 2025Feb. 1, 2026
Synchronous onlineOnline2 yearSummer 2026Dec. 1, 2025Feb. 1, 2026
In-personSioux City2 yearSummer 2027Dec. 1, 2025Feb. 1, 2027

Deadlines of Dec. 1 will receive an admission decision by the end of January.
Deadlines of Feb. 1 will receive an admission decision by the end of March.

Admissions cycle for regular standing program by location

Application deadlines depend on the learning center location and the degree path you are interested in.

Regular standing MSW program admissions cycle
Regular standing MSW Program typeLearning centerProgram optionsProgram startEarly review application deadlineStandard application deadlineDeadline extension
In-personIowa City and Des Moines2, 3, or 4 yearFall 2026Dec. 1, 2025Feb. 1, 2026We are no longer accepting MSW applications for 2026 admissions to our Iowa City Learning Center. We will continue to accept applications for our Regular Standing MSW program in Des Moines through March 2, 2026.
Synchronous onlineOnline2, 3, or 4 yearFall 2026Dec. 1, 2025Feb. 1, 2026We are no longer accepting MSW applications for 2026 admissions to our Online Learning Center.
In-personSioux City3 yearSummer 2026Dec. 1, 2025Feb. 1, 2026We will continue to accept applications for our Regular Standing MSW program in Sioux City through April 1, 2026.

Deadlines of Dec. 1 will receive an admission decision by the end of January.
Deadlines of Feb. 1 will receive an admission decision by the end of March.

If accepted, when will studies begin?

For advanced standing MSW students in Iowa City, Des Moines, or online, studies begin summer 2026.

For regular standing MSW students in Iowa City, Des Moines, or online, studies begin fall 2026.

For students admitted to the Sioux City cohort:

  • Regular standing begins summer 2026
  • Advanced standing begins summer 2027

Admission requirements

Applicants must meet the requirements of the University of Iowa Graduate College and the criteria outlined in our MSW admissions policy statement.

View MSW Admissions Policy Statement

Application checklist

  • University of Iowa graduate admissions application
  • Two-page statement of purpose
    • Note: One-year advanced standing applicants have an additional question.
  • Brief SSW supplemental data form
  • Resume
  • Reference forms uploaded by two referees. Applicant provides name, email address, and phone for two references:
    • One academic reference
    • One professional reference
    • Note: Submitted reference forms are required by the application deadline for an application to be considered complete.
  • Unofficial transcripts from all colleges you've attended (except the University of Iowa)
    • If you’ve already graduated with your degree, your transcript must show that your degree is conferred, the date conferred and the major.
    • If you are currently enrolled in courses, you must upload current transcripts as the academic year progresses, ultimately showing fall final grades and spring registration.

An application is considered complete and ready for review when all materials have been submitted. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure all application materials are submitted by the application deadline.

Skip the tests

No GRE test score is required for admission to the Iowa MSW program.

Easy application

Whether applying to the online or in-person program, the application is the same. 

Ready to get started?

Start your journey by checking out this quick guide to applying.