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
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 type | Learning center | Program options | Program start | Early review application deadline | Standard application deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| In-person | Iowa City and Des Moines | 1 year | Summer 2027 | n/a | Dec. 1, 2026 |
| In-person | Iowa City and Des Moines | 2 year | Summer 2027 | Dec. 1, 2026 | Feb. 1, 2027 |
| Synchronous online | Online | 2 year | Summer 2027 | Dec. 1, 2026 | Feb. 1, 2027 |
| In-person | Sioux City | 2 year | Summer 2027 | Dec. 1, 2026 | Feb. 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 type | Learning center | Program options | Program start | Early review application deadline | Standard application deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| In-person | Iowa City and Des Moines | 2, 3, or 4 year | Fall 2027 | Dec. 1, 2026 | Feb. 1, 2027 |
| Synchronous online | Online | 2, 3, or 4 year | Fall 2027 | Dec. 1, 2026 | Feb. 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.
If accepted, when will studies begin?
For advanced standing MSW students in Iowa City, Des Moines, or online, studies begin summer 2027.
For regular standing MSW students in Iowa City, Des Moines, or online, studies begin fall 2027.
For students admitted to the Sioux City cohort:
- 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.