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
Early review deadline
Applicants completing by early review deadline will receive a decision no later than Jan. 31, 2026.
One-year advanced standing applications (which are only an option for Des Moines and Iowa City) will not be accepted after the Dec. 1 deadline.
Standard application deadline
Applications completed between Dec. 2, 2025 and Feb. 1, 2026 will be reviewed following the Feb. 1 deadline. Applicants will receive a decision no later than March 31, 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 type | Learning center | Program options | Program start | Early review application deadline | Final application deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| In-person | Iowa City and Des Moines | 1 year | Summer 2026 | n/a | Dec. 1, 2025 |
| In-person | Iowa City and Des Moines | 2 year | Summer 2026 | Dec. 1, 2025 | Feb. 1, 2026 |
| Synchronous online | Online | 2 year | Summer 2026 | Dec. 1, 2025 | Feb. 1, 2026 |
| In-person | Sioux City | 2 year | Summer 2027 | Dec. 1, 2025 | 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 | Final application deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| In-person | Iowa City and Des Moines | 2, 3, or 4 year | Fall 2026 | Dec. 1, 2025 | Feb. 1, 2026 |
| Synchronous online | Online | 2, 3, or 4 year | Fall 2026 | Dec. 1, 2025 | Feb. 1, 2026 |
| In-person | Sioux City | 3 year | Summer 2026 | Dec. 1, 2025 | Feb. 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.
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
- Name, email address, and phone number for two references:
- One academic reference
- One professional reference
- Unofficial transcripts from all colleges you've attended (except the University of Iowa)
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.