Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the difference between the Clinical concentration and Community Administrative and Leadership (CAL) concentration?
The Clinical Social Work Concentration builds on the foundation coursework with specific courses in assessment and diagnosis, advanced social work methods with individuals, families and groups, social policy analysis, and practice evaluation research. Additionally, students select options and electives relevant to their areas of interest such as families, children and adolescents, aging, mental health, chemical dependency, corrections, child welfare, and health.
The Community Administrative and Leadership (CAL) Concentration also builds on the foundation coursework and focuses on the use of organizational and administrative practice theory to initiate, improve, or change human service programs. The broad objectives of the CAL Concentration are directed toward the preparation of practitioners who are knowledgeable of the intervention modalities of social work, aware of the nature of related disciplines and professions (such as law, public administration, and accounting), and will begin practice at the level of mid-management in organizational units concerned with human services programs and policy, planning, program development, research, and evaluation.
2. Do I need an undergraduate degree in social work?
No. Our incoming students come from a wide range of undergraduate disciplines including psychology, education, communications, and sociology. Although a social work degree is not required, the admissions committee does look for prior work/volunteer experience in compatible fields.
3. Can I work while going to school full-time?
It is advised that you not work your first year unless it is absolutely necessary. If you are required to work while completing the program, we suggest that you not work more than 10 hours per week. The MSSW full-time program is an intense experience that will require a great deal of attention. We offer quite a few flexible programs including 2.5 year, 3 year, and 3.5 year programs, if you plan on working more than 10-20 hours a week.
4. What makes The University of Texas at Austin School of Social Work different from other Top 10 schools?
The University of Texas at Austin School of Social Work offers an incredible learning environment that promotes the growth of each and every student. Although it is a part of one of the largest universities in the nation, the School of Social Work offers a "small community" environment where one-on-one attention is the norm. Being a Research One Institution, UT offers many opportunities for research, scholarship, and a large faculty with diverse research interests.
5. Do I have to take the GRE in order to apply to the MSSW or PhD program?
Yes. The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) www.gre.org is mandatory for all students who are applying to the MSSW or PhD program. An application is considered incomplete until all requirements are fulfilled.
6. What is a satisfactory GRE score for an incoming student?
On both the quantitative and verbal portion of the test, incoming students average 500-600 out of a possible 800. The average score for the analytical writing portion of the test is a 5.0 out of a possible 6.0. Remember that we take a holistic approach towards the admission process, and the GRE is just one of five factors our admissions committee takes into consideration. The other four are upper-division undergraduate GPA, Volunteer/Work Experience, Letters of Reference, and Personal Narrative.
7. Do I need to turn in all of my application materials together, or can I turn them in separately?
The School of Social Work prefers that you maintain your application and submit it in one package. Turning in a complete application ensures that you have done all that you need to do and will make the application easier to process in the Admissions Office.
8. Once I turn in my application, when will I find out the University's decision?
The Admissions Committee reviews applications after the priority deadline (for PhD applicants December 15 and for MSSW either January 15, or October 1, depending on the semester for which you applied). The review process typically takes 6-8 weeks. Please understand that only complete applications are reviewed.
9. Does prior work experience count towards course credit?
No. When you begin the MSSW program, you will begin your master's education which will include two internships (or field placements). All students must complete the placements and coursework while enrolled in the MSSW program, regardless of prior social work related work experience.
10. What is the average cost of tuition for a semester?
Updated tuition and fees information may be found at: Office of Fiancial Affairs
11. Are transcripts only required from the school where I received my undergraduate degree?
The University of Texas at Austin does require transcripts from all schools that you have attended.
Is there work available at the School of Social Work?
A limited number of TA (Teaching Assistant), GA (Graduate Assistant) and RA (Research Assistant) positions are available for graduate students at the School of Social Work in increments of 5 to 20 hours a week.
Information about how to apply for the Teaching Assistant and Graduate Assistant positions will be mailed to you along with your acceptance packet, when you are accepted into the MSSW or Ph.D. programs. TA and GA selection decisions are made by the Student Financial Assistance Committee. The committee is made up of the Program Directors, the Assistant Dean for Finance, and the Director of Admissions and selects students using the criteria of merit and financial need. If you are selected for a TA or GA position, you will be contacted as soon as possible after the committee makes final decisions near the end of each semester for the following semester. For more information and questions about TA and GA positions, contact the Office of Admissions at (512) 471-7482.
Research Assistant position decisions will be made by the Center for Social Work Research and individual faculty members with funded research. For more information and questions about RA positions or to apply for an RA position, please contact Dr. Carol Lewis at the Center for Social Work Research.