General Admission Information

Admission Requirements

• A completed application to the University of Mississippi Graduate School
• Evidence of an awarded baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university.
• Evidence of an awarded master’s degree in social work from a CSWE accredited program, and a minimum of two years of post-MSW professional experience is recommended (this can include Micro, Mezzo, or Macro practice experience)*
• A cumulative grade point average (last 60 hours) of at least 3.0 at the baccalaureate level and at least 3.2 at the graduate level is required; however, a higher grade point average is recommended
• Personal statement of purpose. A double-spaced, typed statement of approximately 4–6 pages should describe the candidate’s interest in pursuing a doctoral degree in social welfare, areas of research interest, academic and professional goals, and how joining the graduate program will help the candidate meet these goals.
• Three (3) letters of reference. At least one should be an academic reference (e.g., professor); two others can be professional (e.g., colleagues and supervisors at agency) who are familiar with the candidate’s academic qualifications and potentials to be successful in a doctoral program.
• Academic (preferred) or professional writing sample. Submit a sample of the candidate’s recent (no more than 2 years prior to the submission date) written work that demonstrates his/her writing and analytic skills, including, but not limited to, a term paper, thesis, publication, capstone paper, professional report, and policy brief. Writing samples should be written in English, but there are no specific formatting requirements.
• Resume or curriculum vitae.
• International students whose first language is not English must submit a TOFEL score that is 79 or higher on the Internet Based Test.

* Student prospects who have not earned a MSW degree or who do not have 2 years of post-MSW professional experience can still be considered for admission. However, the PhD Admissions Committee will review and consider such applications on a case-by-case basis.

To be considered for a graduate assistantship (GA),  a completed application must be submitted by March 1.  Application deadline for all applicants is April 1.