Master of Social Work Degree

The Master of Social Work degree program goal is to prepare graduates to become advanced generalists with a focus on culturally competent practice. The program provides structure with the knowledge, values, and skills needed for advanced practice and leadership. Because HPU sits at a global crossroads, students have firsthand experience providing services to diverse populations. 

• The learning environment at HPU is truly multi-cultural, with students from all 50 states and more than 80 countries. 

• HPU understands the needs of working adults and offers flexible scheduling options. Majority of the classes are offered in the evenings and on weekends, while students can also choose from online and hybrid courses. 

• In addition to being committed teachers, researchers, and scholars, faculty in the MSW program are also veteran practitioners. You will greatly benefit from their experience as community leaders and advocates. 

The goals of the Master of Social Work degree program are:

1. To prepare graduates who will demonstrate competence in social work practice at an advanced level with client systems of all sizes.
2. To prepare graduates who will be able to work effectively with diverse populations in multicultural settings.
3. To prepare graduates who understand the social contexts of social work practice at micro, mezzo, and macro levels, including the changing nature of those contexts, and who advocate for social and economic justice.
4. To promote the values and ethics of professional social work in the program and in its graduates’ practice.
5. To develop in graduates an appropriate foundation for and valuing of lifelong learning, leadership, and generation of knowledge.

Click here to see sample MSW degree plan. 

*Please note this is only a sample degree plan. Please meet with your academic advisor prior to registration to formulate your own plan. 

Admission Deadline for Fall Entry

• Early decision: February 1 (decision notification received by end of February)
• Regular application: March 1 (decision notification by late-May)
• Late/last deadline: April 15 (decision notification in late-May or June)
• All accepted students begin the program in August for the regular program and July for the Advanced Standing program. 

Required Application Materials

• Completed on-line application including personal statement
• Non-refundable application fee (paid online)
• Two reference forms with accompanying letters
• Original official transcripts from previous undergraduate colleges and universities; and if applicable, graduate colleges and universities. The official transcripts (with the college/university seal) must be submitted directly from the colleges or universities. Notify the Office of Graduate Admissions if your transcript is under a former name. 
• Completion with a grade of a "C" or higher in (a) statistics and (b) research methods course

additional Criteria for Admissions

For Regular MSW Status: 

• Conferred baccalaureate degree with at least 30 credit hours in Liberal Arts from an accredited four-year institution
• Minimum overall GPA of a 3.00 on a 4.00 scale
• Completion with a grade of a "C" or higher in (a) statistics and (b) research methods course

 For Master of Social Work Degree Advanced Standing Status

• Conferred baccalaureate degree from a CSWE-accredited BSW program at a four-year institution. The degree should be completed no more than five years before initial enrollment in the Master of Social Work degree program. 
• Minimum overall GPA of 3.00 on a 4.00 scale
• Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.25 in social work courses
• Completion with a grade of a "C" or higher in (a) statistics and (b) research methods course
• One reference form an an accompanying letter from a former BSW faculty member who can attest to your ability to successfully perform advanced standing graduate work
• Copy of BSW field evaluations demonstrating successful field performance*
• For Advanced Standing program (BSW Grads only): All accepted students begin the MSW program in August with other MSW students AFTER completing the intensive SWRK 6050 ”Bridge Course” during summer (1 day/week, 6 hr. class sessions for 4-5 weeks).

*For students who received a BSW degree outside of Hawai'i Pacific University

List of Frequently Asked Questions

In addition to the general admissions requirements, international applicants must also submit: 

• TOEFL scores for applicants whose first language is not English

• International transcript evaluation: All international transcripts not from an English-speaking institution must be translated and evaluated by a reputable credential evaluation service

*Please refer to the Office of Graduate Admissions for additional materials required for admission to Hawai'i Pacific University

Applicant must be enrolled or have recently enrolled in a graduate social work program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). In addition to the requirements for regular Master of Social Work degree status (or MSW Advanced Standing status) transfer applicants must submit: 

• A personal statement that reflects reasons for wanting to transfer to the School of Social Work at Hawai'i Pacific University

• Letter of good standing from the Dean or the Director of the program (or their designee)

• Field evaluation of any fieldwork accomplished up to this point

• A syllabus and course catalog description for each course you wish to transfer for credit (up to 15 credits). *Note: these documents are required only after being accepted into the program. 

Applicants whose overall GPA is below 3.0, on a 4.0 scale may be considered for admissions on a case-by-case basis. Students in this category will be restricted to nine credit hours of course work during the first semester and must earn a B grade or higher in each of the courses. Students who fail to earn a B grade or higher in each course will be dismissed from the Master of Social Work degree program at the end of the fall semester.