Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Do you have assistantships or scholarships?
There are some partial merit scholarships (first year only) which are awarded to qualified applicants.

How do most students finance their education at Tulane?
Most students who attend our MSW program are on Federal Need Based financial Aid (student loans). Students must complete a federal application called the FAFSA. These applications can be obtained from the Financial Aid Office or from the Admissions Office at the School of Social Work.

Is the GRE required for admission? What is the minimum score?
The GRE is required ONLY if an applicant's cumulative undergraduate GPA is less than 3.0. The required score on the GRE is 1000 or better(verbal and quantitative sections combined).

All applications are reviewed. Strong candidates who do not meet grade point average criterion may be admitted on academic probation for the first 15 credit hours.

What grade point average do you require?
A grade point average of 3.0 or better on a 4 point scale is required for admission.

What is your application deadline? How early should I apply?
Application deadline is March 31st. Applicants should apply as early as six months prior to enrollment date.

Do you have rolling admission?
Yes, we do have rolling admission. This means applications are reviewed and admission decisions are made as soon as all required information is received.

How larger is your school/program (# students and faculty)?
Beginning each academic year, we have approximately 150-175 students enrolled. This includes full-time and part-time master and doctoral students.

We currently have a total of 17 full-time faculty.

What is your acceptance rate?
We accept 80-85 percent of applicants applying to our MSW program.

When do I begin my internship and how many hours are required?
Students begin their internship in the second semester (spring) of full-time study. Students are in supervised field practice in the second, third and fourth semesters and work three days each week (24 contact/clock hours).

Do all internships have to be done in New Orleans?
No, all field practice sites are not in New Orleans. There are field sites in surrounding parishes. Students who wish field placements that are not on our approved list must contact the Director of Field, Dr. Judy Lewis by e-mail or phone 504-862-3482 and toll free 1-800-631-8234..

Are there internships for extended option students?
Yes, those internships are coordinated through the Director of Field, Dr. Judy Lewis.

How long is your program?
We have an accelerated 16-month program over four semesters, fall, spring, summer and fall. We also have a part-time program option, 60 credit hours to be completed in 32 consecutive months.

Students must complete 60 credit hours for the MSW degree.

Is your program clinical, administrative or community based?
The program is a clinical/community program which prepares students for advanced relationship-centered practice with individuals, families and communities.

Do I have to be a social work major to enter the program?
No, we consider applicants from all educational disciplines. Applicants must be graduates from accredited colleges and universities who have completed a well-rounded liberal arts program that included study in the humanities, social science and human biology.

What prerequisites are required to enter your program?
There are no specified prerequisites as long as the applicant completes a well-rounded liberal arts program. The Admissions Committee considers the total application, including grades, experience, GPA if applicable, personal essay and the fit of the applicant's goals with the mission of the MSW program.

How safe is New Orleans?
New Orleans is as safe as any large city. Each individual must be aware of his/her surroundings and act accordingly. We are pleased to report that crime overall has dropped during the past three years in New Orleans.

Is the graduate housing on campus? Can I find housing on and off campus easily?
Yes, there is graduate housing on campus. Applicants must contact Housing and Residence Life at (504) 865-5724 to secure on-campus housing.

Those applicants needing off-campus housing may want to contact a realtor or an apartment finder agency to assist them in locating housing off-campus.

The School of Social Work does not assist applicants with finding housing.