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Admissions

Application Procedures for Master's Program

Students enter all programs in the autumn quarter, with the exception of students starting the 15 month Accelerated MA program, which starts in March. SSA uses a self-managed application system, in which applicants submit their applications on-line, and then collect all of the supplemental parts of the application (e.g. transcripts from all colleges/universities attended, references, scholarship aid application, etc.) in one packet to SSA's Office of Admissions.

Only complete applications will be accepted. The application opens on September 1 for admission in the Autumn of the following year. The deadlines for applications to the master's programs are December 1, January 15, and April 1. The application closes in April, with the exception of the application for the 15 month Accelerated program, which closes on October 15.

If you are a student with citizenship in another country, please visit the Application Procedures for Students from Other Countries page.

Procedures

 

  • Application forms. Separate application forms are used for the master's and doctoral degree programs. Apply online or contact the SSA Admissions Office at admissions@ssa.uchicago.edu or call 773-702-1492 to request application materials. Returning master's degree students or applicants who were admitted but did not enroll at the School within the last two years must file a Supplemental Application. Contact the SSA Admissions Office to receive a Supplemental Application.

  • Supplementary Statement. Applicants for the master's degree must submit a four page, double spaced, and typed statementthat discusses the following: (1) a social problem of importance to you, and how a direct practice or policy intervention might provide a way to engage it and (2)describe your specific short and long term goals, and how a social work education at SSA provides a wayfor you to achieve them.  ForEEP applicants - Combining full-time employment and part-time graduate study presents unique challenges to working students. Briefly discuss how you intend to accommodate the additional demands of course and field responsibilities in this program.

    Returning master's degree students as well as candidates who have applied previously should prepare a supplemental statement to the admissions committee updating the previous statement anddescribing interim social work education, experience, or activities.

    Transfer students must include a one page addendum explaining their reason for transferring to the SSA program from their current program of study.

  • Transcripts. New applicants must order a transcript from each college and graduate school they have attended and have the transcripts sent directly to them in a sealed envelope. The applicant then encloses the sealed transcripts with their suplemental materials as directed on the online application. If college work is incomplete at the time of application, a final transcript must be sent when final grades and award of the degree have been recorded.

    Returning students and candidates who have applied previously should order transcripts of any subsequent courses taken elsewhere.

  • Application Fee. Applicants can pay the $60 fee electronically at the time they submit their online application or they can include a check or money order wtih their supplemental materials packet. This application fee is not refundable and does not apply toward tuition or other charges.

  • References. Four letters of reference are required.  Applicants who have completed a course of study in the past five years must submit at least two academic references. Applicants who are or who have recently been employed should include at least one reference from an employment supervisor. References can be submitted online using the online application or can be submitted on paper, in sealed envelopes and included in the supplementary materials packet as described in the online application instructions. 

  • Financial Aid. Applicants applying for financial aid from the University must file an Application for Financial Aid with the School. Students who indicate that they wish to be considered for SSA scholarships will be sent an SSA scholarship application. Applicants who are applying for student loans must also file a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

  • Admission Decision. Admissions decisions are made at three points in the application cycle. Applications received by the December 1 deadline will be reviewed by February 15. Applications received by January 15 will be reviewed by March 15. Applications received by April 1 will be reviewed by May 15.  We strongly recommend applicants use December or January application deadlines as April Applicants will miss the Priority Deadline to apply for Federal Loan and Work Study funds.

  • Admission Deposit. Applicants who are admitted to the School must confirm their acceptance by submitting a $250 non-refundable deposit to reserve their place in the incoming class.  This sum will be credited toward autumn quarter tuition.



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