10 Social Work Programs With No GRE Requirement 2026

If you're ready to pursue a Master of Social Work (MSW) but dread the idea of studying for another standardized test, you're not alone. A growing number of accredited social work programs have dropped the GRE from their admissions process, putting the focus back on your academic record, relevant experience, and readiness for graduate-level work.

This shift mirrors what's happening across graduate education more broadly, where schools increasingly favor holistic review over test scores. Below, we'll cover what the GRE is, whether MSW programs still expect it, and 10 accredited social work programs that don't require it for admission.

What Is the GRE and Why Do Some Social Work Programs Require It?

The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is a standardized test that measures verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing. For decades, it served as a common benchmark graduate schools used to compare applicants from different undergraduate backgrounds, since GPAs and course rigor can vary widely from one college to the next.

Some social work programs historically leaned on the GRE because graduate coursework often includes research methods, statistics, and policy analysis alongside clinical skills. A test score gave admissions committees one more data point to gauge whether an applicant could handle that mix. Programs with limited seats or highly competitive applicant pools were also more likely to keep the requirement, using it as an additional filter during review.

That said, the GRE was never a perfect predictor of success in a helping profession like social work, where empathy, communication, and field readiness matter just as much as academic aptitude. That gap is a big part of why so many programs have moved away from it in recent years. 

Do You Need the GRE for an MSW Program?

Most MSW programs no longer require the GRE. Admissions committees typically rely on a holistic review process instead, weighing your undergraduate GPA, relevant work or volunteer experience, letters of recommendation, and a personal statement that speaks to your commitment to the field. Some schools still accept GRE scores if you want to submit them, but treat them as optional rather than a requirement.

This shift makes sense given the nature of the profession. Social work draws heavily on interpersonal skills, cultural competence, and practical judgment, qualities a standardized test doesn't capture well. Dropping the GRE also removes a real barrier for career changers, working adults, and students who've been out of school for years and don't have time to prep for another exam.

If you're comparing programs, don't assume every school follows the same policy. GRE requirements can vary even within the same university depending on the degree track, so confirm the current policy directly on each program's admissions page before you apply.

Top Social Work Programs With No GRE Requirement

Below, we’ve highlighted some best social work degree programs that don’t require applicants to submit GRE scores. Note that every program on this list holds accreditation from the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). 

1. Boise State University

Boise State University is located in Boise, Idaho, and holds regional accreditation from the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU). Its School of Social Work offers a fully online MSW through two tracks, Regular Standing and Advanced Standing, both delivered asynchronously so you can move through coursework on your own schedule.

The curriculum leans into human rights, anti-racist, and anti-oppressive frameworks, preparing you to serve underserved and marginalized communities wherever you end up practicing. Field placements are arranged close to home rather than in Boise, so you won't need to relocate to complete your practicum hours. Boise State doesn't require the GRE for either track, though it does expect a thoughtful personal essay covering your social work philosophy, your view on diversity, and your personal strengths. 

2. Concord University

Concord University, based in Athens, West Virginia, is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). Its online MSW stands out for a built-in rural practice concentration, weaving Appalachian culture, rural policy, and strengths-based approaches into coursework built for underserved rural communities.

The program runs almost entirely online with minimal face-to-face requirements, and Concord charges the same flat tuition rate no matter where you live, a real advantage if you're comparing costs across state lines. No GRE is required to apply, and you can choose between the 60-credit Regular Standing track or the 36-credit Advanced Standing option if you already hold a BSW. 

3. Eastern University

If a religious approach to social work education matters to you, Eastern University's online MSW might be worth a look. Rooted in a Christian worldview, the program weaves ethical decision-making and spiritually informed practice into a curriculum that also emphasizes trauma-informed competencies across clinical and community settings.

Located in St. Davids, Pennsylvania, and accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE), Eastern delivers the program fully online in seven-week terms, pairing asynchronous coursework with in-person internships arranged near where you live. You can choose the two-year, 60-credit Traditional MSW or, if you already hold a CSWE-accredited BSW, the accelerated Advanced Standing track. No GRE is required, though you will need a BSW GPA of 3.0 or higher to qualify for Advanced Standing. 

4. Louisiana State University

LSU's School of Social Work has been training social workers since 1937, giving its MSWk one of the longer track records on this list. The fully online program splits into a "generalist year" focused on foundational theory and a "specialized year" that deepens your training in areas like differential diagnosis, community engagement, and direct practice.

Based in Baton Rouge and accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), LSU runs its online courses in seven-week modules with six start dates a year, a useful option if you don't want to wait for a single fall intake. The 60-credit Traditional track includes 960 hours of field practicum, while BSW holders can apply to the 33-credit Advanced Standing track instead. GRE scores aren't part of the application. 

5. Missouri State University

Affordability is the standout at Missouri State. The school’s online MSW comes in well below what many other CSWE-accredited programs charge per credit, making it a strong option if cost is your top priority. The advanced generalist curriculum is designed to prepare you for licensure as a clinical social worker, with coursework grounded in ethical leadership and culturally informed practice.

The program is based in Springfield, Missouri, and holds regional accreditation from the HLC. Most coursework happens online, though you'll need to attend a handful of one-day, in-person meetings on campus over the course of the program, so it's not a fully remote option if you live far from Missouri. Regular Standing applicants complete 62 credits, while Advanced Standing students with a BSW can finish in 34. The GRE is not required for either track.

6. Ohio University

Ohio University built its online MSW with rural and Appalachian practice in mind, training students to serve communities that often have limited access to social services. The program has held CSWE accreditation since 2002 and has been recognized among the more affordable online MSW options nationally.

Based in Athens, Ohio, and accredited by the HLC, the program runs 100% online with no required campus visits, and it offers three start dates a year along with rolling admissions. You can choose the 62-credit Foundation track or, if you hold a BSW, the 36-credit Advanced Standing track, with field practicums arranged through a network of more than 500 partner agencies. Ohio University doesn't require the GRE or GMAT, and test scores aren't reviewed even if you have them. 

7. Radford University

Radford University built its MSW around rural and community-based practice, a natural fit given its home in Virginia's New River Valley. The program has held CSWE accreditation for 27 years, with its current accreditation cycle running through 2030, and gives students access to more than 300 practicum sites to complete their field hours.

You can choose between the Standard track (61 credits) or the Advanced Standing option (40 credits) if you already hold a BSW, with both available through a mix of online and in-person coursework. Radford is one of the best online colleges in Virginia and regionally accredited by SACSCOC. Neither the GRE nor the Miller Analogies Test factors into admission, though the school does expect a solid liberal arts foundation, including specific coursework in the social sciences and humanities. 

8. University of Central Florida

With CSWE accreditation dating back to 1974, the University of Central Florida's School of Social Work has had decades to refine its MSW program. The fully online degree comes in two tracks: Traditional, for students without a social work background, and Advanced Standing, a cohort-based option that lets BSW holders finish in about 16 months by taking one course at a time.

UCF, based in Orlando and accredited by SACSCOC, handles field placement logistics for you, matching students with agencies within about 45 miles of home so you can complete your hours without a lengthy commute or relocation. The curriculum centers on clinical social work practice with individuals, families, groups, and communities, and GRE scores aren't part of the application. 

9. University of Houston

The University of Houston's Graduate College of Social Work has a longer history than most on this list, established by the Texas State Legislature back in 1967. Today, the program is available through face-to-face, hybrid, and part-time online formats, with the online track built around a cohort model that keeps you with the same group of classmates from start to finish.

Located in Houston and accredited by SACSCOC, the program requires 900 hours of field practicum in the Traditional track or 720 for Advanced Standing students, and the online option focuses specifically on a Clinical Practice concentration. No GRE is required, and the cohort structure gives online students a built-in support network and firm deadlines to help keep coursework on track.

10. University of Kentucky  

One of the more distinctive perks at the University of Kentucky is tuition: online MSW students pay the same in-state rate regardless of where they actually live, which keeps costs predictable no matter your home state. The fully online program offers Regular Standing (60 credits) and Advanced Standing (30 credits) paths, along with a notable range of specializations, including clinical social work, child welfare, military behavioral health, school social work, and substance use disorder.

The University of Kentucky is based in Lexington and holds regional accreditation from SACSCOC. Applicants aren't required to submit GRE scores for either track, and the program instead leans on transcripts, letters of recommendation, a resume, and a personal statement to evaluate readiness.

How We Rank Schools

To create this list, we review data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard and the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), along with program-level details published by each university.

Because an MSW is often a stepping stone to state licensure, we paid close attention to accreditation and admissions accessibility, while also weighing the practical factors that matter most to working adults and career changers considering a return to school.

• Accreditation: Every school on this list holds accreditation from the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), the field's recognized national accrediting body, in addition to regional accreditation.
• GRE-optional admissions: We prioritized programs that have dropped the GRE requirement entirely, rather than schools that only offer conditional waivers based on GPA.
• Affordability: We favored schools with tuition rates that stay below or near $800 per credit, along with transparent pricing and access to federal financial aid through FAFSA.
• Flexibility: We looked for programs offering online coursework, asynchronous formats, and manageable field placement logistics for students balancing work or family responsibilities.

Learn more about our ranking methodology.

Typical Admissions Requirements for MSW Programs

Admissions requirements vary by school, but most programs converge on a similar set of expectations, especially now that the GRE has fallen out of the picture. Here's what you can generally expect to submit:

• Bachelor's degree: A degree from a regionally accredited institution, in any field for Traditional or Regular Standing tracks, or specifically in social work (from a CSWE-accredited BSW program) for Advanced Standing
• Official transcripts: Records from every college or university you've attended, including community colleges or dual-credit coursework
• Minimum GPA: Commonly somewhere between 2.5 and 3.0, though many schools will still consider you below that threshold with a strong overall application
• Letters of recommendation: Typically two to three, ideally from professors, supervisors, or field instructors who can speak to your readiness for graduate-level work
• Personal statement: An essay outlining your interest in social work, relevant experience, and career goals
• Resume or CV: A summary of any relevant work, internship, or volunteer experience
• Proof of English proficiency: Required for international applicants whose first language isn't English

Some programs add their own requirements on top of this baseline. A few expect a background in the liberal arts or specific coursework in the social sciences, and a handful conduct interviews for competitive applicants. Since requirements shift from cycle to cycle, it's worth confirming the current admissions checklist directly on each program's website before you start pulling materials together.

How Much Do MSW Programs Cost?

The cost of an MSW varies widely depending on the school, your residency status, and whether you qualify for an Advanced Standing track that shortens your time in the program. Public universities tend to offer the most competitive rates, especially for in-state students, while private institutions and out-of-state tuition can push costs considerably higher.

Advanced Standing tracks are one of the more reliable ways to bring your total cost down, since you're completing fewer credit hours to reach the same degree. Beyond tuition, plan for additional expenses like technology or program fees, textbooks, and any background checks or liability insurance tied to your field placement, since these add-on costs aren't always reflected in a school's published tuition rate.

Most students don't cover the full cost out of pocket. Filing the FAFSA opens the door to federal loans, grants, and work-study, and social work students have access to a few funding sources built specifically for the field, including Title IV-E child welfare stipends, NASW Foundation scholarships, and Public Service Loan Forgiveness for those who go on to work in qualifying government or nonprofit roles.

How To Choose the Right No-GRE MSW Program

With so many schools now dropping the GRE, admissions policy alone won't narrow your list much. These are the factors worth weighing once test scores are off the table.

• CSWE accreditation and licensure alignment: Confirm the program's curriculum and concentration options line up with the licensure requirements in the state where you plan to practice, since supervised hours and clinical coursework can vary.
• Program format and flexibility: Some programs run fully asynchronous, while others build in synchronous sessions, cohort structures, or occasional campus visits. Weigh how much structure you want against your work and family commitments.
• Field placement support: A strong field education office connects you with a placement rather than leaving you to find one on your own, which matters even more for online students placing near home rather than campus.
• Concentration options: Look for a program aligned with where you want to end up, whether that's clinical practice, rural and underserved community work, child welfare, or macro-level policy.
• Cost and total time to degree: An Advanced Standing track can cut both cost and time significantly if you already hold a BSW, so compare total credits required rather than just the per-credit rate.

Career Outlook With an MSW Degree

An MSW can open doors to clinical practice, healthcare settings, school systems, and leadership roles that typically aren't available with a bachelor's alone. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), social workers earn a median annual wage of $61,330, with employment projected to grow 6% from 2024 to 2034, faster than the average for all occupations, adding roughly 74,000 openings a year.

Demand runs especially strong in healthcare and mental health and substance abuse social work, both projected to outpace the occupation's overall growth. Whatever direction you head, an MSW also builds advocacy, assessment, and client-centered practice skills that transfer well to related human services roles.

FAQs About Social Work Programs With No GRE Requirement

If you're weighing a GRE-optional MSW, you probably have a few more questions beyond admissions policy. Here are answers to some of the most common ones.

Do No-GRE MSW Programs Have Lower Admissions Standards?

Not necessarily. Dropping the GRE doesn't mean a program has lowered the bar, it just means admissions committees are weighing your GPA, experience, and personal statement more heavily instead of a test score. Many no-GRE programs remain competitive, particularly those with limited advanced standing seats.

What Is the Difference Between Regular Standing and Advanced Standing?

Regular Standing (sometimes called Traditional) is designed for applicants without a social work background and typically requires around 60 credits. Advanced Standing is reserved for BSW graduates from a CSWE-accredited program and waives foundational coursework, cutting the credit total roughly in half and shortening your timeline significantly.

Can I Submit GRE Scores Even If They Aren't Required?

In most cases, yes. Many programs will still accept GRE scores as a supplemental piece of your application if you feel they strengthen your case, particularly if your GPA falls below a school's preferred threshold. It's worth checking with the admissions office directly, since some schools don't review scores at all even if submitted.

How Long Does It Take to Complete an MSW Without the GRE?

Program length depends on your track and enrollment status rather than whether the GRE is required. Regular Standing programs generally take about two years full time, while Advanced Standing tracks can often be finished in one year. Part-time students should expect to add a year or more to either timeline.

Does Skipping the GRE Affect Financial Aid Eligibility?

Federal financial aid through the FAFSA is based on financial need, not standardized test scores, so a GRE-optional program won't limit your access to loans, grants, or work-study. Scholarships and assistantships tied to a specific school or program may have their own criteria, so it's worth checking those separately.

Discover Social Work Master’s Degrees

Find your perfect MSW program by exploring the options featured on Learn.org. To find out more about a school’s admissions policies, reach out to that institution directly.