School of Social Work Admission
The Saint Louis University School of Social Work is glad that you're considering us for your studies in the field of social work. SLU offers a wide variety of programs in social work and related fields, including applied behavior analysis, criminology and criminal justice and gerontology. For a complete listing of these offerings, visit our Academics page.
Undergraduate Admission
For information about applying to Saint Louis University as a first-time freshman or transfer student, visit the Saint Louis University Office of Admission.
For more information about undergraduate financial aid and scholarships, visit the SLU Office of Student Financial Services.
Graduate Admission
Degrees in the Saint Louis University School of Social Work are designed to empower students to progress through their programs on a full-time or part-time basis. As the saying goes, “a journey of a thousand miles begins with one step.” Our graduate, dual degree, accelerated, certificate, and doctoral programs prepare students for impactful careers in social work, applied behavior analysis, criminology, and related fields. Please see below to learn more about the admission requirements for each program.
Our admissions team is available to help you throughout the application and admissions process. Contact us at sswadmissions@slu.edu
Graduate Degree Programs
Applied Behavior Analysis, M.S.
In person and Online
This program prepares students to use evidence-based interventions to improve the lives of individuals with developmental, behavioral, and learning challenges. Offered both in-person and online, it includes comprehensive training in assessment, intervention, and research.
Criminology and Criminal Justice, M.A.
This program offers advanced study in crime theory, justice policy, and research methods. Graduates are prepared for leadership roles in criminal justice agencies, research institutions, and policy organizations.
Social Work, M.S.W.
The M.S.W. prepares students for advanced social work practice in clinical and community settings. Multiple specializations allow students to tailor their studies to career goals.
Dual Graduate Degree Programs
Social Work, M.S.W., and Applied Behavior Analysis, M.A.
This dual degree integrates social work practice with behavior analysis to address diverse client needs. Graduates are prepared for roles in education, health care and human services.
Social Work, M.S.W., and Criminology and Criminal Justice, M.A.
This program blends social work practice with criminological research and policy analysis. Graduates are equipped to address complex social justice and public safety issues.
Social Work, M.S.W., and Law, J.D.
The M.S.W./J.D. program trains professionals to navigate both social service and legal systems. Graduates are uniquely qualified for careers in policy, advocacy and law.
Social Work, M.S.W., and Public Health, M.P.H.
This dual degree combines social work’s person-centered focus with public health’s population-level approach. Graduates address social and health issues through integrated strategies.
Doctoral Degree Programs
Social Work, Ph.D.
This program focuses on research, scholarship, and leadership in the social work field. Graduates are prepared for academic, policy, and advanced program evaluation roles.
Graduate Certificate Programs
Applied Behavior Analysis, Post-Master’s Certificate
Designed for professionals with a graduate degree in a related field, this certificate offers advanced training in Applied Behavior Analysis. Coursework meets requirements to sit for the Board Certified Behavior Analyst® (BCBA®) exam.
Interprofessional Gerontology, Post-Baccalaureate Certificate
This certificate provides specialized training to address the needs of older adults from social work, healthcare, and policy perspectives. It is ideal for professionals seeking to expand their expertise in aging populations.
Accelerated Bachelor’s to Master’s Degree Programs
Criminology and Criminal Justice, B.A. to J.D.
This pathway allows students to earn both a bachelor’s degree and a Juris Doctor in less time. Law school coursework begins during the senior undergraduate year.
Criminology and Criminal Justice, B.A. to M.A.
This program allows exceptional undergraduates to complete both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in less time. Graduate coursework begins during the senior undergraduate year.
Forensic Science, B.S., Crime Scene Investigation Concentration to Criminology and Criminal Justice, M.A.
This accelerated option combines forensic science skills with criminology and criminal justice expertise. Graduates are prepared for roles in law enforcement, investigations, and related fields.
Social Work, B.S., to Social Work, M.S.W.
Eligible undergraduates begin M.S.W. coursework in their senior year. This pathway shortens the time to earn both degrees.
Financial Aid for Graduate Students
The SLU School of Social Work recognizes that cost can be a concern when choosing to continue your education, and has identified the following financial aid resources to assist you:
The School of Social Work is committed to advancing the field of social work, criminology and criminal justice, and applied behavior analysis for all graduate students seeking the opportunity to learn and lead at Saint Louis University. Through the generosity of our alumni and benefactors, all incoming students in the School of Social Work receive scholarship assistance* to help reduce tuition costs. Scholarships are not contingent upon employment or service obligations.
Certain graduate programs provide a stipend connected to required practicum or internship experiences. M.S.W. students receive a stipend during their first concentration practicum, M.S. A.B.A. students receive a stipend during their second practicum, and C.C.J. students are eligible for a stipend when completing an approved internship. Stipend terms are subject to change if a student changes programs or does not remain in good academic standing.
*Scholarship awards vary and are awarded upon admission. No separate application process is required.
In addition to scholarships, the School of Social Work offers competitive graduate fellowships that provide financial support and/or scholarships along with professional experience to graduate students. Unlike scholarships, all fellowships include a work or research requirement, which varies by fellowship type. Graduate Fellows contribute to the School’s teaching, research, and administrative activities while furthering their professional development.
All graduate fellowships are awarded on a term that aligns with the academic year. Some fellowships are awarded for one academic year, while others extend over two academic years. Renewal or continuation is contingent on performance, available funding, and continued good academic standing.
Doerr Fellowship for Equity and Inclusion
The Doerr Fellowship for Equity and Inclusion is a two-year, full-tuition fellowship funded by the School of Social Work for new students. Fellows serve as active members of the School’s Committee on Culture and Social Justice and are expected to participate in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives sponsored by the Doerr Center for Social Justice Education and Research throughout the year. Doerr Fellows are also expected to attend and participate in at least four recruitment events (virtual or in-person), assist with Doerr Center-related projects as needed and help plan Doerr Center events under the direction of the Center’s Directors.
This fellowship does not include a stipend or health insurance, nor does it cover any fees.
Eligibility: Students must be a newly admitted student in a graduate program within the School of Social Work.
Term Length: Two academic years
Start Term: Typically begins in the fall semester, but may begin in spring or summer depending on program entry.
Field Education Graduate Fellowship
The Field Education Graduate Fellowship offers students a meaningful role in supporting the Field Education Office’s mission and day-to-day operations. Fellows dedicate up to 16 hours per week and receive a $10,000 scholarship for the academic year.
Eligibility: Students must be a newly admitted or returning student in a graduate program within the School of Social Work.
Term Length: One academic year with possible renewal for an additional term.
Start Term: May begin in the fall, spring, or summer semester depending on program entry.
Wrongful Convictions Graduate Fellowship
The Wrongful Convictions Graduate Fellowship supports the Wrongful Convictions Case Review course, with Fellows working closely with Professor Kenya Brumfield-Young to assist in course facilitation and wrongful case review. Fellows work either 8 or 16 hours per week and receive a scholarship in the amount of $5,000 or $10,000, respectively, for the academic year.
Graduate Fellows support both the academic and investigative components of the program. Duties include:
- Assisting in the facilitation of CCJ 4910-02 during class sessions and providing structured support to undergraduate students completing case review tasks.
- Conducting preliminary and advanced case audits, including organization of investigative files, identification of missing materials, and preparation of case timelines.
- Processing records for active cases using established program protocols, including OCR, Bates stamping, file naming, and folder structuring.
- Preparing summaries of police reports, court records, and investigative documents for instructional use and internal case processing.
- Reviewing records requests for accuracy and completeness before they are mailed or submitted to agencies.
- Entering records requests into agency records request portals and tracking responses.
- Supporting communication with innocence partners, including receiving record batches, logging incoming documents, and preparing outgoing materials for attorney partners or collaborating agencies.
- Maintaining program databases, matter templates, and workflow guides in Clio, OneDrive, and SharePoint.
- Assisting with research tasks connected to wrongful conviction scholarship, including literature reviews, data collection, and preparation of instructional or training materials.
- Providing support during case team meetings by taking notes, organizing follow-up tasks, and ensuring timely completion of team assignments.
- Upholding confidentiality and professionalism in all case related work, maintaining compliance with program standards, and completing required training modules.
Eligibility: Students must have successfully completed CCJ4910-02 (Fall) and CCJ 4910-02 (Spring) prior to the term of their fellowship start and must be newly accepted or returning students in a graduate program within the School of Social Work.
Term Length: One academic year
Start Term: Must begin in the fall semester.
School of Social Work Graduate Fellowship
The SSW Graduate Fellowship offers students meaningful opportunities to support the School’s mission through administrative, academic, and program-related activities. Depending on school needs and student interests, Fellows may participate in research support, course support, program coordination, or community engagement initiatives. Fellows contribute 8 or 16 hours per week and receive a scholarship of $5,000 or $10,000, respectively.
Eligibility: Students must be a newly admitted or returning student in a graduate program within the School of Social Work.
Term Length: One academic year with possible renewal for an additional term.
Start Term: May begin in the fall, spring, or summer semester depending on program entry.
Selection and Administration
Fellowships are awarded through a competitive application and review process coordinated by the SSW Associate Dean for Academic Affairs. Selection decisions are based on academic standing, relevant experience, and alignment between student interests and School needs.
Graduate Assistants (GA) are employed to work 20 hours a week and receive tuition remission for 10 months per academic year as well as a monthly stipend and the option for health insurance coverage. GAs provide assistance with research/scholarship, teaching, community engagement, and other professional, SSW, or programmatic activities and are required to attend the University’s Graduate Assistant’s orientation the week before Fall classes.
Eligibility Requirement: A newly accepted or returning student enrolled in a graduate program within the School of Social Work.
Term Length: Master’s level students are limited to one academic year (10 months). Doctoral student GA terms may be renewed.
Start Term: May begin in the fall, spring, or summer semester depending on program entry.
For more information about graduate assistantships, fellowships, scholarships and financial aid, please visit SLU’s Graduate Scholarships, Fellowships, Assistantships and Awards website.