BACHELOR OF ARTS IN SOCIAL WELFARE
2026 BASW APPLICATION PROCESS & INFORMATION
BASW PROGRAM OVERVIEW
The BASW program gives you the skills, experience and confidence to launch a meaningful career in social work.
Through engaging coursework and a 480-hour supervised community-based practicum, you will grow as an advocate, leader and changemaker for social, racial and economic justice.
You will graduate ready to:
• Apply practical experience to real-world challenges
• Support individuals, families, and communities
• Lead initiatives that create lasting social impact
4 CHECK YOUR ELIGIBILITY
Applicants must meet the following criteria:
n Minimum of 65 college credits completed by the start of the program in September
n Minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA
n Completion of one introductory course in Psychology and one introductory course in Sociology (any 100- or 200-level course qualifies); must have minimum 2.0 (“C” grade) in each prerequisite course
IMPORTANT ADMISSION DEADLINES
Jan. 15, 2026
Priority deadline for financial aid
Feb. 15, 2026
UW transfer admission application deadline for Autumn 2026 (Available December 15)
Apr. 15, 2026
Departmental BASW application deadline (Available by February)
4 APPLY ONLINE
Go to socialwork.uw.edu/admissions/ apply-to-basw, and select Apply Now or follow the QR code.
4 MY BASW APPLICATION CHECKLIST
n Complete short answer questions
n Enter social service experience (no prior experience required)
n Upload your resume
n Gather and upload all college-level unofficial transcripts
n Complete and submit your BASW application by April 15
n Submit your UW Transfer Application by Feb. 15 (transfer students only; this is separate from the BASW application)
n Check your email—we will contact you if we need more information or to update you on your application status
Learn More & Get Support: Attend events, sign up for our mailing list, or book an advising session at socialwork.uw.edu/admissions
Instagram: @uwsocialwork Email: uwsocialwork@uw.edu socialwork.uw.edu
QUICK TIPS FOR TRANSFER STUDENTS
• Complete both the UW Transfer Admissions application and the School of Social Work BASW application.
• Make a smooth transfer by earning a Direct Transfer Agreement (DTA) Associates/Associates in Science degree. These degrees are awarded by a community or technical college with course approvals by a university.
• Please note, degrees in human services may be considered vocational credits and often do not satisfy the requirements for a DTA. These credits may not transfer to the UW.
