Florida State University

Student Video Soundboard

msw online

Download MSW Program Information

Download MSW Program Information

Get all the need-to-know details in our 16-page Online MSW program guide.


  • Admission Requirements
  • Tuition & Financial Aid
  • Master of Social Work Tracks
  • Curriculum

Contact Us

Contact Us

One of our friendly admission counselors will contact you soon to address all your questions about the Online MSW program. In the meantime, you will gain immediate access to the Online MSW program guide.

Download MSW Program Guide

Submitting this form constitutes your express written consent to be called and/or texted by Florida State University at the number(s) you provided, regarding furthering your education. You understand that these calls may be generated using an automated technology, including by way of example, auto-dialer and click-to dial technologies. Calls may be recorded for quality assurance and training purposes. Read our privacy policy.

X Close Form
X Close Form
  • Online MSW Program - Clinically Focused Licensure OptionClinically-focused Licensure Option
  • Online MSW Program - Part TimePart-time for
    Busy Professionals
  • 100% Online MSW ProgramNo GRE Required

Writing Your Statement of Purpose

When submitting your application documents, including your statement of purpose, please put your first and last name on all documents and indicate Distance Learning Clinical Social Work Traditional or Advanced Standing

Social Work is a profession that addresses the needs of vulnerable populations. We are bound by a professional Code of Ethics (see MSW bulletin) that mandates our professional behavior.  Students admitted into our graduate program are expected to act in a manner that reflects these standards.

We wish to evaluate as accurately as possible your qualifications for a professional education in social work and the appropriateness of the program for your educational needs and goals. Therefore, it is important that you respond to EACH of the following questions. Please type your replies, double-spaced, in three to six pages. This is one of the most important parts of your admission application. It is your opportunity to share with the Admissions Committee information about yourself that we will use to evaluate your appropriateness for the program and the profession.

Before submission, make certain that you give the committee members a clear picture of your interests, experiences, and objectives. Remember, each of these questions is scored individually, along with your writing skills, so please answer to the best of your ability.

Type out the questions below in your statement of purpose and answer them accordingly.

  1. Give specific examples how your past experiences and academic achievements have led you to choose social work as a profession.
  2. The social work profession is guided by the NASW code of ethics: https://www.socialworkers.org/About/Ethics/Code-of-Ethics/Code-of-Ethics-English - This code includes working with diverse populations and clients/communities whose values and beliefs may be different from yours. Discuss how your personal values and beliefs are or are not compatible with this professional standard. How will you reconcile any conflicts between your personal values and the requirement of the profession?
  3. Describe an ethical dilemma (Ethical dilemmas, also known as a moral dilemma, are situations in which there is a choice to be made between two options, neither of which resolves the situation in an ethically acceptable fashion) that you have faced in your life. How was it resolved? 

If you feel that your present record does not reflect your potential, please share with the Admissions Committee in your Statement why you think you can manage the demands of graduate education.
 

U.S. News Ranked Program

Florida State University is ranked #19 among the Top Public Universities nationwide and among the Best Value public universities.

Top 30 Best Value

Ranked a Top 30 Social Work Programs by U.S. News and World Report and a Top 30 Best Value Colleges by Kiplinger’s Personal Finance.

CSWE Accredited

We rigorously adhere to the accreditation standards established by the Council on Social Work Education.

Connect with an MSW Admissions Advisor

Whether you just have a simple question or need advice to determine if this Master of Social Work program is right for you, our friendly MSW advisors are here to guide you. They can chat with you about your schedule and guide you through the entire admissions process so that you feel confident moving forward.

Get in touch with an Online MSW advisor

My Advisor has impacted me tremendously ... she supported me the entire way through my MSW application process. She made it easier to complete all the necessary requirements and apply for the social work program I was meant to take. 
- S. Thompson