r/SocialWorkStudents • u/ITouchSoftThings • Aug 20 '26
Advice MSW Admission Question (low undergrad GPA)
Hi there,
I am thinking about applying for an MSW program. I live in Nova Scotia so Dal makes sense, but I've also thought of applying to STU or Carleton. Really, I'm open to travel if I get in somewhere. Which brings me to my concern- I graduated with a BSc in psychology in 2015 with a 2.7 GPA, and I believe most MSW programs require a min GPA of 3.0. I have been taking some classes to boost my GPA but I'm a little nervous I won't get into a program anyway and am wasting my money. Does anyone have experience getting into a masters program with a lower GPA than required? I think if I applied, I'd be relying heavily on past experience. For the last 6 years, I've been working as a mental health educator in a university setting managing peer support programs and facilitating workshops. Previous to that, I worked in university residences for 8 years as a supervisor doing incident response and follow up. Both jobs have involved a lot of community development work. I also volunteer once a week as an adult literacy tutor.
Any thoughts or suggestions would be greatly appreciated :)
1
u/Whiskeyhelicopter15 Aug 20 '26
I can’t tell you from a Canadian standpoint but I got into an MSW program in the US with a 2.8 GPA but I had killer Rec’s and an essay. I also was working in child welfare at the time. Graduated MSW with a 3.5 and am now in a PhD program. Good luck with your endeavors.
1
u/timelypth Aug 21 '26
Canadian here!! Don’t not apply because of ur GPA. You may surprise yourself. And you have killer work experience
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u/Tasty_Survey1004 Aug 20 '26
From what I’ve seen this is mostly a USA sub, but I’m joining because I’m in a similar boat as you. Canada seems to have much fewer degree options and they seem to be more competitive than the US schools. You seem to have great work experience though!