Do I Need the GRE for Social Work?

Short answer: it depends. Many Master of Social Work programs do not require the GRE, while most doctoral social work programs are more likely to request it. Requirements vary widely by school, program type, and applicant background. Before you plan test prep or decide to skip the GRE, confirm each program’s published policy and contact admissions when the policy is unclear.

Quick answer by program type

• MSW (Master of Social Work): Increasingly many MSW programs do not require the GRE. Some make the GRE optional, and others offer waivers for qualified applicants.
• PhD in Social Work: More likely to require the GRE, especially for research-focused admissions. Still, some PhD programs allow waivers in special cases.
• DSW (Doctor of Social Work) and professional doctorates: Policies vary. Some programs require the GRE, others do not.
• International applicants: A GRE requirement may be more common for applicants whose transcripts are difficult to evaluate, but many schools will still waive the GRE for strong international applicants with clear academic records.

Why GRE policies vary across social work programs

There is no single national rule that requires social work applicants to take the GRE. The Council on Social Work Education, the main accreditor for social work programs, does not mandate the GRE. Individual schools set admissions criteria based on their priorities. Common reasons programs require or prefer GRE scores include:

• Providing a standardized data point to compare applicants with differing undergraduate contexts
• Evaluating research potential for PhD applicants through quantitative and analytical measures
• Filling information gaps when transcripts or prior coursework do not clearly demonstrate academic readiness

Conversely, many programs are moving away from GRE requirements to increase access, reduce barriers for applicants with strong professional experience, and adopt more holistic review practices.

How to tell whether a specific social work program requires the GRE

1. Visit the program admissions webpage and look for an explicit list of required materials. Programs typically say “GRE required,” “GRE optional,” or “GRE not required.”
2. Check the program FAQ and application checklist PDF. These often specify waiver policies or special conditions.
3. If the site is unclear, email or call the graduate admissions office or the program coordinator. Ask whether the GRE is required for your applicant type, and whether waivers are available.
4. When applicable, review pages for specific tracks such as advanced standing, online learning, or part-time enrollment. Requirements can differ by track.
5. For international applicants, confirm whether the program wants additional documentation such as credential evaluations or whether the GRE is used in place of other comparators.

Suggested questions to ask admissions

• Is the GRE required for the MSW/PhD/DSW program?
• Are there conditions under which the GRE is waived? What documentation is required to request a waiver?
• If optional, how is a submitted GRE score used in the review process?
• For international applicants, does the program treat GRE scores differently?

Common waiver reasons and alternatives to the GRE

When programs offer waivers, they commonly base them on one or more of the following:

• High undergraduate GPA or a graduate degree from an accredited institution
• Substantial relevant professional experience, especially clinical or research experience
• Published research, conference presentations, or strong research assistant experience for doctoral applicants
• Completion of specific prerequisite coursework with strong grades

Alternatives programs may accept in place of the GRE include writing samples, research statements, additional letters of recommendation, or interview performance. Policies vary, so verify what substitutes are acceptable for each program.

MSW versus doctoral admissions: what to expect

MSW programs

Many MSW programs prioritize field experience, letters of recommendation, personal statements, and fit with program mission. Over recent years a growing number of MSW programs have eliminated the GRE requirement or made it optional. Programs that still request the GRE often use it as one part of a holistic review and may offer waivers for experienced applicants. Highly competitive MSW programs or specialized research tracks may still prefer or require GRE scores.

PhD and DSW programs

Doctoral programs generally place more emphasis on quantitative reasoning, research methods readiness, and potential to complete rigorous research. Because of this, PhD programs are more likely than MSW programs to request the GRE. Some doctoral programs, however, now accept other indicators of research preparedness, such as a master’s thesis, publications, or substantial research assistant experience, and may grant waivers.

International applicants: extra considerations

International applicants should note these points:

• Some programs historically used GRE scores to help compare transcripts from different educational systems. That practice is less widespread now, but it still occurs at some schools.
• University graduate admissions offices sometimes require evidence of English language proficiency in addition to or instead of the GRE. Common measures include TOEFL or IELTS.
• If you expect a waiver, confirm whether it applies to international applicants and whether credential evaluation is required.

What to do if a program requires the GRE

If a program you want to apply to requires the GRE, take these steps:

1. Register early with ETS so you can choose a convenient test date and allow time for retakes if necessary.
2. Plan a study schedule. A common approach is 6 to 12 weeks of focused study, but your timeline should reflect your baseline skills and target scores.
3. Prioritize the test sections that matter most for your target program. For PhD programs, quantitative and analytical reasoning may be particularly important. For MSW programs, strong verbal and writing skills are often valued.
4. Use official ETS materials and reputable prep resources for practice tests and question review.
5. Send official GRE scores to programs via ETS. Allow time for score reporting to meet application deadlines.

How GRE scores are typically weighed

Admissions committees use GRE scores differently across programs. Some treat them as a threshold that raises questions if scores are low. Others treat them as one of several data points in a holistic review. For research degrees, committees may place more weight on the quantitative and analytical writing sections. Never assume how much weight a program assigns; if it matters to you, ask the admissions office.

What if your GRE results are weak or you cannot take the test

If you have low GRE scores or cannot take the test before deadlines, consider these options:

• Apply only to programs that do not require the GRE.
• Request a waiver if the program offers one and you meet the criteria.
• Strengthen other parts of your application, such as personal statements, recommendations, and relevant experience.
• If time allows, plan to take the GRE for the next application cycle after focused preparation.

Practical checklist before applying

• Compile a list of target programs and record each program’s GRE policy.
• Note waiver criteria and the process to request a waiver for each program.
• Set test registration and study timelines if the GRE is required or optional and you plan to submit scores.
• Prepare alternative materials that strengthen your application in case you omit the GRE.
• Confirm deadlines and score-reporting times so official scores arrive on time.

Sample email template to ask about GRE policy

Subject: Question about GRE requirement for [Program Name] MSW/PhD admissions

Body:

Hello,

I am preparing my application for the [Program Name] [MSW/PhD/DSW] program. I could not find a clear statement on whether the GRE is required for applicants with a [describe: a recent bachelor’s degree / a master’s degree / professional experience / international transcripts]. Could you please confirm whether the GRE is required for applicants in my situation, and whether waivers are available? If waivers are possible, could you describe the documentation needed and the deadline to request one?

Thank you for your help,

[Your name]

Common FAQs

Is the GRE required for social work licensure?

No. Social work licensure is governed by state licensing boards and does not require the GRE. Licensure typically depends on completion of an accredited degree, supervised clinical hours when required, and passing state licensing exams such as the ASWB exam.

Does the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) require the GRE?

No. CSWE accredits social work programs but does not set admissions test requirements. Individual schools set their own admissions criteria.

Will applying without a GRE hurt my application?

It depends. If the program requires the GRE and you do not submit scores, your application will likely be incomplete. If the program makes the GRE optional, not submitting scores will not automatically disqualify you. In optional situations, a strong GRE can enhance an application when other areas are less competitive. Conversely, a weak score could harm your competitiveness, so think strategically about whether to submit optional scores.

Are there subject GREs for social work?

No. There is no GRE Subject Test in social work. Schools that require a subject-level assessment do not do so via an official GRE Subject Test for social work.

Final thoughts

Many MSW programs now do not require the GRE, but policies vary by school, program track, and degree level. Doctoral programs are more likely to require the GRE, especially if the focus is research. The best next step is practical and specific: make a list of your target programs, record each program’s GRE policy, and contact admissions for clarification when necessary. If the GRE is required, plan your study and test schedule early, and prioritize strengthening other application components if you pursue programs that waive the test.