Social Work Transfer Tips
Social Work Major
Students may earn a Bachelor of Arts in Social Work from the School of Social Work in residence at the University of Iowa.
- This major can be sequenced in four semesters after admission to the School of Social Work. Students may transfer either sophomore or junior year and still complete the major. Admission to the Social Work program is competitive and requires:
- A cumulative GPA of 2.50 (on a 4.0 scale) at the time of admission. Applicants who do not meet the minimum GPA requirement but demonstrate strengths/potential in other areas may be granted consideration for admission on an individual basis.
- A grade of C or above in of SSW:1022 Social Justice and Social Welfare in the United States or SSW:2222 Introduction to Social Work or comparable course is taken at another college and approved by the School of Social Work is required.
- Completion of the application form.
Meeting these requirements does not guarantee admission. Prior community engagement, advocacy, volunteer, internship, or work experience serving vulnerable/marginalized populations may strengthen application.
Students also should:
- Complete the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences General Education CORE Requirements. Transfer students with an AA degree from an Iowa Community College or Black Hawk College in Illinois will enter the university having fulfilled all of the General Education Program requirements (except world language and Diversity & Inclusion) in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.
- Details for pathways to meet CLAS World Language requirement.
- Complete the following courses:
- PSY:1001 - Elementary Psychology
- SOC:1010 - Introduction to Sociology
- POLI:1100 - Introduction to American Politics
- Meet Admission Requirements for the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
Students who plan to complete their AA degree at an Iowa community college should consider the 2 Plus 2 Guaranteed Graduation Plan.
Use the 2 Plus 2 website and the Online Equivalency Guide to determine appropriate transfer course equivalencies. Transfer students with an AA degree from an Iowa or Illinois community college will enter the university having fulfilled all of the General Education CORE Program requirements (except World Language and Diversity and Inclusion) in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.
2 Plus 2 students must complete the fourth level of a single world language as required for Iowa's General Education CORE Program.
Prospective transfer students should contact the University of Iowa Office of Admissions, 319-335-1566, for information about applying.
Prospective social work majors should contact Tomeka Petersen, ssw-admissions@uiowa.edu, 319-335-1250 with questions about the major.