Documents Required

Official sources are the final authority

Statement of Reasons for Graduate Study

3–4 pages double-spaced, 12pt font.

CV or resume

CV preferred.

Writing sample

First-author journal articles, chapters, theses, term papers, or research reports in English; equivalent of at least 5 pages double-spaced, 12pt font.

Recommendation letters x 3

Due by the December 1 application deadline. At least two from professors or PhD-level researchers who can evaluate research competency and potential. Letters from friends, family, therapists, or clergy not accepted.

Social Welfare PhD supplemental application

Includes last-60-credits GPA, areas of interest, faculty of interest, and Standard/PhD-Only/Joint track selection.

Unofficial transcript(s)

Official transcripts requested after the program recommends admission. Non-English documents need official English translation.

Published Score Requirements

Official sources are the final authority

Academic: Bachelor's degree with GPA 3.0/4.0; At least 3.00 on the equivalent of the last 60 semester hours. Applicants with a master's should have a strong graduate record.
Prerequisites: Coursework prerequisites; A completed statistics course and 30 semester credits of social science courses. Evidence of research interest and potential for scholarship in a relevant social problem area.
IELTS: 7.0 overall; School of Social Work PhD minimum.
TOEFL: Old scale: 100 overall; School of Social Work PhD minimum (higher than Graduate School). New TOEFL 0–6 scale mapping not published by the program.
GRE: Optional; Not required but may be considered if available (Graduate Guide). Program FAQ states GRE is no longer required.

UW–Social WelfareUniversity of Wisconsin–Madison

Program Info

Program Overview

Application Result

Score Distribution

Documents Required

Published Score Requirements