Most social work degree programs admit only students who have completed some general education credits at an accredited college. For example, Columbia University admits students after 60 credits, and the University of Arkansas admits students who've taken 10 specific courses unrelated to social work.
Almost every degree program in social works requires students to demonstrate a minimum undergraduate GPA. For example, the University of North Carolina requires a 2.4 GPA, and Texas State University requires a 2.5 GPA.
Many social work degree programs require students to have a demonstrated commitment to the professional ethics of social work, as designated in the National Association of Social Workers Code of Ethics.
Many schools admit students who have demonstrated a commitment to community service.
For admission to a master's or Ph.D degree program in social work, most schools require an undergraduate degree in social work or related field and a high GPA.