Students with a BSW from UW-Madison do not need to complete the Course Exemption Form. Students with a BSW from other CSWE accredited program will need to demonstrate that an appropriate course was taken to satisfy our MSW program requirements  for psychopathology. The psychopathology requirement may be met in 3 ways: (1) Prior Coursework Review, (2) Exemption Exam, or (3) Taking Soc Work 612. 

Exemption by Prior Course Review – Generalist Psychopathology

Exemption by prior coursework review is a process whereby a student shows they have taken a course that meets the required foundational social work content for psychopathology. To determine if you took a similar course eligible for exemption, first review the UW-Madison Social Work Generalist Course Descriptions.

If you have taken an equivalent psychopathology course, complete the Course Exemption Form. It will be reviewed for meeting program requirements. Submit the form AFTER you’ve accepted your admission to attend our MSW program. If the course(s) taken are not on the a syllabus is required along with the Course Exemption Form.

To be eligible for exemption, prior coursework must meet the following criteria:

1. UW-Madison undergraduate courses: Previously taken course(s) must be numbered 300 or above
2. Previously taken course(s) must not be older than five years from date of graduation to date of starting the MSW program
3. Must have earned a grade of ‘B’ or better

Exemption by Exam – Generalist Psychopathology

An exemption exam is a way to demonstrate sound understanding of foundational generalist social work content required for our MSW Program. Exemption exams are intended for students who have had prior exposure to the required content. This option is recommended for students who have taken a similar course, but NOT eligible for exemption by prior coursework review. If a student passes an exemption exam, they will earn credit for that course and do not need to take the corresponding class; credit for the class will appear on a student’s transcript and does not need to be supplemented with additional coursework to meet the minimum 49 credit requirement.

Advanced Standing students may take an exemption exam for SW 612 in May, prior to entering the MSW program, to meet the psychopathology requirement. Two hours are allotted for each exam and exams are proctored virtually. Exams are free. Exemption exams are only offered to admitted students and students may only take each exam once.