International PhD Applicants
An applicant who is not a citizen or permanent resident of the United States is considered an international applicant.
In addition to the standard admission criteria outlined for the PhD in Social Work, international applicants must also meet the following requirements:
Foreign Transcripts and Credential Evaluation
International applicants who have completed or are in the process of completing their prerequisite degree outside of the U.S. or English-speaking Canada must submit their academic records to a U.S.-based evaluation service for a course-by-course equivalency report. A certified foreign credential evaluation is required to assess how the academic or professional coursework compares to U.S. educational standards. Applicants to the Brown School’s doctoral program must hold a degree that is deemed equivalent to a U.S. master’s degree.
The Brown School accepts foreign credential evaluation reports from any service that is an active member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES). However, applicants may access a discounted rate and expedited processing through our recommended partner, The Evaluation Company.
Please note that foreign transcript evaluation services typically take two to six weeks to complete. Applicants should begin this process as early as possible in advance of the application deadline to allow for processing time.
Demonstration of English Proficiency
WashU is responsible for confirming that visitors and students possess the necessary level of English language proficiency to succeed in their respective course of study and/or program. For more information on WashU’s accepted English language proficiency tests and minimum score requirements, please visit: https://oiss.washu.edu/english-proficiency-requirements/
WashU accepted tests and minimum score requirements:
- Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) iBT – 90 minimum composite score
- International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic – 6.5 minimum composite score
- GATEWAY English Test (offered on-demand virtually) – 495 minimum overall score
- Duolingo English Test (DET) – 125 minimum overall score