Master of Social Work Admission Criteria
Admission Criteria
Applicants must possess a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution with a GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. Exceptions to this rule may be granted by the Graduate Programs Committee in consultation with the Admission Committee of individual programs. Applicants must be a U.S. Citizen or permanent resident.
Advanced Standing
Applicants with a baccalaureate degree in social work from a Council of Social Work Education (CSWE) accredited program or a baccalaureate degree recognized through CSWE’s International Social Work Degree Recognition and Evaluation Service or covered under a memorandum of understanding with international social work accreditors for the advanced standing program.
Foundation Program
Applicants with eligible baccalaureate degrees in other academic areas must enroll in the foundation program curriculum before beginning advanced standing.
Admission preference will be given to applicants with 2,000 or more hours of human service and/or professional experience.
*Students who don’t meet the admission requirements may be considered for provisional admission. Please address any special circumstances in your application.
Application Requirements
The following application requirements must be submitted online with your completed application:
- GradCAS application
- A current resume (education, work, volunteer experience)
- Letters of Reference
- Transcripts
- Personal Statement
Letters of Reference
Applicants are required to submit three references. One reference should be from a faculty member or advisor if you are currently in school and/or from a supervisor if you are working. Other references may include people familiar with your current or past work or volunteer experience, preferably a manager or supervisor. References from family members, personal friends, personal therapists, or employees are not acceptable.
Advanced Standing Applicants: If you have yet to graduate from your undergraduate program, one of your references must be from your senior year field placement supervisor. If you have completed your undergraduate program, we highly recommend, but do not require, a reference from your senior field placement supervisor.
Please note: All letters of recommendation must be written/dated within one year of the time you submit your application. If you have any questions, please email Dr. Kelli Gast, the Master of Social Work program director.
Transcripts
Transcripts should include all previous undergraduate and, if applicable, graduate academic institutions, including study abroad transcripts. The program will accept unofficial transcripts for the application review process but will need an official transcript before starting the program. Additional materials may be required for transfer students. Academic credit is not given for life experience or previous work experience.
Personal Statement
We ask that you submit a personal statement as part of your application to the MSW program. Please note that this statement is considered a writing sample and is reviewed for content and writing quality.
Your statement should be 3-4 pages, typed (12 pt. font), double-spaced in an essay format, and should address the following topics:
- How your academic and life experiences have influenced your choice to pursue an MSW degree and prepared you for graduate studies in social work.
- How you have and would continue to uphold the ethical values of the social work profession in your studies and field work, especially as it pertains to anti-oppressive practices and social justice.
- What your short- and long-term professional goals are and how you see the MSW degree contributing to your professional preparation.