Joint M.S.W. Admissions Requirements

The following are the minimum requirements for applicants. The Joint M.S.W. program does not grant social work course credit for life experience or previous work experience.

Two-Year Program Option

• Undergraduate degree from an accredited university/college (we need physical copies of transcripts for all undergraduate coursework).
• The Joint M.S.W. Program has a 3.0 as the minimum GPA for admission to the program.  However, applicants to the two-year program with GPAs below 3.0 can still be considered for admission.  In this case, the Admissions Committee searches for other evidence of the potential to be successful in MSW coursework (for example, extensive work experience, exceptional personal statement or case analysis).  Applicants should keep in mind that the process is a competitive one.  (If an applicant’s GPA is below 3.0, they may want to consider using our GPA Replacement Policy).
• Three outstanding recommendations using the Recommendation Form in the online application. At least one academic recommendation (from a former professor) is preferred.  Applicants who cannot provide such a recommendation should contact the Admissions Coordinator.  Other recommenders should be professional (employer or supervisor) rather than personal.
• Personal statement, volunteer/work experience form, and case analysis, all of which are accessed through the online application form.  

Advanced Standing Program Option

• BSW degree from a CSWE accredited program*, received within the past ten years (we need transcripts for all undergraduate coursework).
• 3.5 GPA in Social Work Major and 3.0 overall GPA (the GPA Replacement Policy is not available to Advanced Standing applicants).
• Three outstanding recommendations, one of which must be from the student’s BSW field agency supervisor (using the Recommendation Form from the online application).** At least one academic recommendation (from a former professor) is preferred.  Applicants who cannot provide such a recommendation should contact the Admissions Coordinator.  Other recommenders should be professional (employer or supervisor) rather than personal.
• Personal statement, volunteer/work experience form, and case analysis, all of which are accessed through the online application form.

*This includes programs recognized through the CSWE International Social Work Degree Recognition and Evaluation Services or covered under a memorandum of understanding with international social work accreditors.

* *Applicants who are completing a block field placement during the spring semester of the year they apply for the Advanced Standing program option should contact the Admissions Coordinator before submitting the application.

Course Prerequisites – Both Options

The following undergraduate courses should have been taken prior to admission.

• 18 hours of social and behavioral sciences. These may be courses in anthropology, economics, ethnic studies, global studies, history, psychology, social work and/or sociology, or other courses as decided by the transcript reviewer.
• 6 hours of humanities. These may be courses in art, drama, literature, and/or music, or other courses as decided by the transcript reviewer.
• 3 hours of biology, anatomy, human development, or developmental psychology (minimum grade of C)
• 3 hours of statistics. (minimum grade of C)

Technical Standards – Both Options

As a part of the admission process, applicants are asked to read and document that they have read (via an electronic signature) the Joint M.S.W. Technical Standards for Ethical and Professional Practice (PDF).

This document explains expectations of students and is used both in the admissions process and throughout a student’s matriculation in the program if ethical or professional concerns arise. We advise that you review the Standards before you begin the application so you will understand these expectations before you apply.