Master of Social Work

Apply to the Advanced Standing Master of Social Work (MSW) Program, Summer Start Only

Applicants who hold a B.S.W. degree from a program accredited by the CSWE should apply for the reduced-credit, Advanced Standing program, which begins in the summer. Advanced Standing students take two summer "bridge" courses (Summer Session I and Summer Session II) before moving directly into specialized-level coursework and fieldwork in the fall.

Advanced Standing applicants should meet the following minimum criteria:

• B.S.W. from a CSWE-accredited program within the last seven years
• A GPA of 3.0 (based on a 4.0 scale) in the social work major

Apply to the Master of Social Work (MSW) Program, Fall Start Only

Applicants who hold non-social work degrees should apply to our “regular” 60-credit MSW program, which begins in the fall. Students can complete the program in 2-4 years depending on their preferred course plan. More information regarding course plans and campus-specific information can be found on our Programs webpage.

ADVANCED STANDING PROGRAM

• Priority will be given to applications received by January 2, 2023. ALL application materials must be received by January 2nd to guarantee review by the admissions committee. Be sure to request transcripts and letters of recommendation early, and check the status of your application and dashboard regularly.
• Applications received early will not be reviewed until after the January 2nd deadline.
• Applications completed after the deadline will be reviewed if space is available.
• The Advanced Standing Program is a Summer start program only. For consideration, please select the Summer term on your online application.
• Classes begin in late May in alignment with WCU's Summer Session 1.

REGULAR MSW PROGRAM

2-Year Program

• Applications are accepted on a rolling basis with priority given to applications received by February 1. This is a Fall start program only. For consideration, please select the Fall term on your online application.
• ALL application materials must be received in order to be reviewed for admission. Be sure to request transcripts and letters of recommendation early.
• We will continue to process applications after February 1st for as long as space is available.
• Early applicants will have more options for field placement.
• Classes begin in the Fall.

3-Year and 4-Year Programs

• Applications are accepted on a rolling basis with priority given to applications received by March 1. This is a Fall start program only. For consideration, please select the Fall term on your online application.
• ALL application materials must be received in order to be reviewed for admission. Be sure to request transcripts and letters of recommendation early.
• We will continue to process applications after March 1st for as long as space is available, typically into the summer months.
• Classes begin in Fall.

REQUIREMENTS

• COMPLETED ONLINE GRADUATE APPLICATION
• PERSONAL STATEMENT - Essay prompts are provided within the online application.
• LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION
  • Advanced Standing Applicants:
    Three letters of recommendation, including at least one academic reference (from undergraduate studies or another graduate program) and one work-related (internship, job, or community service) reference. The third letter is the applicant’s choice, but one of the three letters must be from an MSW (including LCSW/LSW) who can evaluate the applicant’s performance in field placement (field supervisor, practice professor) and can speak to the applicant’s preparedness for the Advanced Standing program.
  • 2-year, 3-year and 4-year Regular MSW Program Applicants:
    Three letters of recommendation, including at least one academic reference (from undergraduate studies or another graduate program) and one work-related reference (internship, job, or community service). The third letter is the applicant’s choice, but should be from someone with whom you have a professional relationship.
• OFFICIAL TRANSCRIPTS
  • Applicant must submit official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended, including post-graduate work. Official transcripts should be emailed to the Graduate College at GradAdmissions@wcupa.edu.
  • Applicants who are admitted to the program prior to completing a bachelor’s degree are required to submit final, official copies of all transcripts prior to matriculation. Transcripts must provide confirmation of degree conferred.
• RESUME
• INTERVIEW: Applicant may be asked to interview with members of the admissions committee.
• GRE examinations and other aptitude tests are NOT required.

EVALUATION OF APPLICANTS

Applications are evaluated holistically. Admission decisions for all MSW programs are based on a review of applicant’s transcripts, experience in human services (paid, volunteer, internships), the application essay, recommendation letters, and the admissions interview. In addition to meeting the minimum admissions requirements, applicants are evaluated for the following: communication skills, professionalism, social work values, emotional intelligence, critical thinking skills, and preparedness for field practicum.

Advanced Standing applicants who meet the minimum admissions requirements, but do not meet other admissions criteria for advanced standing status may be accepted to the program part-time, requiring coursework to be completed prior to the entering specialized field internship.

Advanced Standing applicants who do not meet the minimum GPA requirement, but do meet other admissions criteria, may be admitted to the regular MSW program.

You will be notified about your admission decision within 6 weeks after submission and after the application deadline. Notification will be sent via email from WCU's Graduate School. Please be sure to check the email address you provided with your application.