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
- Applications are accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis with priority given to applications
received by January 2nd.
- 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.
Students seeking to transfer to the MSW Program are required to meet the criteria
for admission and follow the application procedures. Students applying to transfer
from another CSWE-accredited social work program are also required to have one of
the academic references be from the program director in the program from which the
applicant is transferring, and must address the academic standing in that program.
A minimum grade of B is required for transfer credit. Transfer credits are subject
to review and approval by the MSW Program Director.
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.
