Academic programs: bsw programs: admissions

Requirements for Admission to the Professional Curriculum

• Download the BSW Application
• download the bsw academic checklist

Students earning a bachelors degree in social work practice in a variety of social welfare settings and with a variety of populations. The School does not approve academic credit for prior work or life experience.

Students who wish to enroll in the professional curriculum in social work must first apply and be accepted to upper-division status (candidacy) for the B.A. degree in social work (BSW degree).

Application Process
The School of Social Work reviews and approves applications for admission to BSW upper-division status (candidacy) each October and March.

• Applications for students to begin upper division course work in the following spring semester should apply by the first Friday of October.
  
  
• To begin upper-division courses the following Fall semester students should apply by the first Friday of March.

Students may apply for upper-division status (candidacy) during the semester in which they are completing their 59-61 prerequisite credit hours

The School welcomes diversity and invites interest and applications from persons who seek to participate in a profession committed to helping people. Admission to candidacy for the degree is determined by:

1. Faculty evaluation of student application
2. Courses required for BSW candidacy completed with a grade of C of higher:
3. ENGL 101-102
4. Area I course in literature
5. Three Area I courses in arts and humanities
6. Area II history course
7. COMM 101
8. POLS 101 or 102
9. SOC 230 or ANTH 209
10. SOC 101
11. PSYC 101
12. ECON 201 or 202
13. SOCWRK 101 (earning a grade of B or better)
14. SOCWRK 201 (earning a grade of B or better)
15. PSYC 309
16. BIOL 100
17. Area III mathematics course
18. Area III core course

A minimum GPA of 2.5 OR a minimum GPA of 2.8 during the two contiguous semesters of full-time enrollment of 12 or more credits prior to application. In order to maintain candidacy status, students must have a GPA of 3.0 or higher in required social work courses.

Applications are also judged by the following criteria:

• Quality of written statement
• Recommendation letters
• Quality and quantity of work/volunteer experience in the human services
• Overall presentation (look/feel) of application

Items to Include with Your BSW Application

All of the following items must by turned it together when you submit your application:

• The Application Information Page--page one of the BSW Application Packet
  
  
• A Personal Vitae or Resume (preferred) or the Personal Information Sheet--page two of the BSW Application Packet
  
  
• Letter of Application--a three to four pages essay addressing your interest in social work as a career, positive life experiences that have shaped your interest in social work, professional social work career goals, and evaluation of personal strengths and limitations as they relate to your success as a Social Worker.
  
  
• A Filled Out Copy of the Academic Checklist--Found on page three of the BSW Application Packet
  
  
• An Unofficial Copy of Your BSU Transcripts and/or Transcript Evaluations from Other Colleges or Universities You Have Attended
  
  
• Two Letters of Recommendation (Human Services Agency Letter and General Letter)--Cover letters are included in the BSW Application Packet.
  
  
• Notarized Criminal Record Statement--Included in the BSW Application Packet, the Social Work Department has a notary on staff and will notarize the document for no charge.
  
  
• Notarized Ethical Statement--Included in the BSW Application Packet, the Social Work Department has a notary on staff and will notarize the document for no charge.

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