Master of Social Work Admission Requirements

We understand it can feel daunting for many to apply to graduate school, but it can be a life-changing opportunity. Here is some information to break down the requirements, steps and resources to assist you in applying. You got this!

To apply to the Master of Social Work program, you need to have:

• A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university and
• A grade point average (GPA) of 2.75 or higher.
• No specific coursework, prerequisites, or GRE are required for admission into the MSW program.

We understand admission metrics often inadvertently disadvantage people. Therefore, we have intentionally selected minimal requirements. This is one way we live the social work value of social justice.

To Apply to the WSU MSW program, you need to submit a complete application to the Graduate School in their application management system.

A complete application includes:

1. Unofficial transcripts from all colleges/universities you have attended.
2. The names and emails of three references.
   
   • Your references will be contacted directly to input their ratings and letter of recommendation for you.
   • All applicants must include at least one academic reference and at least one professional reference.
   • If applying for the Advanced Standing Program, one reference must be a licensed social worker.
3. Your personal statement.
   Learn more about the personal statement requirement

   Compose a self-reflective essay that demonstrates your interest and suitability for the MSW Program and degree. To ensure impartiality in evaluation, do not include your name or names of particular agencies in the title, body, or at the end of your essay. Suggested length is 4 to 6 typewritten pages, double-spaced, 12-point font.

   Include the following:

   • Personal and professional values and/or beliefs that have led you to consider a graduate degree in social work
   • Your special interests for a career in social work
   • Experiences with people who are culturally, ethnically, or in other ways different from your own background
   • Personal experiences which contribute to your choice of a social work career
   • Professional and/or social service experiences which contribute to your choice of a social work career at the master's level

   The Personal Statement will be uploaded into the Graduate School online application.
4. Your resume.
   
   • Whether you are a prospective or current student, if you would like assistance with your resume, please contact the Shocker Career Accelerator. We are rooting for you to succeed!
5. Pay the application fee.
   
   • At this time, the fee is not waived by the Graduate School for any reason. (We do not receive any of this money. We would waive it if we had that power – which is probably why we do not have that power.)

The priority application deadline is the second Friday in January.

The School of Social Work at Wichita State University does not grant social work core credits for life experience or previous work experience. It is our policy in the School of Social Work in accordance with Council on Social Work Education accreditation requirements, academic credit will not be given for life experience or work experience in coursework or field practicum. There will be no credit toward the social work degree for prior life or work experience.