College of Professional Studies
School of Social Work
MSW Admission Requirements:
Applicants to the MSW program will need:
- Liberal arts background;
- Grade point average of 3.0 overall
(on a 4.0 scale);
- A “Statement of Purpose”;
- Three (3) letters of
recommendation; (2 letters should be academic references)
- Committed
to high standards of personal and professional conduct, as reflected
in the NASW Code of Ethics;
- Personal characteristics indicative
of the capacity for professional practice as evidenced by:
- personal
maturity;
- a high level of personal integrity, readiness to identify
with the values and ethical principles of the social work profession;
- commitment to social justice and to improvement of the condition
of vulnerable and oppressed groups.
- Volunteer or work experience
which demonstrates knowledge and interest in the field of social
work, supported by at least one letter of recommendation which addresses
the qualities of genuine concern for people, readiness to be of service
to others, and potential for direct service skills.
Admission Interviews
Admission interviews are conducted on a selected basis. The interview
may be conducted via the telephone or in person. If an interview is conducted
the applicant’s admission materials are reviewed and questions
regarding the MSW program are answered.
Admission Review Process
The School of Social Work strives to recruit a diverse group of students
who have had relevant and significant work and life experiences, and
who can relate to diverse and vulnerable populations. The MSW Admission
Committee will consider factors relating to the applicant’s academic
ability, work, service, and extracurricular experience, especially as
they relate to promotion and development of resilient communities, organizations,
social groups, families and individuals. In reviewing applications, MSW
Admission Committee members evaluate all transcripts, the “Statement
of Purpose”, and letters of recommendation.
Application Considerations
Potential applicants for the MSW program should note that a criminal
background may render them ineligible for a field internship which is
a requirement to complete the MSW program. The applicant may also be
ineligible for licensure after graduation.
Provisional Admission
A student seeking regular admission whose official transcripts or other
required documents have not arrived by the established deadline due to
circumstances beyond the applicant’s control and who otherwise
meets all requirements for admission to the program may be admitted provisionally
for one semester. A provisional student whose admission status is not
complete by the first day of the next semester (excluding summer) will
be administratively dropped from classes.
Conditional Acceptance
On occasion, an applicant may be accepted into the program conditionally.
Conditional acceptance requires that an applicant meet certain conditions
either prior to beginning the MSW program or concurrent with enrollment
in the MSW program. Applicants being accepted conditionally are notified
in writing of the necessary conditions that must be addressed prior to
full acceptance being granted. Full acceptance is required if students
are to be permitted to continue in the MSW program.
Advanced Standing Students
Students who have earned a BSW degree (within the last five years) from
a CSWE accredited institution and who have demonstrated outstanding scholarship
(at least a “B” grade) in social work courses and excellence
in the field may apply for Advanced Standing for up to 27
semester hours required for the MSW Program at Aurora
University. Advanced standing students are required to complete SWK6500:
SW Perspectives on Psychotherapy offered through the School of Social
Work in the summer prior to fall enrollment. Special admission procedures
and standards apply to advanced standing applicants (For additional information
on Advanced Standing, please refer to the MSW Policy Handbook).
For more information about the MSW Program,
please contact:
Melissa Yovich-Whattam,
630 844-5292, myovich@aurora.edu,
Director of Graduate Enrollment
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