School of Professional Studies

M.S.W. Admission Requirements

Applicants to the M.S.W. program will need:

1. Liberal arts background
2. Grade point average of 3.0 overall (on a 4.0 scale)
3. A “Statement of Purpose”
4. Three (3) letters of recommendation; one letter should be an academic reference (if possible)
5. Commitment to high standards of personal and professional conduct, as reflected in the NASW Code of Ethics
6. 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
7. 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 M.S.W. 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 M.S.W. 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, M.S.W. Admission Committee members evaluate all transcripts, the “Statement of Purpose,” and letters of recommendation.

Application Considerations
Potential applicants for the M.S.W. program should note that a criminal background may render them ineligible for a field internship which is a requirement to complete the M.S.W. 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 M.S.W. program or concurrent with enrollment in the M.S.W. 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 M.S.W. program.

Advanced Standing Students
Students who have earned a B.S.W. degree within the last five years from a CSWE-accredited institution and who have demonstrated outstanding scholarship in social work courses and excellence in the field may apply for Advanced Standing for up to one-half of the semester hours (30 semester hours) required for the M.S.W. program at Aurora University. Special admission procedures and standards apply to advanced standing applicants. (For additional information on advanced standing, please refer to the M.S.W. Policy Handbook).

Please Note: The information listed on this page is current according to the 2007-2009 Graduate Catalog, unless otherwise noted.