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MSW Admissions Criteria

• Regionally accredited bachelor’s degree
• Grade point average of 3.0 or higher
  (Grade point average of 2.5 to 3.0 will be considered for conditional admission)
• Human services experience is a plus
• Commitment to the values and goals of the social work profession

Application Due Date

Applications are accepted from July 1 through December 31 for admission the following academic year.

• For best consideration, all materials must be received by December 31.
• The program will receive late materials until February 28 provided that the application was submitted by December 31. However, these applications will only be reviewed if there are still seats available in the program.

Application Materials

• School of Graduate and Professional Studies Application (online)
• MSW Application or Advanced Standing Application (embedded in the graduate application)
• Application fee
• Official transcripts from all colleges/universities attended (must be sent directly by the institution)
• Two recommendation letters (educational or professional) from professors and/or a supervisor or colleague
• Current résumé
• Essay (details below)

Students who graduated within the past six years with a Bachelor of Social Work degree from a program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education are eligible to apply for the 33-credit advanced standing social work program.

Advanced Standing (BSW Graduates Only)

 Please submit the materials above and add the following:

• Practicum evaluation (mid-year for current BSW students; final evaluation for BSW graduates)
• For international students, BSW equivalency documentation from CSWE Social Work Degree (View recognition and evaluation services.)

Advanced Standing for BSW graduates from SCSU, CCSU, ECSU, or WCSU

• School of Graduate and Professional Studies Application (online)
• MSW Application or Advanced Standing Application (embedded in the graduate application)
• Application fee
• Official transcripts from all colleges/universities attended (must be sent directly by the institution)
• Two educational letters of recommendation: One from practicum seminar instructor and one from another faculty member
• Practicum evaluation (mid-year for current BSW students; final evaluation for BSW graduates)
• Essay and resume are waived

For more information, visit the SGPS Master's Programs page.

MSW Personal Essay

This essay will show your ability to think analytically, to write clearly, and to promote the values and goals of the social work profession. Your essay should be no longer than two typed pages, double-spaced, in 12 pt. font (500 words).  While personal insight is important, you are not expected to share deeply personal or potentially traumatic experiences. Instead, reflect on personal, academic, or professional experiences that have shaped your understanding of social work and how you hope to contribute to the profession.

• Why social work?  What led to your interest in becoming a social worker, and what are your future career goals? 
• Why Southern Connecticut State University? How would the MSW program at Southern Connecticut State University prepare you to reach your professional goals?

Questions regarding the application process may be directed to socialwork@southernct.edu.