Masters Degree

Master of Social Work (MSW) Admissions Process:
Information and Instructions

We are delighted that you are considering Humboldt State University's Master's of Social Work Program. Our faculty, staff and the community have closely collaborated to develop a unique curriculum with special emphases on social work in rural settings, Native American communities, and social justice. We are dedicated to offering a quality graduate program that will prepare you for a career in social work. The program is fully accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.

Requirements for applying to the MSW Program:

•  Baccalaureate degree from an accredited higher education institution.

•  GPA of 3.0 or better on a 4.0 scale for the last 60 hours of academic course work.

•  Completion with a grade of "C" or better in Elementary Statistics (Math, Psychology or Sociology).

•  Complete California State University (Humboldt Campus) Graduate Admissions application and submit to Office of Graduate Studies.

•  Complete MSW Program Application and submit to HSU Social Work Department, Master Program Admissions Committee.

•  DEADLINE: February 1

Applicants may be admitted in one of two categories: Classified (meets all professional, personal, scholastic, or other standards) and Conditional (with unmet academic requirements that can be remedied).

The Graduate Record Exam (GRE) is optional and will be used in considering admissions for students whose GPA does not meet minimum requirements. International student applicants need to meet the criteria for "Classified" status for graduate students (See University Catalog for International Students).

Applicants who have an accredited, Bachelor of Social Work degree may request to enter the "Advanced Year" of the Program (See Curriculum Plans for MSW Program). In order to qualify for admission in the Advanced Standing Program, an applicant needs to meet the above criteria and have completed their undergraduate social work degree in a Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) accredited program with a GPA of 3.5 or better.

 

Criteria for Admission

The MSW Program Admissions Committee will admit those applicants whose files reflect the greatest potential for completing the master's level course of study and becoming effective social work practitioners. In the review of applications, we will seek evidence of an applicant's capacity to do graduate level work and to reason logically and think creatively. A successful applicant is expected to reflect attitudes that are congruent with basic social work values, respect for the dignity of all human beings, and a sense of social responsibility. We are interested in how an applicant will maintain the stamina, perseverance and emotional well-being to meet the demands of the program. It is important to show how you have grown from your experiences, and how what you have learned might impact your social work graduate studies.

Applications from international students are accepted provided they meet all admission requirements plus those established by the university for foreign students, including a minimum Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score. The requirements include proof of financial support for the duration of the program.

In a competitive admission situation, applicants will be chosen not only on basic criteria, but also in comparison to other applicants. Meeting the basic criteria will not guarantee admission.

The following criteria will be used to rank and evaluate applicants for admission:

Only COMPLETE applications will be reviewed. Those applications received after the deadline may be considered if space becomes available in the program.