MSW Application Process
Part Two - Application for Department of Social Work
- Complete and submit the MSW Program Application (on the right side of the screen). The MSW Application has several parts - please be certain the following items have been completed and returned with the application package:
- Applicant Contact Information
- Signature certifying application
- Prerequisite Course Verification Form
- Unofficial Copies of Transcripts – This can speed up the consideration of your application
- Summary of Work Experience
- Personal Statement
- Petition for Advanced Standing Consideration (only for Advanced Standing applicants who graduated with an accredited bachelor’s degree in social work more than 5 years ago)
Note: If your GPA is below 3.0 you are strongly urged to take and submit GRE’s
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Please ensure that a complete application is submitted. •
All incomplete applications will be returned to the applicant, without review.
Submit the complete application package to the Department of Social Work
Mail complete application to:
MSW Program Admissions Committee
Department of Social Work
Humboldt State University
1 Harpst Street
Arcata, CA 95521
Admission Criteria
Admission to the Social Work Department MSW Program is contingent on admission to the University by the Office of Graduate Studies. Admission to the MSW program is based on meeting the general University requirements, but meeting those requirements alone does not guarantee admission to the MSW Program.
The selection process includes an evaluation of each applicant’s demonstrated and potential abilities as a student, practitioner, and leader in the field of social work with a particular focus on work in Indigenous and rural communities. Admission decisions are based primarily on an evaluation of an applicant’s previous academic work, experience in the social work settings, letters of recommendation, personal statement, and writing competence.
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's degree in Social Work may apply 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.
Application Review Period
We realize applying to a graduate program can be very stressful and that waiting for our admissions decision can be particularly difficult. We strive to complete the process as quickly as possible, but realize that many factors go into an offer of admission. Know that we do our best to notify you of our decisions as quickly as possible.
If offered admission, applicants must send confirmation of their attendance along with a $75 non-refundable deposit to hold their spot.
