Admission to the Master of Social Work

A professional resume is required.

Formatting requirements: one double-spaced document, five pages maximum, in 12-point font. In-text citations, a title page, and a reference page are required and do not count toward the five-page maximum. A citation style is required; APA is preferred. 

Your writing sample and statement must address ALL of the following topics: 

1. Describe a social problem. Assuming you have the power and resources at your disposal, what would you recommend for intervention and/or social change to address this social problem? 
2. Describe how your personal and intellectual qualifications, past human service experience, and/or future goals are relevant to assisting the most economically and socially disadvantaged groups in our society. Please provide specific examples. 
3. Recount an ethical dilemma you have had in your personal, professional, or volunteer experience. Discuss your decision-making process and the factors that contributed to the ultimate outcome. Please protect confidentiality and do NOT reveal the names of people or organizations. 
4. How will your decision to pursue an MSW help you reach your personal and professional goals? 

Note: Use headings or numbers to separate each response in your statement. 

Please submit a current academic transcript from each college/university you have attended, including study abroad, non-degree coursework for academic credit, and transferred credits. Transcripts must show completed and in-progress coursework. Scanned student copies or unofficial transcripts are accepted; self-reported or advising transcripts are not accepted. If you attended Indiana University, you do not need to submit IU transcripts. 

Submitted transcripts must include: 

• Your name 
• The institution’s name 
• Your dates of attendance 
• The grades received for each completed course in all terms attended 

Degree information, including the degree received and date of receipt (if applicable), must be on the transcript. If degree information is on a separate document such as a diploma, create one PDF containing both the transcript and degree document for each institution. 

Include the transcript key or interpretation guide. If a transcript is not in English, provide a certified English translation. 

Before uploading, mark out your Social Security number and birth date so they cannot be read. 

The School reserves the right to revoke an offer of admission if discrepancies are found or transcripts are not provided in a timely manner. 

Identify one (1) professional reference who is willing to write a letter of recommendation. Include the correct email address. After you submit the application, the reference will receive an email with a link to an electronic form and can upload a letter. The reference will be asked about characteristics social workers must have and how these relate to your personal and professional characteristics. 

Admissions decisions are primarily based on previous undergraduate and graduate work, human services experience (paid, volunteer, research, and internship), references, and written documentation. You must meet the following criteria: 

1. Evidence of an earned bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university. 
2. Critical thinking skills and the ability to communicate effectively in writing, as reflected in the application questions and required writing sample and statement. 
3. Evidence of personal qualities considered important for social work practice. 
4. Under School of Social Work policy, no student or applicant convicted of sex offenses against children is eligible for admission or continuation in the BSW, MSW, or Ph.D. programs. 

GRE, MAT, and other graduate tests are not required. 

As part of the application process, you must provide one academic or professional reference. Once your reference provide the information requested by the School, you will receive an email confirming that your application is ready for committee review. You can log in to the application as many times as needed to change or update the reference. 

Once committee review is complete, you will receive an email with an admission decision. To accept an offer, you must complete an intent form within the stated time frame. Missing the deadline may result in cancellation of admission. 

The School allows deferrals of up to one year. If you defer, you must confirm your intent during the next enrollment/admission period. 

Admitted students who do not attend classes within the one-year admissions period will need to reapply. 

Admissions with Conditions 

Full admission is granted when all admission requirements are met. Admission may be contingent on specific conditions, including: 

• Completing bachelor’s degree requirements and providing a final official transcript before first-semester registration. 
• Providing other necessary requirements or materials. 

All conditions must be met and materials obtained before the first semester starts. Tentative admission becomes full admission once conditions are met; failure to fulfill conditions may result in cancellation of admission. 

Admissions Criteria Considered 

1. Past academic performance (cumulative undergraduate GPA) 
2. Writing and critical-thinking ability 
3. Graduate coursework performance (if any) 
4. Commitment to social work and suitability for the profession 
5. Length and type of work and volunteer experience 
6. Letter of reference 
7. Personal qualities important for social work practice 
8. Additional considerations 

Fall: November 1 | Spring: April 1 | Summer: August 1 

• Eligible for all funded practicum opportunities. 
• Can explore new practicum sites and study abroad practicums with university travel scholarships. 
• Early access to practicum partner opportunities and placement confirmation. 

Fall: March 1 | Spring: August 1 | Summer: December 1 

• Eligible for remaining funded practicum opportunities. 
• Can explore new practicum sites and study abroad practicums (requires responsiveness). 
• Access to practicum partner opportunities and placement confirmation. 

Fall: May 1 | Spring: October 1 | Summer: February 1 

• Limited chances for funded practicums. 
• Limited exploration of new practicum sites. 
• Study abroad practicums unlikely due to time constraints. 
• Access to remaining practicum opportunities; responsiveness is required. 

• Funded practicums are unlikely. 
• New practicum sites may not be available. 
• Study abroad practicums are unlikely due to time constraints. 
• Immediate responsiveness to placement coordination, emails, and interviews is essential to be placed in a timely manner. 
• Practicum placement is not guaranteed in the first semester if application deadlines are not met. General Application Deadlines 
• Spring 2027: December 15, 2026 
• Summer 2027: April 15, 2027 
• Fall 2027: July 15, 2027