Master of Social Work, Advanced (MSW)

WSU Master of Social Work (MSW) Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for admission to the Weber State University Master of Social Work (MSW) Program, applicants must meet the following minimum requirements:

1. Possession of a bachelor’s degree or recognized equivalent from an accredited institution.  NOTE:  Individuals who have earned an undergraduate degree in social work from a CSWE-accredited program can apply for the MSW program with advanced standing status.  The undergraduate social work degree must have been granted no more than five years prior the student’s first semester in the WSU MSW program.
2. A satisfactory scholastic average, generally a minimum grade-point average of B or better (3.0 on a 4-point scale) in all coursework after the first two years (typically the first 60 semester units or 90 quarter units) of undergraduate study.
3. Significant undergraduate exposure to study in the social sciences.  As a minimum this includes at least nine (9) semester credit hours of coursework in the social sciences, such as anthropology, criminal justice, political science, psychology, and sociology (courses in other disciplines a student believes are relevant may be approved by review of course syllabi).
4.  A course in introductory statistics, research methods, or quantitative reasoning.  This requirement must be satisfied prior to matriculation if you are offered admission.
5. Candidates for advanced standing must also have a course in mental health diagnostics.
6. The following courses are strongly recommended: Introduction to Psychology; Introduction to Sociology; Human Biology or any biology course covering anatomy and physiology that emphasizes the impact of organic, chemical, and body systems impairments on human behavior (NOT Introduction to Biology); social science courses that examine a macro context (e.g., Introduction to Political Science, Introduction to Economics, Introduction to Anthropology, etc.).

WSU Master of Social Work (MSW) Admissions Requirements

Application for admission to the Weber State University Master of Social Work (MSW) Program involves submission of the following:

1. The WSU MSW Program application form.
2. A $30.00 application fee (non-refundable).
3. Official transcripts from all undergraduate institutions attended.  Electronic transcripts from a college or university records office are acceptable.  Official transcripts in hard copy can be mailed to the ATTN:  MSW Admissions, Department of Social Work and Gerontology, Weber State University 1299 Edvalson Street, Ogden, UT, 84408.
4. A resume that outlines the student’s employment history, specifically highlighting social work-related experience.
5. An original statement of purpose (three to four double-spaced pages in length, with one-inch margins, and 12-point Times New Roman font).  This should include
   • A description of your understanding of the social work profession and its core values. How have you incorporated social work values in your human service experiences and interactions with others? What significant relationships and life experiences have you had in giving or receiving help that have motivated you to enter the field of social work? What personal qualities equip you for the social work profession? Discuss your experiences and feelings about working with populations different from your own.
   • A description of your areas of interest in social work practice, why you have this area of interest, what social problem(s) you expect to address with an MSW, and how the MSW will facilitate change in this or these areas.
   • A discussion of what you expect to be doing in five years and 10 years.
   • An explanation of why the WSU MSW Program is a good fit for your goals.
6. A minimum of three recommendations from academic instructors and/or professional colleagues who have supervised you in a social work-related position (paid, volunteer, or internship).  Personal recommendations are not acceptable (i.e., recommendations from friends, family members, or religious leaders).

Grade Requirements

To receive a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree, the student must complete all course in the MSW program, including leveling and/or bridge courses (if applicable) with a grade of “C” or higher, and maintain an overall GPA of 3.0 or higher.

• Program Code: 7017MSW with MSW_ADV cohort.
• CIPC: 440701

Program Learning Outcomes

• Competency 1: Demonstrate ethical and professional behavior;
• Competency 2: Engage diversity and difference in practice;
• Competency 3: Advance human rights and social, economic, and environmental justice;
• Competency 4: Engage in practice-informed research and research-informed practice;
• Competency 5: Engage in policy practice;
• Competency 6: Engage with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities;
• Competency 7: Assess individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities;
• Competency 8: Intervene with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities;
• Competency 9: Evaluate practice with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities.