Program Overview

Social Work Program

The Social Work program at Southern Connecticut State University offers a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree with various admission criteria and application requirements.

MSW Admissions Criteria

To be eligible for the MSW program, applicants must meet the following 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

The following materials are required for the MSW application:

• 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)

Advanced Standing

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 Requirements

In addition to the standard application materials, advanced standing applicants must submit:

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

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

Applicants from these universities must submit:

• 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

MSW Personal Essay

The personal essay should demonstrate the applicant's ability to think analytically, write clearly, and promote the values and goals of the social work profession.

• The essay should be no longer than two typed pages, double-spaced, in 12 pt. font (500 words).
• Applicants should reflect on personal, academic, or professional experiences that have shaped their understanding of social work and how they hope to contribute to the profession.
• The essay should address the following questions:
  • 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?