Social Work Application Requirements

Students may declare the social work major at any time but must apply and be formally accepted into the program to complete their degrees. Students who meet the admission guidelines and show strong potential to succeed in social work practice by demonstrating interest, commitment, interpersonal skills, relevant experiences, and academic ability will be considered.

Students seeking admission must:

• • Have completed (or be in progress to complete) at least 45 credits of undergraduate coursework at the time of application.  Application for admission ideally takes place during sophomore year but ​may occur later.

• • Have earned a minimum grade point average of 2.5 from all accredited institutions attended.

• • Have earned a minimum grade point average of 2.5 in the required pre-admission coursework (SOC 101 and SW 261).

• • Have earned a minimum grade of C- in SW 261.

• • Be in good academic standing in the semester of application.

All students seeking admission to the major, including transfer students, are required to submit an online application.  Applications can be submitted to the major twice per year.  During the fall semester applications are due on October 1st and during the spring semester applications are due on March 1st.  Please see the list of items needed to complete the application below.  Before clicking on it, please have the following items ready.  You will not be able to revise your application once it has been submitted.

1. A current UWSP Degree Progress Report (or transcript if transferring from another institution).
2. ​Two letters of recommendation from professional sources.  Letters can be from professors or advisors outside the Sociology and Social Work Department, work or volunteer supervisors, former teachers, or coaches.  Letters should not be written by family members/relatives, friends, or fellow students.  Please ask letter writers to address their letter to the UWSP Social Work Program Committee and to indicate:

– How long and in what capacity they have known you.
– What they perceive as your strengths and challenges for a career in social work.
– Specific ways in which you have demonstrated values or skills relevant to social work, such as helping others either directly or through advocacy efforts.
– Their job title, position, agency (if relevant).

3. A personal statement (600-800 words).  The statement should be written in an organized and professional manner, including responses to the following:

• Why are you interested in a career in social work?
• Describe your career goals and specific areas of social work practice that you are interested in.
• Describe relevant professional employment, volunteer work, and other experiences that are connected to social work practice.
• Describe the experiences you have had in working with people from diverse backgrounds (This can include employment, volunteer work, personal experiences and/or study abroad.)
• Describe your strengths and personal limitations for entry into the social work profession?

The social work program committee will review your application and notify you of the acceptance status.  If accepted to our program, you will be invited to an orientation session to learn more about how to be successful in the social work program.