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Transcripts

We require a scanned copy of your transcripts from every college or university you have attended. Scanned copies must be clearly legible and sized to print on standard 8½-by-11-inch paper. Transcripts that do not show degrees awarded must also be accompanied by a scanned copy of the diploma or degree certificate. If your academic transcripts were issued in a language other than English, both the original documents and certified English translations are required.

Transcripts and proof of degree documents for postsecondary degrees earned from institutions outside of the United States will be released to a third-party international credential evaluator to assess U.S. education system equivalencies. Beginning July 2023, a non-refundable fee for this service will be required before the application is processed.

Upon admission to the ºÚÁÏÃÅ, official transcripts will be required from each institution attended.

Letters of Recommendation

Letters of recommendation are optional. Our holistic approach to reviewing applications, with or without a letter of recommendation, is a reliable basis for making a final admission decision.

If you choose to submit an academic and/or professional letter of recommendation, your recommenders should know you well and be able to speak about your background, your passion for social work and your ability to succeed in a graduate program.

Letters should be submitted by recommenders through the online application.

Essays and Statements

Essay Instructions

Your Career Goals Statement is an essential part of your application. Your rationale for entering the social work profession, your self-awareness, creativity, critical thinking and writing skills are major factors committee members consider when reviewing your application.

Statements should average four to six pages total (under 1,500 words) across both essay prompts combined. Use double spacing, a 12-point font, and your own words and unique voice; AI- based assistance is not permitted. Responses to essay prompts 1 and 2 are required.

Please read the NASW Code of Ethics prior to writing your essay as your responses will require direct reference to the NASW Code of Ethics.

Essay Prompt 1: Career Goals and Personal Reflection

Instructions: The journey to becoming a social worker often involves deep personal reflection and understanding of one’s motivations. In this essay, describe how your experiences and aspirations align with your decision to pursue a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree. Include the following:

· Rationale for Pursuing an MSW
Identify the significant factors that influenced your decision to pursue an MSW. Discuss how your past experiences, career goals, educational journey and personal values shape your intention to use the MSW in the future.

· Personal and Professional Experiences
Describe how your personal, professional, and/or academic experiences have shaped your perspective on social work issues. Reflect on how these experiences have influenced your ability to maintain professional judgment and performance, particularly during challenging times.

Essay Prompt 2: Social Work Values, Ethics, and Personal Reflection

Instructions:  Social work is guided by professional values and ethics that often serve as a compass when facing ethical or value-based dilemmas. In this essay, reflect on the intersection of your personal values and the core values of the social work profession. Include the following:

· Ethical and Value-Based Conflicts
Identify potential value-based or ethical conflicts you might experience between your personal values and the professional values outlined in the NASW Code of Ethics. Be specific about the types of conflicts you foresee arising in various settings (e.g., classroom, field placement, future practice).

· Reconciliation and Approach
Explain how you would address or reconcile these conflicts. Discuss strategies you might use to navigate ethical dilemmas and maintain alignment with the social work profession’s core values, focusing on how you plan to balance personal beliefs with professional responsibilities.

OPTIONAL: Please address any special academic or other considerations that you would like GSSW to consider in the review of your application.

¸éé²õ³Ü³¾Ã© Instructions

The résumé (or C.V.) should include all educational achievements, relevant work experience, research and/or volunteer work.

Start Your Application

Your submitted materials will be reviewed once all materials and application fees have been received.

Our program can only consider your application for admission if our Office of Graduate Education has received all your online materials and supplemental materials by our application deadline.

Application Fee: $65.00 Application Fee

International Degree Evaluation Fee: $50.00 Evaluation Fee for degrees (bachelor's or higher) earned from institutions outside the United States.

Financial Aid Information

Applicants should complete their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by February 15. Visit the Office of Financial Aid for additional information.