Contact Information:

For individuals seeking information about admission to the MSW Program, please contact Professor Glenda House, MSW Program Coordinator, via email ghouse@uark.edu or telephone (479-575-3783).

Please contact Ms. Jennifer Ezell (jmezell@uark.edu; 479-575-5039) in the SCWK Main Office if Professor House is not immediately available and you would like to schedule an appointment to meet with her.

Application to the MSW Program:

The University of Arkansas, School of Social Work seeks to admit candidates to the graduate program that demonstrate a personal and professional readiness to pursue graduate education in social work and to make a significant contribution to the profession. The School welcomes applications from all persons regardless of race, sex, color, religious affiliation, age, marital status, sexual orientation, national origin or ancestry, or ability. In pursuit of a dynamic student body, the following areas are given particular consideration in admission: human service motivation, academic potential, interpersonal effectiveness, capacity for sustained effort, communication skills, and contribution to a socially diverse student body.

All applicants must apply to both the Graduate School of the University of Arkansas and the School of Social Work. It is the responsibility of the applicant to monitor the application process and ensure that all required application materials have been received by the appropriate entities. Please refer to our admission packet for detailed information regarding our application process.

Timelines

Timelines for receipt of ALL completed applications for the MSW program is January 1, 2010.
Please note that the 3-Year Extended Program accepts students every other year (e.g. Fall 2009; 2011; 2013; 2015; etc.)

Beginning terms for the MSW program are as follows:
The MSW Advanced Standing Program only admits for Summer terms.
The 2-Year Regular Program and the 3-Year Extended only admit for Fall terms. Please note that the 3-Year Extended Program accepts students every other year (e.g. Fall 2009; 2011; 2013; 2015; etc.)
The MSW Program does not admit students for Spring terms.

School of Social Work MSW Application Form: click here to download the MSW Application Form for 09-10.

Admission Requirements for the School of Social Work MSW Program
Admission requirements to the Master of Social Work degree program are the same for all program options, including the 2-year program, the 3-year extended program or the Advanced Standing program. Admission to the MSW program requires the following:
1. Admission to the University of Arkansas Graduate School
2. Baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university (official transcripts must be provided)
3. Undergraduate GPA of 3.0 on 4 point scale for full admission; 2.75 for conditional admission to the regular program
4. Personal Statement
5. Social Needs Paper
6. Three Professional reference letters (faculty, employers, supervisors)
7. Basic statistics course
8. Computer literacy demonstrated through prior coursework
9. Completion of liberal arts core (e.g.,biology, cmmunication, ect.)

Note: In addition to the above requirements, for admission to the Advanced Standing program applicants must have a Bachelors degree in social work from a school accredited by the Council on Social Work Education received within the past six years.

Selection Criteria For Admission
Openings for admission are competitive. Individuals selected for admission from a pool of applicants will possess the strongest qualifications in terms of the Graduate School admission criteria, grade point average, personal statement, social needs paper, references, and commitment to social work values. Volunteer activities, employment experience, and life experiences relevant to social work are considered in the admission process.

Applicants to the master’s degree program must hold an undergraduate degree from an accredited college or university. Bachelor’s degrees from other countries must be equivalent to a U.S. bachelor’s degree. Transcripts of undergraduate work will be examined for evidence of course work in the liberal arts sufficient to provide an appropriate foundation for graduate social work study. The liberal arts perspective includes knowledge from the arts, natural sciences, social and behavioral sciences, and humanities.

A 3.0 GPA in undergraduate studies is expected. Applicants with a GPA of less than 3.0 may be considered for conditional admission.

Applicants must possess the following personal qualifications (as demonstrated through the personal statement and references and if requested, interview.): intellectual maturity, emotional stability, the motivation and capacity to work with people from diverse backgrounds, and the ability to think clearly, critically, creatively, and independently.

Applicants must demonstrate superior oral and written communication skills. Competence in the use of basic statistical methods, as demonstrated through previous course work, is expected. Students who are unable to meet this requirement at the time of application may be asked to complete additional undergraduate coursework prior to full admission. The required written personal statement includes an autobiographical sketch, history of work and volunteer activities, and a self-assessment of aptitude and motivation for an advanced career in social work.

Applicants are required to provide three professional references (e.g., faculty, academic advisors, employers, supervisors, etc.). Letters of reference must include an assessment of the applicant’s current skills and characteristics as well as potential for success in graduate level study.

Admission Process
1. Student sends completed applications to the Graduate School and the School of Social Work.
2. Graduate School sends copy of transcript and statement of acceptance to School of Social Work and notifies applicant.
3. School of Social Work MSW Program Coordinator reviews file and the notifies applicant about status of application. Notification includes whether application is complete or additional information is needed.
4. The School of Social Work admissions committee meets to consider completed applications.
5. MSW Program Coordinator receives report of committee recommendations indicating applicants recommended for full/unconditional admission, conditional admission, or denial of admission. Report includes rationale for each recommendation.
6. Notification letters are sent to applicants by the MSW Program Coordinator indicating admissions committee decisions. Denial of admission and conditional admission letters include committee rationale.

Transfer Student Applications and Transfer of Credit
Only applicants from CSWE accredited graduate social work programs will be considered for admission as transfer students. Those applicants must have an overall GPA of at least 3.0 in their graduate social work studies, and no grade lower than a B will be accepted for credit. Applicants for transfer must submit an official statement of good standing from the former school in addition to meeting all requirements for regular admission. The final year (30 hours) must be completed at the University of Arkansas School of Social Work.

Provisional Admission
Provisional Admission is a term used by the University of Arkansas Graduate School to indicate that a potential graduate student has not completed their undergraduate course work. Upon successful completion of their undergraduate degree, the student will be granted Regular Admission if they meet the criteria.

Advanced Standing
Applicants requesting consideration for advanced standing status in the MSW program must meet all regular admission requirements outlined above. In addition, they must have a bachelor’s degree in social work from a CSWE accredited social work program received within the past six years.

Life Work/Experience Policy
The MSW Program does not grant social work course credit for life or previous work experience.