Admission Requirements
- Graduate School application and $40 fee
- Submission of all postsecondary academic transcripts
- Successful completion of a bachelor's degree prior to enrollment
- Overall GPA of at least 3.0 (A=4.0). Students with less than a 3.0 undergraduate GPA may apply and will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
- International Applicants: Proof of English Proficiency, minimum requirements are TOEFL (79), IELTS (6.5) or equivalent
- Statement of Purpose that addresses the following:
- What has led you to pursue a master's degree in social work at this time?
- Describe your understanding of a social justice issue.
- To earn the MSW degree at SIUE, each student must complete at least 450 field practicum hours per year with a department identified agency. It is highly unlikely that students will be able to use their place of employment for their practicum. The courses in the MSW program are likely to be scheduled for afternoon and evening hours, and practicum hours are likely to be scheduled for daytime business hours (Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm). Afternoon or evening courses may require you to participate in community-engaged activities during daytime business hours. Taking this information into consideration, please describe your plan to accommodate all of these required expectations of the MSW program.
- If your cumulative GPA is below 3.0, it is recommended that you address this in your statement and discuss how you will improve your academic performance to succeed in the MSW program.
- Two letters of recommendation that discuss the applicant's potential for graduate level academic work, leadership and interpersonal skills, commitment to the mission and values of social work, and, if relevant, professional experience and capabilities. One letter must be from a current or past instructor and one must be from a supervisor, preferably in a volunteer or paid social service setting. BSW graduates who do not have practice experience after receiving their BSW, should have their field practicum supervisor write their recommendation. Applicants applying as transfer students from CSWE-accredited master's programs should request at least one letter of recommendation from a graduate faculty member. Generally, letters from friends and family members will not be considered unless that individual has served in the capacity of supervisor or instructor. If an applicant is unable to secure a letter from a current/previous instructor and/or supervisor, please contact the MSW Admissions Committee at MSWProgram@siue.edu for guidance. Any deviation from the instructor and supervisor letters indicated here should be addressed in the applicant's statement of purpose. The letters of recommendation must be submitted on the form contained in the application packet.
Program application materials may be uploaded during the application process, but official transcripts must be sent directly from the school attended, and test scores must be verifiable with the appropriate testing service. Please contact the Graduate Admissions office with questions regarding the application submission process at graduateadmissions@siue.edu.
The baccalaureate degree should reflect a strong background in liberal arts and sciences with at least 30 semester hours (or equivalent) earned in liberal arts and sciences. Students must complete any deficiencies prior to enrollment in the MSW Program. If any deficiencies are not completed prior to enrollment, the student's file will be reconsidered the next academic year. In addition, advanced standing students entering with a BSW from a CSWE-accredited program must have completed an undergraduate research methods course and an undergraduate statistics course with a grade of B or better. Advanced standing students who have not completed a course in research methods with a grade of C or better must complete these requirements prior to enrollment in the MSW program, or their file will be reconsidered the next academic year, or the student may be offered admission in regular standing. Undergraduates who are nearing completion of a baccalaureate degree may submit an application for admission as a degree-seeking student when they have earned at least 88 semester hours of credit toward the undergraduate degree with a GPA of at least 3.0 (A=4.0).
A combination of commitment to the program's mission and sensitivity to diversity is evaluated during the admission process through the applicant's personal statement and letters of reference. These are regarded as factors in admission decisions, along with records of undergraduate work. Students will not receive academic credit for life experiences or previous work experiences.
Review the SIUE Admissions Policy for more information.
Admission in Advanced Standing
Applicants may be considered for admission in advanced standing provided the following criteria are met:
- The applicant holds a baccalaureate degree in social work from an institution accredited by the Council of Social Work Education, and the degree was awarded in the seven-year period preceding application for graduate study at SIUE.
- The applicant's GPA is 3.0 (A=4.0) or higher in undergraduate study and the applicant has completed all courses in the BSW foundation area with grades of C or better. Applicants with less than a 3.0 undergraduate GPA who completed all coursework in the baccalaureate foundation area with grades of C or better will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
- Advanced standing students entering with a BSW from an accredited undergraduate program must have completed an undergraduate research methods course with a grade of C or better.
- Students must complete any degree program deficiencies identified by the admissions committee prior to enrollment in specialized MSW courses. If the student is unable to satisfy deficiencies program acceptance may be rescinded.
Social Work Admissions Committee
The MSW Program Committee will review the complete packet of application materials including the applications for graduate study, personal statement, letters of recommendation, and transcripts. Admission to graduate study in social work will be based on a full evaluation of the completed application packet. A personal interview may be required. The committee cannot admit students whose packet is incomplete. The applicant will be notified in writing about the decision of the Committee.
Application Deadline
The priority application deadline for the following fall admission is February 1st. Applications may be accepted beyond the priority deadline until the cohort is full.
