Social Work, M.S.W.

I. Admission Requirements

In addition to the admission requirements of the School of Graduate Studies, applicants requesting admission into the MSW program must meet the following requirements:

Advanced Standing Admission

Advanced standing students are admitted in the summer.  To be considered for advanced standing, applications must be completed and submitted to the School of Graduate Studies by January 15th.

1. Must hold an undergraduate (BSW) degree within the last seven years from a social work program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.
2. Must have a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0 and a 3.2 or better in social work courses.
3. A personal narrative statement reflecting the applicant’s ability to communicate in writing, demonstrate critical thinking about a social problem, and demonstrate introspection (e.g., understanding of self, recognize their strengths and weaknesses, acknowledge personal growth, etc.)
4. A professional resume.  The applicant will submit a current resume that includes his/her work history, community/volunteer services, and evidence of leadership skills.
5. Three letters of recommendation are required for advanced standing applicants.  One letter must come from the practicum instructor/director of field education.  The other two letters must be from persons who can speak to the applicant’s ability and potential for success as a graduate student and professional social worker (e.g., former professors, employments supervisors, etc.)
6. Writing sample.  The applicant will submit a writing sample based on a professional social work journal article.  The writing sample should reflect excellent writing skills, organization and integration of content, comprehension, and clarity.  Instructions for the writing sample and a link to the journal article are provided in the online supplemental social work application.

Regular Admission

1. The applicant’s transcript should indicate a strong liberal arts background, including courses in human biology, behavioral and social sciences, humanities, math, history, etc.  International students must hold an equivalent degree based on a four-year curriculum; and, follow the admissions policies and procedures of North Carolina Central University’s College of Graduate Studies.
2. A cumulative undergraduate grade point average of 2.75 or better (4.0 scale) and a grade point average of 3.0 or better (4.0 scale) in the major course of study.
3. A personal narrative statement reflecting the applicant’s ability to communicate in writing, demonstrate critical thinking about a social problem, and demonstrate introspection (e.g., understanding of self, recognize their strengths and weaknesses, acknowledge personal growth, etc.)
4. A professional resume.  The applicant will submit a current resume that includes his/her work history, community/volunteer services, and evidence of leadership skills.
5. Two professional letters of recommendation from persons who can speak to the applicant’s ability and potential for success as a graduate student and professional social worker (e.g., former professors, employments supervisors, etc.).
6. Writing sample.  The applicant will submit a writing sample based on a professional social work journal article.  The writing sample should reflect excellent writing skills, organization and integration of content, comprehension, and clarity.  Instructions for the writing sample and a link to the journal article are provided in the online supplemental social work application.

A personal interview with MSW faculty may be required of an applicant in order to better evaluate his/her potential for becoming a professional social work practitioner.

Although we seek students with life experiences and previous work experience, we do not grant social work credit for these experiences.

Applicants who are transferring from a MSW program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) may transfer up to six credits of courses taken during the foundation year/1st year and earned a grade of “B” or better in those courses.

II. Program Requirements

III. Exit Requirements

1. Successfully complete the two-year MSW curriculum with a minimum grade point average of 3.0.
2. Complete the capstone courses (Social Work Practicum I, II, III, and IV and the Master’s Research Project) with a minimum grade of “B”.
3. Complete the application for graduation.
4. Complete the application for candidacy at least three months prior to the conferring of the MSW degree and received approval from the Graduate Council to be considered a candidate for graduation.