We strive to recruit a diverse group of students who have had relevant and significant work and life experiences, and who can relate to diverse and vulnerable populations. We consider factors relating to the applicant’s academic ability, work, service and extracurricular experience, especially as they relate to promotion and development of resilient communities, organizations, social groups, families and individuals.
Admission Process
The School of Social Work reviews applications on a rolling admission basis. While there is not a specific deadline to apply, we recommend that you complete your application as soon as possible so that your financial aid package can be finalized and you may register for classes.
Applicants to the MSW program should have:
1. Completed the online application for graduate admission.
2. Earned a bachelor's degree from an accredited college/university in any discipline, with a liberal arts background
3. Undergraduate grade-point average of 2.75 on a 4.0 scale overall
4. Personal Statement: A written, three to five page document that describes your motivation and aspirations for becoming a professional social worker. In this statement, you should apply the standards for graduate-level writing. The following questions should be addressed in the Statement of Purpose:
1. Why have you chosen to pursue a MSW and what are your professional aspirations?
2. Why have you chosen Aurora University to pursue your MSW?
3. If your GPA is below 2.75/4.0 scale, were there extenuating circumstances that affected your past academic peformance? Please explain.
5. Three (3) letters of recommendation from individuals familiar with your professional, career and/or academic abilities. Recent BSW graduates should submit at least one letter from an academic reference.
6. Completion of a basic statistics course within the past five years with a grade of "C" or better (preferably prior to enrollment)
7. Commitment to high standards of personal and professional conduct, as reflected in the National Association of Social Work (NASW) Code of Ethics;
8. Personal characteristics indicative of the capacity for professional practice as evidenced by personal maturity, a high level of personal integrity, readiness to identify with the values and ethical principles of the social work profession and commitment to social justice and to improvement of the condition of vulnerable and oppressed groups.
9. Once admitted into the program, a national background check is required. Please note that a criminal background may render a student ineligible for a field internship, which is a requirement of the program, as well as licensure.
Admission Interviews
In reviewing applications, we evaluate all transcripts, the “Statement of Purpose”, and letters of recommendation. Admission interviews are conducted on a selected basis. If an interview is conducted, the applicant's admission materials are reviewed and questions regarding the MSW program are answered.
Advanced Standing
Advanced standing allows students to complete the MSW degree by completing 30 hours of coursework. Students may apply for advanced standing if they have:
- Earned a BSW degree within the last five years from a CSWE-accredited institution
- Demonstrated academic achievement (at least a 2.75 GPA) in their social work courses
- Proven excellence in the field demonstrated by a letter of reference from the applicants field placement supervisor
- Strong knowledge of the foundation course requirements learned in the senior year as evidenced by the “Personal Statement”
