Admission Requirements

Candidates for the Master of Social Work program benefit from a rolling admission policy. There is not an application deadline, but students are encouraged to complete their admission file in a timely manner. AU evaluates applications as they arrive and acceptance decisions are shared with students throughout the admission cycle.

Admission Process

1. A completed Graduate Application for Admission.
2. Official transcripts* from all prior undergraduate and graduate colleges and/or universities. 
3. Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited liberal arts institution with an average GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. Students with a GPA of less than 3.0 will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
4. A professional resume.
5. Two letters of recommendation from individuals familiar with your professional or academic abilities.

6. Submit a personal statement. This document should be typed, double-spaced, and no more than 1500 words that reflect standards of graduate-level writing and demonstrate evidence of critical thinking.

   1. The George Williams School of Social Work at Aurora University empowers students through a holistic and transformative education. Why have you chosen to study social work at AU? 
   2. Our inclusive learning community works to prepare social workers to competently build justice and systematic change for individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities while guiding students toward professional engagement. How will the mission of the program apply to your educational and professional aspirations?
   3. Upon completion of the program, how will you utilize your newly attained master's in social work degree? In other words, what area of social work are you interested in practicing? 
   4. If your undergraduate GPA was below a 3.0, please explain the following:
      1. Why was your GPA below 3.0?
      2. Why do you think you can be successful as a graduate student at Aurora University?
      3. What strategies will you implement to ensure academic success?

*Most institutions use Parchment or National Student Clearinghouse to send transcripts. If your college or university does not use either, please have your official transcripts sent to AU-Etranscripts@aurora.edu or the mailing address below. 

Aurora University
Office of Admission
347 S. Gladstone Ave.
Aurora, IL 60506

Note, Aurora University may not accept applications to the online MSW program from persons located in the states of California, New Mexico, New York, Pennsylvania, and Utah.