Steps to Apply for the BSW Program
Deadlines for Submitting the Application
April 1: for students wishing to begin the major in the Fall semester *These students will complete the Major in 4 semesters. Fall 2026 admissions are closed.
November 1: for students wishing to begin the major in the following Spring semester *These students will complete the Major in 5 semesters.
In order to be eligible to apply to the Social Work Major you must:
- Be accepted to Western Kentucky University. Visit the WKU Admissions Office for more info.
- Have attained sophomore status at the time of application.**
- Have attained a cumulative GPA of 2.50 minimum before beginning the major.
- Have completed or will be completing prerequisite classes at the time of application.
**Fall admission applicants: It is recommended to complete a minimum of 60 hours before admission to the BSW program. In this way, new majors will be enrolled in no more than 15 hours/semester for four semesters and will graduate when completing the BSW program.**
**Spring admission applicants: It is recommended to complete a minimum of 45 hours before admission to the BSW program. In this way, new majors will be enrolled in no more than 15 hours/semester for five semesters and will graduate when completing the BSW program.**
Please note that students can apply to the major with prerequisite classes in progress. See Social Work Major Course Descriptions for more detail.
Step 1
Step 2
Step 3
Step 4
Step 5
Step 6
- Upload Personal/Professional Statement
- Upload unofficial academic transcript
- Upload other relevant materials as needed (e.g., resume, explanation re: criminal charges [if applicable]*)
- Spring 2027 applications will open on October 1, 2026 and will be due by November 1, 2026.
You may be requested to make an appointment with the BSW Program for a screening interview after your application is reviewed.
* Applicants who have been convicted of a crime other than a minor traffic violation must provide background information describing the nature of the charges. This information is used to determine a student's ability to obtain an internship, assess possible barriers to completing the program, and/or implications for professional licensure.
Questions?
Contact the BSW Program.
- Academic Complex 110
- bswadmissions@wku.edu
- (270) 745-4227
BSW Links
- Social Work Major
- Social Work Minor
- Admission to the Major
- Steps to Apply for the BSW Program
- Honors Students
- Scholarships
- SWSU (Social Work Student Union)
- Phi Alpha Honor Society
- Study Abroad & Global Learning
- CSWE Core Competencies
- BSW Program Mission
- BSW Student Handbook
- Orientation Materials
- BSW Information Video
BSW Program Options
Other Important Links
Accreditations/Certifications achieved within the School of Health and Social Services
National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) - Bachelor of Science in Child and Family Services with Child Development Pathway
Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) - Bachelor and Master of Social Work Degrees
Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH) - Bachelor of Science and Master of Public Health Degrees
Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM) - Bachelor of Science in Health Information Management
National Environmental Health Science & Protection Accreditation Council (EHAC) - Bachelor of Science and Master of Environmental & Occupational Health Science Degrees
Board of Certified Safety Professionals Qualified Academic Program (BCSP QAP) - Bachelor of Science and Master of Environmental & Occupational Health Science Degrees
National Association of Long-Term Care Administrator Boards (NAB) HSE Accreditation - Bachelor of Science in Health Care Administration Degree with Long-Term Care Administration Certificate
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