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MSW Application Procedures


Step 1

WKU Graduate Studies Application

WKU Graduate Studies requires a separate application to be submitted by all graduate students. It is important that you identify your MSW program of choice (Advanced Standing or Traditional) on this application.

Graduate Studies Application

Step 2

The Social Work Department Application

After submitting your Graduate Studies application, you must complete the Department of Social Work Master's Program application. All MSW application materials will be uploaded to the Graduate Studies portal. 

MSW Application

Fall 2025 Admission Deadine: April 1, 2025

Spring 2026 Admission Deadline (Traditional Program only): November 1, 2025

Be sure to read the MSW Application Bookletfor detailed information about the application process and requirements. Use the MSW application checklist to verify completion of all components. The application includes:

  • A goal statement responding to specific application questions
  • A writing sample specific to the requirements listed in the application
  • Current resume
  • Three recommendations (to be completed via the link below by academic, professional, or field site reccommenders) 

Your application will not be reviewed until ALL required components have been submitted.

Personal references and recommendations submissions: Submit a Reference

 

Master of Social Work Program Options

Advanced Standing

Available to students who:

  • Graduated from a CSWE-accredited BSW program within the last seven years
  • Held a minimum GPA of 3.0

This program has a 30 credit hour curriculum.  Time to complete this program:

  • Full-time on-campus or online: 1 year
  • Part-time on-campus or online: 2 years

*An overall undergraduate GPA of 2.75-2.99 may be considered with an interview

Traditional

Available to students who:

  • Do not meet Advanced Standing requirements
  • Graduated with a Bachelor's degree in a field other than social work
  • Held a minimum GPA of 2.75 

This program has a 60 credit hour curriculum. Time to complete this program:

  • Full-time on-campus or online: 2 years
  • Part-time on-campus or online: 3 or 4 years

*An overall undergraduate GPA below 2.75 may be considered for alternate admission

 

Course schedule by program can be viewed HERE.

  • Face-to-face classes that meet only Tuesday or Thursday
  • Available to part-time and full-time students
  • Mandatory student orientation held in-person
  • Online classes that meet only Tuesday or Thursday
  • Available to part-time and full-time students
  • Mandatory student orientation held online

 

 

 

Other Important Documents

 


 


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 Last Modified 3/25/25