Program Details
The WVU Master of Social Work program educates students to become advanced
integrated practice social workers. The specialization in advanced integrated
practice builds on generalist practice and prepares students to integrate
micro, mezzo, and macro practice skills across service sectors and within
interdisciplinary teams to effectively address social and human problems
pertinent to a wide range of professional practice areas, with a particular
emphasis on effective models of rural service delivery.
The advanced integrated practice curriculum provides an integrative approach
to social work where students are prepared for both direct practice and administrative
roles. This curriculum prepares WVU MSW graduates to be well-rounded advanced
practitioners who can respond to the complex realities of practice in a variety
of roles and settings.
Students without a bachelor’s degree in social work are eligible to pursue
the regular standing degree plan option if they have earned a bachelor’s
degree from a regionally accredited university. The Regular Standing degree
plan option can be pursued through our online program on a
part-time basis only. Students who pursue the Regular Standing degree
plan option through the online program begin the program in the fall semester
and complete the degree the summer after their third year in classes.
Students with a BSW degree from an accredited program within the last eight
years should go to the Social Work MSW –
Advanced Standing page.
Curriculum
Program Website
Admission Requirements
- Domestic applicants: Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college
or university
- International applicants: Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution.
You are considered an international applicant if you are not a citizen
or permanent resident of the United States. (
Note: applicants must be living within the US to be eligible for
the online program)
- At least a 2.75 overall GPA required, though a 3.0 GPA is preferred
- GPA from a previous master’s degree can be substituted for an undergraduate
GPA
- Students with an overall GPA below 2.75 may be considered for provisional
admission based on a review of the applicant's transcript(s) and the strengths
of the other elements on the application.
Admissions
Application Deadlines
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.
- February 1 is the priority deadline. Applications submitted by February 1
will be given preference for scholarships.
- April 15 is the standard deadline. All applications must be submitted by
April 15 for consideration.
NOTE: International applicants living outside of the United States
are not eligible to apply to the online MSW program.
Application and Application Fee
- Complete the combined WVU Graduate/School of Social Work application
- $60 application fee
Transcripts
- Submit official transcripts for all undergraduate and graduate coursework
to the WVU Office of Graduate Admissions at P.O. Box 6009, Morgantown,
WV 26506. (
*NOTE: official transcripts for applicants who attended West Virginia
University will be uploaded by WVU Graduate Admissions upon submission
of the graduate application).
- Unofficial transcripts can be uploaded by applicants in their application
for the purposes of review for admission. However, official transcripts
are required before a formal acceptance to the MSW program is offered.
Resume
- Submit a current resume including employment, volunteer experience, including
start and end dates.
Letters of Recommendation
Three professional letters of recommendation are required. Contact information
for these individuals should be provided within the online Graduate Application.
Please submit a recommendation from each of the following categories*** (see
note below):
- Academic
- Social Work/Human Service Experience (volunteer or paid)
- Employer
***The recommendation suggestions above are preferable, however, for applicants
that have been out of school for many years or who have been working in the
field, a combination of 3 professional recommendations that address your
ability to handle the rigors of graduate studies and your experience and
skills in the helping field are acceptable. For students right out of undergraduate
studies with little work experience; a combination of 3 professional recommendations
that include 2 academic references and a social work/human service experience
recommendation are appropriate. Questions? Contact us at
socialwork@mail.wvu.edu.
Admission Essay
All applicants must submit an Admission Essay. Please see detailed guidelines
for the essay on the
WVU School of Social Work website.
For more information, contact Master of Social Work Admissions & Recruitment
at
socialwork@mail.wvu.edu or phone (304) 293-3280.
Program Admissions Details