Degree Seeking Students

Students who meet the following University requirements and the additional requirements of their chosen program are granted degree-seeking status.

• Submit the GVSU graduate school application and MSW application for admission, including a recent resume, three professional and/or academic references and a graduate admission statement.
• Possess the baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university.
• Have a cumulative undergraduate grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, based on the last 60 credits of study.
• Have a broad liberal arts perspective, as well as complete the  social sciences coursework form demonstrating a minimum of 18 credit hours in social or behavioral science courses, such as psychology, sociology, social work, anthropology, cultural studies, political science, religion, economics, history, philosophy, and/or human services.
• Official transcripts sent/submitted from each undergraduate and graduate institution attended.
• Enclose a non-refundable $30.00 application fee.
• If the applicant does not meet requirements but believes there are circumstances or conditions that strengthen their application, they are invited to provide a rationale regarding alternative criteria.
• Complete admission packet and School of Social Work information.

Advanced Standing

For M.S.W. students with a B.S.W. see: Advanced Standing

Conditional Admission

Applicants, who do not earn a 3.0 GPA in their last 60 credits from bachelor level studies, may be considered for “Conditional Admission”. Individuals with a GPA between a 2.75 and 2.99 as part of an application that demonstrates skillful writing and reflection, completion of 18 credits of social sciences and strong professional recommendations may be eligible for “Conditional Admission”. Conditional admission may also be granted if application review reveals a history of strong social work experience.

GVSU School of Social Work does not grant SW course credit for life experiences or previous work experience.

The Director of the MSW Program will assign applicants eligible for conditional admission two GVSU MSW classes. Successful completion of the assigned classes is met by attaining a “B” or better in each class and a letter of recommendation from each class professor. Successfully completed class credits are recognized as part of degree completion.

Non-Degree Seeking Students

Applicants who are not seeking the MSW degree or have not completed all of the admissions requirements are considered to be Non-Degree seeking. These students may earn up to six social work credits in the School of Social Work by selecting up to two of the following courses: SW600, SW601, SW610 and SW620.