Social Work—msw

The Master of Social Work degree is a professional degree enabling the graduate to enter practice as an advanced-level practitioner. Graduates are prepared to work in a variety of interpersonal clinical or administration and development practice emphases.

Emphases

• Marriage and Family
• Administration and Development
• Mental Health
• School Social Work
• Christian Ministry
• International Social Work

Program length

• Advance Standing: This 33-credit program can typically be completed in one year.
• Advance Standing Plus: This 39-credit program can typically be completed in two years.
• Regular Standing: This 56-credit program can typically be completed in two years.

Eligibility requirements

• Baccalaureate degree: A four-year degree from an accredited United States institution, or its equivalent from an institution outside the U.S.
• Undergraduate GPA: Minimum 2.60 (or 2.75 on the last half of undergraduate courses). The entire student profile is considered during the admissions process
• English proficiency: Students whose language of education is not English must submit a minimum TOEFL or MELAB score of 80.

Prerequisites

Advance Standing Requirements
Credit requirements are reduced by 23 based on previous BSW  foundation courses taken. In addition to the requirements for the regular two-year program, the following are required for admission into the advanced one-year program.

Bachelors degree in Social Work no more than five years old from a program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education or international equivalent approved by CSWE. If an applicant has a degree older than five years, he/she must have one year of post-bachelor's human-service work experience for every year beyond the five-year limit.

An overall undergraduate GPA of 3.00, and on graduate credits previously earned.

Advance Standing Plus Requirements
Students who have done generally very well in their BSW program, but do not meet the 3.0 GPA admission requirement for the one-year advanced standing program, may be eligible for the two-year advanced standing program designed to remediate any areas of academic weakness. Credit requirements are increased by six credits in addition to the one-year advanced program requirements, designated by the advisor in consultation with the student to strengthen identified areas for growth.

An overall minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.60 required

Regular Standing Requirements
Provide transcripts that demonstrate course work with a strong liberal arts background.

Admission requirements

• Official transcripts: From institutions where all post-secondary coursework was taken. Download Transcript Request PDF
• Recommendations: Two recommendations are required from professionals—such as advisors, major professors, and employers—excluding relatives. You are asked to provide names and email addresses on the online application, and then recommenders will receive an email with a direct link to the form.
• Resume or professional history: Information about your employment, research, or special projects.
• Statement of Purpose: a 500-word essay explaining your objectives in seeking a graduate degree in social work at Andrews University. Include a description of your personal, professional, and academic goals; your philosophical perspective; and what you hope to accomplish professionally in ten years following the completion of your degree.

Additional requirements for international students

• English proficiency: Students whose language of instruction is not English must demonstrate English proficiency by submitting a minimum TOEFL or MELAB score of 80.
• Transcripts: Students have two options for submitting their transcripts.
  1. Sending transcripts directly from the university attended. Official, literal English translations of transcripts, along with the original-language documents, from institutions where English is not considered the official language.
     
     OR
  2. Having official transcript evaluations done through one of our approved credential evaluation agencies: WES, AACRAO or ECE. Evaluations must be sent directly from the organization us and must include:
     • At least the overall GPA
     • Degree title equivalent in the U.S.
     • Date the degree was conferred
     These are the guidelines you must follow if you use any of the approved credential evaluation agencies:
     • WES: Students who choose this organization must request the WES International Credential Advantage Package (WES ICAP) which includes verified copies of official transcripts. Students using WES ICAP will not need to submit additional copies of transcripts.
     • AACRAO: Students who choose this organization must also send official transcripts in both the original language and in English to the office of Graduate Enrollment Management.
     • ECE: Students who choose this organization must also send official transcript in both the original language and in English to the office of Graduate Enrollment Management.
• Bachelor’s degree diploma: A copy of the literal English translation of the diploma, along with the original-language document may be sent by email. The copy of the Diploma is not needed if the transcripts come through an approved credential evaluation agency (WES, AACRAO, ECE) listing the graduation date. Also, a copy of the diploma is not needed if the transcripts list the graduation date and degree conferred.
• Secondary Documents: A copy of these Secondary Documents may be required where applicable.
  • Baccalaureate for the French system
  • Abitur Diploma for the German system 
  • A-level results for the British system
• Summary of Educational Experience: Complete the educational summary form and submit to the Office of Graduate Enrollment Management.
• I-20 form: International students must obtain an I-20 form before applying for a visa. The requirements for obtaining an I-20 form are:
  • Academic acceptance
  • Payment of $2,000 advance deposit (not required for Mexico and Canada)
  • Submit the Estimated Budget Sheet showing evidence of financial resources for one academic year
  • A full semester payment in advance is required for citizens of Kenya and Ethiopia

The Office of Graduate Enrollment Management reserves the right to request additional documents at its own discretion.

Financial summary

$7096 per semester, based on 8 credits

You could qualify for the Graduate Scholarship Program based on the GRE exam score. The GRE is not required for admission but is required to qualify for this scholarship. To learn more click here.

Next steps

You can read up on application requirements, finances and frequently asked questions; or submit your application.

Have questions? We have answers. Just email gradenroll@andrews.edu, call us at 269-471-6013, or Skype AndrewsGraduateSchool.

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