317 Everett L. Marshall Building
Ypsilanti, MI 48197
Voice: 734.487.0393
Fax: 734.487.6832
BSW - Admissions
Becoming a professional social worker can be a very positive step toward a career that can truly make a difference in people’s lives. The BSW Admissions Committee is pleased to accept applications from interested and qualified students. Admission to the BSW Program is granted to students who subscribe to the School of Social Work’s Mission including its emphasis on work with poor, oppressed, vulnerable and underserved clients. Applicants must show the potential to succeed in social work practice by demonstrating interest, commitment, compatible personal values, interpersonal skills, as well as academic ability. All students who are admitted must be willing to adhere to the Social Work Code of Ethics.
The admissions process is not designed to limit the number of students who may major in social work but rather to admit students whose commitment is to social work as a profession.
Admission Requirements and Process of Admission
Students usually apply for admission to the BSW Program while they are taking SWRK 251, Self Assessment and Development for Social Work which should be the last Pre BSW Major courses they take. An Application for Admission to the BSW Program will be made provided in this class and should be returned to the BSW Admissions Committee c/o the BSW Program Coordinator. The requirements in addition to the Application are as follows:
- Completion of SWRK 120, Introduction to Social Work Services and Professional Roles (at EMU or transferred in as an equivalent); SWRK 200, Human Diversity and Social Justice; SWRK 222, Social Welfare Policies and Services; and SWRK 251, Self Assessment and Development for Social Work with grades of C or higher in each class. SWRK 120 should be the first pre major course taken (or among the first courses), and SWRK 251 should be the last (or among the last courses) taken.
- Completion of forty (40) hours of post high school volunteer or work experience at an agency or organization involved in providing human services. Written documentation by a person able to accurately attest to the fulfillment of these hours is required. (Students who have completed human service-related internships in previous programs may request the waiving of this requirement.)
- Completion of a reflective essay on your interest in the social work profession. This will be completed as an assignment in SWRK 251: Self Assessment and Development for Social Work and forwarded to the BSW Admissions Committee.
- A cumulative GPA of 2.3 or higher at the point of entry into the BSW Program.
The BSW Admissions Committee reviews all applications and notifies students who are accepted into the BSW Program by letter. After receiving this letter of admission, students become eligible to take 300-level courses beginning with SWRK 315, Theoretical Bases for Social Work Practice.
When applying for the Social Work Major, each student, working with a BSW Program Advisor, develops a Plan of Study pending approval for the major. Social Work Advisors (the BSW Program Coordinator, Graduate Assistant, and BSW Program Director) are available to meet with students to answer questions at any point in their studies regarding any need for adjustments in their Plans of Study. The BSW Program Director and BSW Program Coordinator are available to discuss career goals in Social Work. Students are invited to meet with the BSW Program Director if they are having academic or personal issues that are getting in the way of their success or need advocacy within the University
The admissions process is not designed to limit the number of students who may major in social work but rather to admit students who are committed to the Mission of our Program as well as to social work as a profession.
For further information abut the BSW Program, call the Student Services Coordinator at 734-487-6807.
