Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) Application and Instructions

NOTE: All communication regarding applications will use @svsu.edu email addresses only

Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) Application

When the Applications Period Opens (as noted in the "Admissions Dates" section below)

Click on the link noted on the right side of the screen (BSW Admission)
Complete the application, submit your recommenders, upload all required documentation
Complete the writing sample (you will have 60 minutes to complete both questions)
Submit the application

I will be available to answer questions or address any technical issues with the application. Please contact me at 989-295-1894 or camacomb@svsu.edu

I look forward to welcoming you to the Social Work Major!

Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) Admissions Criteria

Before you begin the admissions process, please review the Admissions Requirements listed below:

2.50 GPA
Completion of SW 215 or equivalent
Satisfactory completion of 40 hours of volunteer work in a human service organization (normally part of the course requirements for SW 215)
Completion of 40 credits
Completion of all Basic Skills requirements.

** There are no exceptions for any of the above listed admissions requirements.

Access the BSW Program Manual

Prepare for the Admission Process

If you have met the requirements listed above, please prepare for the admission process by gathering the following documentation/information. You will only have two attempts to complete the online admissions process. It is important you allow at least one hour when completing the online admissions process. Once you complete the application, please click the save button. Review the application to ensure the information is correct and the My Progress is uploaded correctly. Once you have reviewed the application, click the submit button. You will be directed to the written portion of the application- you will have one hour to complete the questions.

Student Identification Number
Names and email addresses of three individuals used for reference (Individuals identified for reference cannot be family members, friends, or personal references. You should choose individuals who are familiar with your academic aptitude as well as your ability to move successfully through the Social Work program).
Your contact information
Download and save My Progress from Cardinal Direct (instructions for saving and uploading are listed below)

Upload Academic Progress

Instructions for saving and uploading your Academic Progress from Self Service:

Sign into Self Service to access your Academic Progress (Left menu: Academics >> Student Planning >> My Progress)
Once "My Progress" is open, click the Print icon at the upper right of the page
Choose "Save as PDF" as the Destination
Save the file to your device
Within the application for Social Work Major (link below) - choose to upload Academic Progress
Choose your PDF file
Upload

If your Academic Progress does not provide documentation of 40 college credits, or of your GPA for the most recent 40 credits of your college work, please add additional transcripts or other documents as needed.

Writing Sample Rubric for Social Work Admission to Major

NAME:_______________________________

Rank each category on a scale of 1-5.

(5 = very strong; 4 = strong; 3 = average; 2 = poor, 1 = very poor)

Clarity: Answers the questions chosen completely; utilizes specific examples

Q1___ Q2____

Comments:

Content: Represents understanding of social work values, ethics, and practice

Q1___ Q2____

Comments:

Critical Thinking: Demonstrates critical, creative thinking about concepts

Q1___ Q2____

Comments:

Construction: Displays logical and comprehensible organization/structure

Q1___ Q2____

Comments:

Correctness: Uses grammar and mechanics well

Q1___ Q2____

Comments:

TOTAL ____/50

I recommend that the faculty set up an interview with this student for the following reason:_________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________

Selection Criteria

Student admission to the social work major is a competitive process. Applicants are strongly encouraged to begin the admission process early to ensure adequate review time.

Admission decisions are made by a committee consisting of the full-time social work faculty. Writing samples are reviewed in a blinded process and student names are not provided to the writing committee during their review. This committee reviews the applications, processes all of the information at their disposal, and takes action on the applications. Completion of required courses, overall GPA, and scores on the writing sample are the main criteria used in determining admission to the major.

Notification Process

Following the admissions committee's deliberations, each applicant is sent an admissions letter electronically, which indicates the outcome of the committee's decisions.

Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) Admission Dates for Academic Year 2025/2026 & 2026/2027

For all open admission to the major periods, the department strongly encourages you to meet with your faculty advisor and to attend one of the admissions information sessions immediately prior to submitting your application in that period. Below are the open admission periods.

PLEASE NOTE: Admissions periods are open in one semester for admission to the major during the following semester. For example, if you apply in Fall 2026, you will be admitted to the program for classes starting in Winter 2027.

All newly admitted students are required to attend a mandatory orientation. These session dates/times are noted below. All events are virtual. Students will complete a form upon admission to sign up for the appropriate orientation. Links will be sent only to those who register.

Spring 2026

Admission to the social work major will be open at 8 a.m. Friday, May 15 and will close Friday, May 29, at 5 p.m. Information sessions will be held online via a link posted on the Social Work Student Canvas page (or available below) on Wednesday, May 13 at 4 p.m. and again on Thursday, May 14 at 1 p.m.

Spring 2026 Admissions Orientation - August 3, 2026 1pm and 5pm

Fall 2026

Admission to the social work major will be open at 8 a.m. Friday September 11 and will close Friday, September 25 at 5pm. Information sessions will be held online via a link posted on the Social Work Student Canvas page (or available below) on Wednesday, September 9 at 4 p.m. and again on Thursday, September 10 at 1 p.m.

Fall 2026 Admissions Orientation - December 7, 2026 1pm and 5pm

Winter 2027

Admission to the social work major will be open at 8 a.m. Friday, January 15 and will close Friday, January 29 at 5 p.m. Information sessions will be held online via a link posted on the Social Work Student Canvas page (or available below) on Wednesday, January 13 at 4 p.m. and again on Thursday, January 14 at 1 p.m.

Winter 2027 Admissions Orientation - March 29, 2027 1pm and 5pm

Spring 2027

Admission to the social work major will be open at 8 a.m. Friday, May 14 and will close Friday, May 28, at 5 p.m. Information sessions will be held online via a link posted on the Social Work Student Canvas page (or available below) on Wednesday, May 12 at 4 p.m. and again on Thursday, May 13 at 1 p.m.

Spring 2027 Admissions Orientation - August 9, 2027 1pm and 5pm

Questions about admissions should be directed to your faculty advisor or to the BSW Program Director Cathy Macomber at camacomb@svsu.edu. Check out our informational sessions.

Practicum Confirmation Application Criteria

Before you begin the Practicum Confirmation process, please review the Practicum Entrance Requirements listed below, these requirements must be completed before Fall Semester of your Senior Year:

Acceptance into the Social Work Major
2.5 GPA
Completion of at least 96 credit hours before Fall Semester of your Senior Year
Declare a Minor or Dual Major to the Registrar
General Education Requirements Completed before entering Fall semester
Any Certifications, including the Child Welfare Certificate or Juvenile Delinquency Certificate, declared the Registrar.

** There are no exceptions for any of the above listed entrance requirements.

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Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) Application and Instructions