Online Social Work Admission & Application Requirements

To be considered for admission to the Online BSW program, students must meet the following requirements.

Admission to Minnesota State Moorhead

Students must be admitted to Minnesota State Moorhead and declare the Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) as their major. Review admission requirements and application instructions on the Admission Requirements page.

Prior College Credits

Students must complete 74 college credits prior to admission to the Online BSW program. Students must complete 74 college credits prior to admission to the Online BSW program.

Students should contact the BSW Online Program Director with questions about transfer credits or course planning.

Required Coursework

Prior credits must include:

• MSUM Liberal Arts & Sciences Curriculum (LASC) requirements
• MSUM Writing Intensive requirements (fulfilled within the Social Work major through SW 415 and SW 460)
• The following prerequisite courses or approved equivalents:
  • Human Biology (BIO 104)
  • General Psychology (PSY 113)
  • Developmental Psychology (PSY 202)
  • Introduction to Sociology (SOC 110)
  • American Economy (ECON 100)
  • American/National Government (POL 120)
  • Methods and Statistics for Social Research (SOC 350)

Transfer Students: Students transferring with an AA degree must still satisfy MSUM's Human Diversity and Global Perspective requirements if those requirements were not completed as part of the transfer degree. Consult with your advisor to determine the best path to completion.

GPA Requirements

Applicants must:

• Have an overall MSUM or transfer GPA of 2.5 or higher
• Earn a 2.5 or higher major GPA
• Earn a grade of C or higher in all Social Work courses
• Maintain eligibility through the start of the fall cohort

Final Prerequisite Completion

All prerequisite coursework must be completed and official transcripts received before the Online BSW cohort begins in the fall semester.

If admission requirements are not met before the cohort start date, an offer of admission may be rescinded.

Students transferring from another institution who will not complete their coursework before the fall cohort begins should contact the School of Social Work to discuss available options.

Provisional Admission

Students who do not fully meet admission requirements may be eligible for Provisional Admission. Review the Provisional Admission information or contact the School of Social Work for additional guidance.

Students who meet the eligibility requirements must submit a complete application for admission to the Online BSW program.

Required Documentation

Applicants must submit:

• A current DARS report or unofficial transcript to verify academic progress and prerequisite coursework.
• Documentation showing completion of, or current enrollment in, all required prerequisite courses.

Additional Requirements for Some Transfer Students

Transfer students who have previously completed SW 250: Introduction to Social Work must also provide documentation of:

• At least 15 hours of supervised human service experience completed after high school and within the past 10 years.
• A completed Supervisor’s Performance Evaluation Form.

Application Review

The admissions committee may request additional documentation and/or a personal interview if further information is needed during the review process.

Important

Incomplete applications will not be reviewed. Be sure to follow all application instructions and submit all required materials before the application deadline.

Admission Process

Admission is limited to 25 students per cohort. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis throughout the spring and summer. Students who meet all requirements receive priority consideration for admission.

Admission Offers

• Applicants offered admission must accept their offer by the deadline stated in the offer letter.
• Students offered a waitlist position must also accept by the stated deadline or the offer may be canceled.

Provisional Admission

• Provisional applicants remain on the waitlist until May 1 and will be notified of the final admission decision at that time.

Background Checks

Students entering the program may be required to complete a background check. Certain criminal arrests, charges or convictions may affect professional licensure and employment opportunities. Students are encouraged to review their state's licensing requirements and the Minnesota Board of Social Work requirements before applying.

Questions About Eligibility?

Students who do not meet admission requirements should contact the Online BSW Program Director about Provisional Admission.

If you meet the eligibility requirements and have reviewed the application requirements, you're ready to submit your Online BSW application.

Apply early. Admission is limited to 25 students and applications are reviewed on a rolling basis for fall admission.

BSW Online Application