Admissions Information

Criteria for Admission

• Completion of a baccalaureate degree at an accredited institution with a grade point average (GPA) of 3.0. Those with a lower cumulative GPA may apply but GPA factors heavily in admission decisions.

• An academic record that reflects a strong liberal arts perspective. Applicants must have a minimum 60 credits in the Liberal Arts.  Please note that certain courses are required.  Prerequisite course work will be considered with a grade of “C” or higher. You must provide all the requested information which will be verified in your transcripts. Do not state "see transcript."

24 of the 60 required Liberal Arts courses must include the courses and distribution below:  

• One 3 credit Statistics course
• One 3 credit Intro to Psychology course
• One 3 credit Intro to Sociology course
• One 3 credit Human Biology (or anatomy & physiology) course (NO lab required)
• One 3 credit Humanities course
• A distribution of 9 additional credits from the social/behavioral sciences, mathematical and physical sciences, and humanities as described below:

The social/behavioral sciences include anthropology, economics, political science, geography, women’s studies, ethnographic studies, archeology, or interdisciplinary social science (but not additional sociology or psychology courses).

The humanities include philosophy, religion, English or foreign literature, history (in any subject area), fine arts ( non-skills course), and interdisciplinary humanities courses.

The mathematical and physical sciences include biology (not the same course work submitted for the human biology prerequisite),  physics, geology, earth science, chemistry, mathematics (algebra or higher, not the same course work submitted for Statistics), or computer science (not word processing or graphic design).  

• Prior paid or volunteer experience and its relevance to social work.

• Three reference forms and accompanying letters of reference which specify your ability to do graduate level work and your commitment to social work. Professional or academic references are preferred. Reference letters MUST be accompanied by the completed forms enclosed or will be returned to applicants. The Program DOES NOT accept credentialing files from placement offices.

• Completion of the personal/professional statement and social science issue discussion as described in the application form. The personal statement is an essential part of your admissions file. The content and writing style will provide important information about you and your understanding of the social work profession. Consider it your opportunity to communicate with the Admissions Committee members about your specific strengths, professional goals, and future plans.

• As demonstrated in the personal statement, through letters of recommendation, in your academic record, and in your work history:
  • A serious commitment to the profession of social work.
  • A capacity to engage in personal and professional self-awareness.
  • The readiness and preparation to engage in graduate level studies.
  • The personal qualifications considered essential for sound social work practice. These include concern for the needs of others, sensitive and relationship skills, good judgment, creativity, and integrity.

60 Credit Program  Part I : Social Issue
In applying for the 60 credit Program,  please submit a discussion of a current social issue reflecting your interest in social work. Include the following:

1. A succinct description of a social issue that interests you as you contemplate graduate school in social work
2. The impact of this social issue on various social systems:  individuals, families, and communities
3. Values and ethics that might guide social work interventions in this issue
4. Why this social issue is important to you as a future social worker
5. A discussion of your  personal qualifications as they relate to the profession of social work, including concern for the needs of others, sensitivity and relationship skills, respect for diversity,  good judgment, creativity, and integrity.
6. An analysis  of your capacity to engage in professional self-awareness including the personal  challenges this social issue presents for you in becoming a professional social worker.

60 Credit Program Part II :  Personal Statement
In applying for the 60 credit Master of Social Work program, please provide a personal statement in which you:

1. Clearly discuss your understanding of the profession of social work
2. Clearly put forth your personal and professional goals in undertaking the MSW degree and a clear rationale for pursuing an MSW.
3. Articulate your personal and professional readiness to undertake graduate social work education at this time, including your academic preparation, your relevant work history, your level of self-awareness and maturity,  etc.
4. Clearly articulate why the Greater Rochester MSW Program is the most appropriate program for you and how it will help you achieve your professional goals.

For the Advanced Standing Practice Example Criteria, click here.