Advanced-Standing Admission

The Advanced Standing Application Deadline has been
extended to March 1, 2009

Students who have graduated within the past eight years from a CSWE-accredited baccalaureate social work program are eligible to apply for admission to the MSW Advanced Standing Program. Completion of a BSW is not a guarantee of Advanced-Standing status. Applications are carefully reviewed to determine that applicants are prepared for rigorous study and advanced professional practice.

Additional minimum admission requirements are:

1. A cumulative grade point average of 3.0 overall, and a 3.0 in social work courses.
2. Copies of the applicant's field practicum evaluations.
3. Three letters of recommendation, including one from a social work faculty member who can attest to the candidate's ability to do graduate level work, and one from a social work practice supervisor who can attest to the candidate's ability to engage in graduate level practice.
4. Advanced Standing Applicants please complete questions 1-16 on the General Application. In lieu of Question 17 complete the Guidelines for Practice Example below.

Guidelines for Practice Example: Advanced Standing Applicants Only

The practice example for Advanced Standing applicants consists of two parts; discussion of a social issue and a personal statement. Please note that this is required, along with copies of your field practicum evaluations. They may illustrate practice with an individual, family, group, community or organization. The following is a description of what your practice example should include.

 

Advanced Standing Part I : Social Issue

 

In applying for Advanced Standing please submit a discussion of a current social issue reflecting your mastery of skills in generalist social work and your readiness to undertake a curriculum in advanced social work practice. Include the following:

1. A succinct description of the social issue as it affects individuals, families, groups, organizations, communities, and diverse populations;
2. A theoretical perspective that helps to understand the social issue;
3. Values and ethics that might guide social work interventions in this issue;
4. Practice skills or models that are needed to address the needs of client systems faced with this issue;
5. The usefulness of research to guide/improve practice interventions;
6. Policy implications
7. Implications for social and economic justice.

Advanced Standing Part II:  Personal Statement

1. Clearly put forth your personal and professional goals in undertaking the MSW degree and a clear rationale for pursuing an MSW.
2. 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, and any other relevant information.  
3. 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.