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Programs

Graduate

Application Checklist

Office of Admissions and Orientation

Complete the online Graduate Application OR online International Student Application,
Submit a nonrefunable $40 fee ($100 fee for international students),
A sealed, official transcript from each insitution previously attended (except WMU. Note: order two copies, one for the University and one for the School of Social Work.

Send fee and transcripts to:
WMU Office of Admissions and Orientation
1903 W. Michigan Avenue
Kalamazoo, MI 49008-5211

School of Social Work

Complete and sign School of Social Work Application,
(Word format or PDF format)
Current Résumé which includes the following:
1. Personal data
2. Educational experience (institution, degree, major, minor)
3. Employment and volunteer experience
4. Other experiences you consider of value as background for social work
5. Scholastic and professional honors and affiliations
Complete Supplementary Statement. Consideration will be given to whether the applicant’s experience and interests fit well with social work education and practice. The statement should be four to six pages in length, double-spaced, and computer generated and should answer all questions in each of these three areas:
a) Education and Career Focus
1. Explain when and how you became interested in social work as a profession
2. How has your formal education prepared you for advanced education in social work?
3. In what area of work do you wish to engage after you graduate?
4. How do you anticipate the educational experience will help you?
b) Background Experience
Social work involves working with people of varied backgrounds. Using examples of incidents, comment on any of your experiences (social, business, educational, and/or familial), which are significantly related to the social work field of endeavor. These examples should demonstrate:
1. Your interpersonal skills
2. The breadth and depth of your knowledge about social problems
3. Your experience with, exposure to, and understanding of people from whom you differ.

Personal Qualities

What personal attributes do you possess that are relevant to graduate studies and professional practice in social work?
What limitations in your personal attributes do you recognize that need your attention in order to be successful in graduate studies and in the professional practice of social work? How do you plan to address these issues?
If you plan to work full time during your enrollment, discuss how you plan to modify your work schedule to allow for two full days of field practicum.
Students have many responsibilities besides school, such as work and family. In light of this, how do you plan to make time available for school so that you can maximize your learning in graduate school?

Three sealed letters of reference, (Word format or PDF format). References should be solicited from individuals who can evaluate the applicant’s employment/volunteer and academic performance. One to two letters should come from a previous instructor/faculty member, and one to two letters should come from an employment supervisor (preferably from a social work related organization). Personal references will not be accepted. Applicants must send the reference form and a self-addressed, stamped envelope to each professional selected to complete the letter of reference. Completed reference letters should be returned to the student in a sealed envelope, with the signature of the writer across the seal.
A sealed, official transcript from each institution previously attended. Applicants must request two (2) official transcripts from each college/university attended (1 transcript for the university application and 1 transcript for the MSW application). Transcripts must be sent directly to the applicant, who must not break the seal on the envelope. The unopened transcripts must be sent to the School of Social Work Admissions Office in the enclosed envelope with all other application materials. Applicants are responsible for requesting transcripts from registrars of each institution attended, regardless of the number of credits taken or the degree status.

Applicants who attended WMU before 1984 must request WMU transcripts. If an applicant attended other educational institutions prior to admission to WMU and/or after leaving WMU, transcripts from those institutions must be included in the application packet.

Advanced-standing applicants only. In addition to the WMU and Social Work requirements, submit:

A copy of BSW field placement evaluation,
One of the three letters of reference must be from the BSW program field instructor or faculty liaison. This letter of reference must address your professional conduct in the field agency and your ability to complete an accelerated MSW program.

Transfer applicants only. In addition to the WMU and Social Work requirements, submit:

Practicum/Field Evaluation (if completed),
One letter of reference from a current or former advisor. This letter of reference must address your academic standing and professional conduct during enrollment.
A brief written statement with reason for transferring (note: this is included as part of the Transfer of graduate credit section of the application).

Applicants with a criminal conviction only. In addition to the WMU and Social Work requirements, submit:

Statement of explicit proof of rehabilitation (note: this is included as part of the Personal information section of the application). Applicants should be aware that felony convictions will likely limit opportunities for field education, professional licensing, and future employment.

Send Kalamazoo program applications and transcripts to:
WMU School of Social Work
1903 W. Michigan Avenue
Kalamazoo, MI 49008-5354

(Questions on Kalamazoo programs? Call 269-387-3201 or email.)

Send Grand Rapids program applications and transcripts to:
WMU Grand Rapids Regional Center:
2333 East Beltline S.E.
Grand Rapids, MI 49546

(Questions on Grand Rapids programs? Call (616) 771-9480 or email.)