Graduate Program Application
Submit your application materials (including official transcripts) and follow up with your references to make sure they have completed the survey link sent by WMU. Please see the Application Components section for details regarding what constitutes a complete application. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed. Please email @email with any questions.
| Domestic Applicants | ||
|---|---|---|
| Advanced Standing MSW | Standard MSW | |
| Program Length | Full-time: 10 months Part-time: 2 years | Full-time: 2 years Part-time: 3 years |
| Program Start Term | Summer II | Fall |
| Application Cycle | Early Decision: August 1 - October 15 December 1 - January 15 | Early Decision: August 1 - October 15 January 1 - February 15 |
It is highly recommended that International Students apply to the program via International Admissions by October 15 during Early Admission to allow time to process travel documents. The final deadline for international applicants (regardless of program) is January 15. Learn more about WMU's qualifying English proficiency exam scores and other international student requirements. Please email @email with any questions.
| International Applicants | ||
|---|---|---|
| Advanced Standing MSW | Standard MSW | |
| Program Length | Full-time: 10 months | Full-time: 2 years |
| Program Start Term | Summer II | Fall |
| Application Cycle | Early Decision: August 1 - October 15 December 1 - January 15 | Early Decision: August 1 - October 15 December 1 - January 15 |
Admission requirements
In addition to the University’s requirements for admission to a master’s degree program, the following criteria will be considered for every applicant to all social work programs:
- Evidence of adequate academic preparation for graduate study in social work. This includes consideration of undergraduate performance, liberal arts academic background, and proficiency in professional writing.
- Evidence of personal qualifications considered desirable for successful social work practice. These include motivation for a human service profession, personal maturity, and leadership ability.
Program-specific requirements also apply.
Standard MSW (60 Credits) requirements:
- Undergraduate degree
- 3.0 cumulative GPA*
- Liberal Arts foundation
Advanced Standing (39 Credits)
- BSW degree from a CSWE accredited program, awarded not more than six years before the date of application to the WMU School of Social Work
- 3.00 cumulative GPA*
- No more than one BSW course below a B. Any BSW course below a B will require retaking an equivalent course in the MSW curriculum
- One of the three letters of recommendation must be from a social worker (e.g. field instructor or liaison, faculty member, or supervisor)
* Is your GPA below our minimum requirements? You should still apply. The WMU School of Social Work uses a holistic application review process. We understand that grades don't reflect your whole self, and that people have more to offer to the social work profession than their undergraduate GPAs. If your GPA is below our minimum requirement, please use the "academic preparedness" essay question to tell us why it isn't a good reflection of your abilities, and share your strategies for how you plan to maintain the required 3.0 GPA in graduate school.
Application components
Application:
Complete your application during the appropriate application cycle, as noted at the top of this page, by selecting the gold button. International students must apply via International Admissions.
Application fee:
Domestic: $50 non-refundable. You can obtain a fee waiver by attending an information session or by making an individual appointment via phone or video conference.
International: $100 non-refundable.
Transcripts:
Submit transcripts from your degree-granting institution and any institutions attended AFTER you obtained your bachelor's degree to the WMU Graduate College by email at @email or Western Michigan University, Office of Admissions, 1903 W Michigan Avenue, Kalamazoo, MI 49008-5211 USA. WMU graduates do not need to send their WMU transcripts.
International applicants must send their official academic credentials to International Admissions in one of the following ways:
- Electronic: Transcripts can be emailed directly to @email by the issuing institution.
- Mail: Transcripts can be mailed to Office of International Student and Scholar Services, Western Michigan University, 1903 W Michigan Ave, Kalamazoo, MI 49008-5246.
- Hand-delivered: Transcripts in a sealed envelope from the issuing institution can be dropped off in the office of International Student and Scholar Services in 3110 Faunce Student Services Building.
Resume:
Upload your resume, including information about your employment, internship and volunteer experiences.
Letters of Reference:
Three professional references are required. If you are applying to the advanced standing program, include one recommendation from a social worker (faculty member, field instructor, liaison, or supervisor). You will be asked to provide the names and contact information of your references in the online application. WMU will email your references a link to a quick survey of your skills and attributes (required). Your references may also upload recommendation letters (not required, but recommended). References must be submitted on your behalf on or before the application close date (October 15 for early decision - all application types, January 15 for Advanced Standing & International applications, or February 15 for Standard applications).
Supplementary Statement Essay Questions:
The online application will ask you to answer a series of essay questions in addition to the typical demographic questions. Each answer will be evaluated on content and writing skills. We recommend you prepare answers to these questions in advance. Preview Essay Questions
Per requirements of the Council on Social Work Education, the School of Social Work can not grant social work course credit or field hours for life experience or previous work experience.
Departmental scholarship applications
The departmental scholarship application portal is now closed. Students will receive an email when it re-opens for the 2025-26 academic year. Students can login to ScholarshipUniverse using their Bronco Net ID and password.
Questions?
Kalamazoo:
(269) 387-3180 or swrk-admi@wmich.edu
Grand Rapids:
(616) 742-5027 or christopher.b.smith@wmich.edu