BSW Application Process
If you select social work as your major when you are admitted to WMU, you will be admitted into the pre-social work curriculum. This does not guarantee admission to the social work major.
Once you have completed SWRK 2100 Social Work Services and Professional Roles, or a transfer equivalent, and have a minimum of 30 credit hours, you can complete the department application to the undergraduate social work major.
The deadline for department applications is March 15 (for fall admission) and Sept 15 (for spring admission). Applications must include all components including transcripts by the deadline to receive a timely decision. A faculty admissions committee reviews all applications in a competitive admissions process. It typically takes approximately 8 weeks for the faculty admissions committee to render a decision.
Note: The department application portal (link below) will open August 1 for spring admission and again on February 1 for fall admission.
Admission requirements
- Completion, or current enrollment in, SWRK 2100 /transfer equivalent.
- Earned at least 30 undergraduate credit hours
- Minimum overall grade point average of 2.5
In conformance with the requirements of the Council on Social Work Education, the WMU School of Social Work cannot grant social work course credit or field hours for life experience or previous work experience.
Transferring to WMU
To transfer, you must apply to the university and apply to the social work major.
The School of Social Work has approved some introductory social work courses from other colleges and universities to satisfy requirements in the WMU BSW program, including full associate-to-BSW transfer agreements with Kalamazoo Valley Community College and Kellogg Community College. See all of the transfer agreements that WMU has with other institutions here. Or, review specific social work transfer guides below.