School of Social Work

A.  ELIGIBILITY

In order to qualify for placement in the MSW Program, applicants must meet the criteria specified in the current CSU, Chico University Catalog, which includes acceptance into the School of Graduate and International Programs and the School of Social Work. Please carefully read the requirements in the Catalog, including the sections regarding program eligibility. Note: All undergraduate degrees and prerequisites must be completed before the applicant begins their MSW program.

Applicants who have a cumulative grade point average less than 3.0 (on a 4.0 point scale) in his/her undergraduate academic course work may be given a graduate status of "conditionally classified" during his/her first semester of graduate work. If all requirements are met after the first semester, then the graduate status will be changed to "classified." MSW students are required to maintain an average 3.0 GPA at all times during their program.

B.  DOCUMENTS REQUIRED FOR MSW APPLICATION – All application materials are available on the Social Work website, ready to download, fill out, and send in via postal or other carrier service. All material must be submitted together, at one time, to be accepted as a completed application.

      1.  Application For Admission
Applications will not be considered unless they are completed and include ALL requested information.  The completed application package includes:
      a.   The 5-page 2008 MSW program application.
      b.   The personal statement (see Section B #2. below)
      c.   Three letters of reference (see Section B #3. below)
d.   MSW Program and Liberal Arts Prerequisites Worksheet (see Section B  #4. below)
e.   One Transcript from each college or university (see Section B #5 below) including any International or Graduate studies.
 
NOTE: Applicants interested in the One-Year Program must also include the documents listed below in Section B #6.

      2.   Personal statement
Prepare a maximum of five page essay discussing your interest in social work. Your essay should respond to EACH question or statement listed below.  The essay must be typewritten and doubled spaced using 12 pt. type, and be grammatically correct.  Please include your name as a header or footer on each page.

            Part I:

• Why are you seeking a graduate degree in social work at this time?

b.   Why have you chosen to apply to CSU, Chico, School of Social Work, which emphasizes Advanced Generalist Social Work Practice with a focus on Mental Health Services or Families, Children and Youth Services?
c.   What specific career goals and aspirations do you have following your graduation from the Master of Social Work Program at CSU, Chico?

            Part II:     

• Discuss the personal, vocational, leadership, and educational experiences you have had which helped to define your choice of social work as a field of graduate study. Include descriptions of relevant human service practice experience and/or experience working with disadvantaged communities.
• Examine your personal strengths and limitations. Explain how your personal characteristics support, inhibit, and/or generally influence your ability to pursue graduate study and to establish a career in social work.

           
            Part III:
a.   Discuss what is the most important current social issue of interest to you and why.

**NOTE**Please be deliberate and thoughtful in preparing your personal statement. The quality of thought and written expression reflected in your essay will play an important role in the admissions decision.

      3.   Letters Of Reference – Three (3) are Required
Three (and only three) Letters of Reference are required. The required form for Letters of Reference should be downloaded from the Social Work website and given to the persons you listed on page 5 of your MSW Application.  Also, please note the statement concerning the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 that appears on the top of each form. Read the statement carefully, and choose one of the alternatives offered. You must sign and date this form.  If you do not, it cannot be used for your application!  Letters of Reference NOT using this form are NOT accepted.

Reference Sources:

• Academic References -- We strongly recommend you include at least one reference letter from your academic adviser and/or one of your major professors.  Applicants who have been out of college for several years could request letters of reference from the current department chair for the major, based on the student's academic record – OR – submit an additional reference from category below.
• Professional Work Experience Reference –We strongly recommend you include one reference letter from an employment supervisor who is acquainted firsthand with your work experience, whether that work experience is paid, volunteer or practicum in nature. (If this presents a problem, please contact the School of Social Work.) Please note that preference may be given to applicants who have a minimum of one year of paid or volunteer experience in human services.

Note:  if you have earned a BSW, please ensure that one letter is from your Field Liaison.
 

• MSW Program And Liberal Arts Prerequisites Worksheet

Download the MSW Program and Liberal Arts Prerequisites Worksheet from the Social Work website, and using an unofficial transcript, write in the courses you have completed that qualify for each category listed. You must also highlight each qualifying course on your unofficial transcript, staple the transcript to the back of the worksheet, and submit it with your application package.  Note: You must have completed the required number of units in each category to qualify for admission to the MSW Program.  If there are prerequisite courses that you have not yet taken, you may do so as long as all course work is finished before the beginning of the MSW program. In that case, indicate on the worksheet when you are or will be taking the course.
Include on the bottom of the worksheet your overall Cumulative Baccalaureate GPA for your latest transcripts.  If applicable, also include you Post-Baccalaureate GPA and/or GPA from  International studies.
 
To be considered for the One Year MSW program you must have received a minimum of a “B” average in professional social work courses.

Please date and sign the worksheet and submit it with your application packet.
 
5.   Transcripts
One official transcript from each college and university an applicant has attended (other than CSU, Chico and all records transferred to CSU, Chico) must be submitted to the School of Social Work with your application. NOTE: the Graduate School requires three official transcripts with its application. (Refer to page 1 of the MSW Application.)    

• Applicable Only To Those Interested In The One-Year Program

All graduates of CSWE-accredited social work undergraduate programs interested in the One-Year Program must submit, in addition to the items listed above:

• Copy of Final Undergraduate Social Work Field Practicum Evaluation.
• Letter of Recommendation from a field liaison.   

C.  Transfers

• Students transferring from other masters or other MSW programs should contact the School of Social Work and make an advising appointment to receive specific information regarding (a) transfer of credit, and/or (b) challenge policies. 
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D. International Students Only
The Master of Social Work (MSW) Program accepts applications from foreign nationals. For additional requirements and application materials, contact the Office of Graduate Programs, CSU, Chico (530) 898-6880 or e-mail grin@csuchico.edu.

E.   Tests
The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) (general test) is not required for admission into the MSW programs.  However, a high GRE score will count favorably for applicants who may have a low undergraduate grade point average. GRE scores should be sent directly to the Office of Graduate Programs, CSU, Chico, Chico, CA 95929-0875.  For additional information, please contact the GRE Educational Testing Service, POB 6000; Princeton, NJ 08541-6000 or call (609) 771-7670.
                                   
F.   Interviews
Applicants may be asked to interview with the MSW Admissions Committee if further clarification is needed in order for the committee to make an informed decision.

G. Housing Information
The Housing Office website at CSU, Chico (http://www.csuchico.edu/hfs/ochg/) provides information concerning privately owned off-campus housing, or call: (530) 898-6325.

H. Tuition
Tuition and admission fee information may be obtained from the Graduate Programs website at CSU, Chico (http://www.csuchico.edu/schedule/fees.html) or call (530) 898-6880, or e-mail grin@csuchico.edu.

I.    Financial Aid
Financial Aid is available for the students accepted into the MSW program. You may contact the Financial Aid office, Miriam Library 161, (530) 898-6451 if you have questions.