MSW Application Process
Application Deadline
Effective May 2025, all MSW program options (online and in-person) will start in the first MSW Summer term of 2025. Students should apply April 15, 2025. For students who want to discuss starting in the fall or spring semester, please reach out to the MSW Program Coordinator.
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the deadline or until the program is full.
Applicants and potential applicants are welcome to contact the MSW Program Coordinator, Laura.granruth@millersville.edu, to discuss the program.
Admissions Requirements*
*Applicants who may not meet the stated requirements should schedule an appointment with the MSW Director for an application review.
Applicants must evidence a combination of professional and personal experiences, qualities, and values that are considered essential for the practice of social work. Three professional references are required with a minimum of one from faculty and one from a current or recent agency employer or supervisor, using the appropriate MSW Recommendation Form. Applicants for advanced standing are required to submit an additional reference from the department chair/program director of their undergraduate BSW program (see link below for form). A current resume is required. Applicants will complete a written professional statement.
Regular Standing Program
Applicants must have earned a bachelor’s degree with a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.8 on a 4.0 scale from a regionally accredited undergraduate institution. If a student has attended more than one undergraduate institution, all grades that go towards the degree will be used in the calculation of the overall GPA.
Advanced Standing Program
Applicants will be considered for the Advanced Standing program if they have a baccalaureate degree earned in the last ten (10) years from a Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) accredited social work program with an overall GPA of 2.8 and a major GPA of 3.25 or higher on a 4.0 scale, a recommendation from the Program Director or designee of their undergraduate social work program, and submit a one-page statement on CSWE competencies. The Recommendation for Advanced Standing form is available below.
Application for Advanced Standing
This is a required form that will be completed by the chair of your undergraduate social work program.
Personal Statement
Millersville University - Shippensburg University MSW Program
Academic and Professional Statement
Please, write a four-to-five page statement that describes the following:
- Events and experiences that led you to apply for a master’s degree in social work as a profession;
- How the MU-SU MSW Advanced Generalist program will further your career goals;
- Your experiences with issues of diversity; and/or human rights; and/or social justice in practice and/or life; and
- The reasons why you should be admitted to the program.
Your statement must be typewritten, double-spaced, with one-inch margins and a font size of 12 points. All transfer students should include the reason they are choosing to transfer from their previous institution.
Use the following headings:
- Introduction
- Significant Events and Experiences
- My Future Career Goals
- My Experience with Diversity and/or Human Rights; and/or Social Justice
- Conclusion
Transfer Students
Students may transfer a total of nine (9) credit hours. All nine may be from another MSW program or up to six (6) credits may be from a related field. Graduate credit earned more than five years prior to the date you begin your graduate program at MU-SU does not qualify for transfer credits. Students may only transfer credits from other accredited schools provided they are in good standing in those schools. Courses must be listed on an official transcript with a B or higher. Courses transferring must be approved by the program. Condensed one-week graduate courses do not qualify for transfer.