General Admissions Criteria

The Social Work Admission Committee has the responsibility to review Student Admission Application packets for acceptance into the program.

Decisions for admission to the social work program are based on the following criteria:

1. Successful completion of SWK 256, SWK 255, and SWK 250;
2. Successful completion of required prerequisites:
   • ENGL 110 College Composition I
   • ENGL 120 College Composition II
   • BIOL 111 Concepts of Biology
   • PSY 111 Introduction to Psychology
   • SOC 101 Introduction to Sociology
   • ECON 201 Principles of Microeconomics OR
   • ECON 202 Principles of Macroeconomics
   • POLS 115 American Government
3. Second semester sophomore standing or higher (minimum 32 credits);
4. Social Work GPA for Admissions is calculated on SWK 250, 255 and 256. Applicants may petition to have SWK 330 and/or SWK 331 included in the calculation. The requirements for the BSW degree specify a 2.50 grade point average in all social work courses.
5. Overall grade point of 2.00 which is consistent with the MSU requirement of 2.00 in all departments for graduation.
6. Satisfactory review of the completed Admissions Application packet.
7. Personal interview with the Admissions Committee
8. Successful completion and evaluation of a minimum of 50 hours of experience in a community service setting (taken in conjunction with SWK 200 or by arrangement for transfer students).
9. Applicant demonstration of the following:
   1. The potential to effectively engage in social work practice;
   2. Personal behavior, ethics and values which illustrate acceptance of and compliance with the NASW Code of Ethics; and
   3. Potential for eligibility for licensure by the North Dakota Board of Social Work Examiner (NDBSWE).

Admissions Committee Considerations
The Admissions Committee considers the following factors in its selection:

• Demonstrated successful academic performance and other work performance as applicable, including a demonstrated commitment to scholarship
• Critical thinking skills and problem solving abilities
• A basic level of communication skills and oral expression
• College level writing skills
• Interpersonal skills including the ability to establish rapport and work well with others (fellow students, faculty, staff, supervisors, etc.)
• Overall presentation of self that includes attitude, appearance, maturity and judgment appropriate to the standards of the social work profession
• Potential for professional development, as demonstrated by
  • Ability to accept and respond to feedback and constructive criticism
  • willingness to address areas of concern that might interfere with effectiveness as a future helper
  • initiative and self directed behavior
  • motivation to pursue a career in the field of social work
  • reliability in carrying out responsibilities (class attendance, punctuality, dependability, observes assignment deadlines, etc.)
  • openness to learning and change; ability to take in new information
  • leadership abilities
  • performance under pressure
• Integrity, moral and ethical behavior in adherence to the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) Code of Ethics
• Demonstrated personal behavior which upholds professional standards of conduct, and shows acceptance of appropriate responsibility for own behavior
• Sensitivity to and respect for human diversity, with ability to relate to people who are different from oneself and a basic capacity for nonjudgmental behavior toward individuals whose values, beliefs and lifestyles may be different from the student’s own
• A basic level of self-awareness and insight in assessing strengths and challenges as they might impact carrying out professional responsibilities

FORMS
[pdf format - not editable]                          
Admissions Packet - Minot
Admissions Packet - Bismarck
Admissions Packet - Williston                      
General Admission Criteria
Course Substitution Form
Code of Conduct Form
Individual Class Assessment

[Word format - editable]
Admissions Packet - Minot
Admissions Packet - Bismarck
Admissions Packet - Williston
Course Substitution Form
Individual Class Assessment

Request for Change of Acceptance Status Instructions