MSW ADMISSIONS

ADMISSIONS:

• To be admitted to the graduate program offered by the School of Social Welfare, applicants must hold a liberal arts bachelor’s degree from a college or university of recognized standing.
• Applications may be submitted for admission to a program leading to a Master’s degree or doctoral degree, or for non-degree study.
• Information sessions are available to assist students who desire clarification or more detailed information about programs and admission standards. To attend an information session, please call 518-442-5320
• All applications must be made on the official application form Application forms are available in two formats:

* You may download application forms from the University at Albany website. You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader

* You may apply online

Application Deadlines

*Students applying to the regular MSW program are admitted only once per year for the Fall semester of the following academic year. All students, except for Advanced Standing students, begin class in the Fall semester following admission.

• Early decision applications: November 1 st. Applicants who have been awarded a B.A. degree will be reviewed early if their applications are in by November 1 st.
• Regular applications: February 15th deadline for the MSW program starting the following fall semester.

MSW Application Deadline for Fall 2008 Admission
EXTENDED to February 29, 2008.

Application review:

• Admission to academic programs in the School of Social Welfare is highly competitive.
• Prior to being reviewed by the School of Social Welfare Admissions Committee, all applications are screened for completeness by the Department of Graduate Admissions on the main campus of the University at Albany, State University of New York.
• Complete applications are then reviewed by the Admissions Committee at the School of Social Welfare

• Applications are reviewed by the MSW Admissions Committee.

Criteria for assessment of the applicant include:

• Adequacy of the liberal arts base
• Application essay
• Progress toward elementary base requirements or their equivalents
• Grad point average (GPA)
• Academic and professional references
• Social welfare/human service experience.

NOTE: The merit of any one criterion is considered in light of all others when admissions decisions are made. The overall quality of the application will provide the basis for admission.

NOTE: Applicants should be aware that some states, such as New York State, restrict or deny professional licensure for people with felony convictions, misdemeanor convictions, or actions taken against them by a professional organization.

If you have such a situation, you would benefit from consulting with your state’s licensing board before you submit your application. Your application will be subject to a more rigorous review by both the Department of Graduate Admissions on the main campus and The School of Social Welfare’s Admission Committee.

All applicants for the MSW degree program must submit:

• Official transcripts for all undergraduate and graduate work attempted
• References from three individuals who know the applicant in an academic, human service, or employment capacity.
• A two to four (2-4) page statement of personal goals and career objectives that includes all of the following:

• why the applicant wishes to pursue a career in social work,
• discussion of previous experience that led to this decision
• the nature and meaning of all paid and volunteer work experience relevant to social work career goals

4. An updated resume

Please send questions or comments about UAlbany to: campus@uamail.albany.edu