Master of Social Work Program Admissions

Candidates may choose to apply through either Millersville or Shippensburg University. If all seats are full at one campus, successful applicants will be given the option to enroll through the other campus, if seats are available. Applicants desiring admission to a specific campus may also be placed on a waiting list if all seats are full.

Applicants for Regular Standing admission must have a minimum cumulative quality point average of 2.8 on a 4.0 scale from a regionally accredited undergraduate institution. In exceptional cases, applicants who lack the required quality point average but whose other qualifications are outstanding may be admitted on a probationary basis. Applicants admitted on probation must earn a 3.0 quality point average by the end of the first 12 credits.

Applicants for Advanced Standing admission must have earned a baccalaureate degree in the last eight years from a CSWE-accredited social work program with an overall QPA of 3.0 in all undergraduate coursework and a major QPA of 3.25 or higher on a 4.0 scale.

Students who graduated with a baccalaureate degree from a CSWE-accredited social work program who are not eligible for advanced standing may be eligible for exemptions from some first-year foundation courses other than practice and field instruction in which they have earned a grade of B or higher within the past eight years. Exemptions will reduce the total number of credits a student must earn to graduate. The Admissions Committee will send a letter notifying the applicant of the exemptions.

Students may apply for waivers from courses when they have already demonstrated proficiency in the course content at a graduate level with a grade of a B or higher. When requesting consideration for a waiver, a student must submit a Request for Waiver form and course syllabi to the program co-director. A waiver will not reduce the number of required credits for graduation but will allow a student to take a more advanced course or an elective course.

Not required 

Applicants must present evidence of a combination of professional and personal experiences, qualities, and values that are considered essential for the practice of social work. A current resume is required. Three professional references are required with a minimum of one from faculty and one from a current or recent agency employer or supervisor. The third reference must be from another faculty or employer/supervisor. No personal references or co-worker references will be accepted.

Applicants will complete a written personal statement. Forms are available through the Graduate Admissions Office. The program may request a personal interview or additional information when necessary to make a fully informed admissions decision.

Persons who have criminal records are not eligible to work in many human service fields. Applicants with criminal records should contact the MSW program director for additional information.

Students may receive up to 9 credits earned at other regionally accredited institutions prior to admission. Graduate credits earned more than five years prior to admission do not qualify for transfer. Students may only transfer credits provided they are in good standing in those schools. Courses must be listed on an official transcript with a B or higher. Condensed one-week graduate courses do not qualify for transfer.

With advance permission of MU-SU MSW program director and the faculty advisor and as part of a planned program, a student may transfer credits from other graduate programs at MU or SU.

The program does not grant academic credit for life or work experience.

Persons who have criminal records are not eligible to work in many human service fields. Applicants with criminal records should contact the MSW program director for additional information.