Applications are accepted and reviewed on an ongoing basis. Priority consideration is given to applications received by February 1 for students applying to start coursework during the summer term, by June 1 for students applying to start coursework in the fall term, and by November 1 for students applying to start coursework in the spring term.

Note: Some field placement settings take applications for graduate students up to 12 months in advance. Students applying for Advanced Standing (have/will have completed a BSW) and who wish to complete the program in an accelerated schedule (summer, fall, spring) are strongly encouraged to apply by December 1 prior to the summer start date in order to ensure greatest options in placements. While choices of field placements may be restricted for students applying after December 1, applications are still welcomed and will be considered.

1) A baccalaureate degree or a degree completion plan that meets the requirements of the program.

2) Cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or greater (based on all hours attempted), or a GPA of 3.0 or higher in the last 60 hours of undergraduate studies or from at least 12 credits of graduate level coursework.
Applicants who do not meet all of the requirements, including the 3.0 GPA requirement, may still be considered for admission to the program on a case-by-case basis. In these instances, the applicant will be interviewed by the department’s Admissions Committee.

3) Complete the application for admission.

4) Complete the International Graduate Student Enrollment Checklist (International Students Only)

Application to the MSW program and meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission. Admission to the program may be limited by space.

Applications to the social work program are evaluated on measures reflective of the application criteria.

Applications are reviewed by full-time social work faculty. Application scoring is based on a rubric reflecting the dimensions of thoroughness, thoughtfulness of reflection, potential as a graduate social work student, and quality of writing.

Students who apply for the Grand View MSW program are evaluated on the following criteria:

Submit the Following

• Statement of Purpose (750-1,000 words). This statement will be used to assess the student’s written communication skills and commitment to the social work profession.
  • What are your career goals after completion of graduate school?
  • How do you see yourself carrying out the ethical principle of social justice in your practice?
  • What strengths will you bring to the graduate program?
  • What experiences contribute to your capacity to complete a graduate program?
• 2 recommendations which speak to the applicant’s academic strengths, professionalism, and capacity to complete a greater degree program. May be provided by an undergraduate instructor, employer, or someone who knows the applicant well in reaction to the criteria above. Recommendations may not be from Grand View BSW or MSW full-time faculty.
• Professional Resume
• Transcript from Baccalaureate granting institution if attended a school other than Grand View. If requesting credit for existing graduate coursework, transcripts from that institution must also be provided.

Coursework in the specialty area is completed alongside core courses to provide students the opportunity to apply the social work values of social justice and diversity, equity, and inclusion to their intended practice setting.

Embedded in the program is the opportunity to complete a certificate in diversity, equity, and inclusion, which may be completed alongside the MSW or as a stand-alone graduate-level certificate.

The field placement provides students with hands-on experience applying their learning to a practice setting. This may be completed alongside coursework, or after completion of required classes, depending on the schedule you choose. The MSW Field Education Director provides assistance in securing a placement that is uniquely tailored to your specialty area and fits with your educational and career goals. Students who do not have an undergraduate degree in social work from an accredited institution will complete a foundational field experience prior to the advanced placement.

View Field Education Handbook

Note: A personal background check may be required, depending on the student's placement location. The agency accepting the student will identify what is required and conduct their checks accordingly. Personal liability insurance may also be required, depending on placement agency.

Each degree specialty has it's own degree checklist as well as differing checklists for student standing when entering the program. Click the links below to view the degree checklists.

Administration and Leadership Specialty

• Plan of Study
• Degree Checklist

Clinical Social Work Specialty

• Plan of Study
• Degree Checklist

School Social Work Specialty

• Plan of Study
• Degree Checklist

Advanced Standing: Students who have graduated in the last 10 years from a Bachelor of Social Work program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education are eligible for advanced standing. Students applying for the accelerated advanced standing program must have a cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.25 for the degree as a whole or in the last 60 hours of the degree.

The mission of the Grand View MSW program is to prepare students to be highly competent professionals who integrate interdisciplinary knowledge, skills, and social work values to provide effective service and leadership.

The goals of the Grand View MSW program are as follows:

• The program will graduate students who understand the components of effective advanced professional social work practice.
• The program will prepare graduates to understand and use the tools of values clarification, code of ethics, and research base of the profession to develop a critical framework for making practice decisions.
• The program will graduate students who demonstrate the ability to select and use assessment, intervention, and evaluation methods to work effectively in changing contexts with diverse populations.

Master in Social Work Catalyst Scholarship

The Master's in Social Work Catalyst Scholarship is intended to support the education of a graduate student in the Masters of Social Work who shows promise as a strong catalyst for change. This scholarship gives preference to students whose personal characteristics reflect historically underrepresented populations in the profession, such as (but not limited to) diversity in race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, disability, language, socioeconomic status, national origin, age, faith, or culture.

Diana ’87 and Sharon ’88 Sickles Scholarship

Selection of Recipients: Criteria

• $2,000 scholarship
• Graduate social work (preference), mental health counseling majors or other mental health fields/majors
• Has financial need as defined by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
• Black student

Selection of Recipient: Process

• The financial aid staff will select students who meet the selection criteria and inform them of their award.
• The Scholarship may be renewed from year to year so long as recipient continues to demonstrate financial need.

Apply for the Catalyst Scholarship today

MSW Field Education Handbook (2024-25)

MSW Student Handbook (2024-25)