School of Social Work

(Refer to the Bachelor of Social Work program page for a detailed explanation of these requirements.)

1. Minimum GPA of 2.5 for all college coursework
2. Second Semester Sophomore status (42+ hours completed) and , at least, 55 semester hours completed prior to beginning the BSW program. Within the 55 hours, the Liberal Arts Foundation Courses (or their equivalents) must be completed prior to beginning the first semester of the Professional BSW Core Courses. All pre-requisite courses, with the exception of Anthropology, History, and Political Science, must be completed with a grade in the "C" range or better.

It is our desire that the application process be a welcoming and smooth process for you. You can help us by reading all materials carefully, providing clear documentation and by adhering to deadlines. We, in turn, will seek to help you by responding to your questions. The BSW application involves sending the following materials to the University Admissions Office and to the School of Social Work.

• If you are returning to MU after an absence of a semester or more, you must submit the Request to Re-enroll application (PDF). This form is available from and should be returned to: Admissions, 230 Jesse Hall, Columbia, MO 65211.
• If you are applying to MU for the first time, you must submit a University of Missouri Application for Undergraduate Admissions along with transcripts from all colleges attended. There are three ways: You can apply online, you can download an application or you can request a conventional application from the MU Office of Admissions. List "Social Work" as your Intended Academic Major.

Listed below are the other materials that need to be sent to the School of Social Work (for all applicants) along with instructions for assembling your application packet.

1. School of Social Work BSW Application: You can also download the application. The application must be typed. Complete each item of the application. Type N/A (not applicable) in spaces which do not apply to you.
2. Personal Statement: Complete your personal statement by responding to the questions provided.  The personal statement questions are located by following this link (http://ssw.missouri.edu/docs/bswstatement.pdf). Please include your typed personal statement in a large envelope along with your other completed application documents.
3. References: Choose three persons who have recent knowledge of your qualifications. The admissions committee is interested in references from individuals who can speak to your academic abilities and your abilities to work with people. We suggest at least one academic reference (professor, instructor, adviser) and at least reference how has supervised you working with people (work supervisor, volunteer supervisor, etc.). References may not come from relatives. Before sending forms to references, read and fill in the top of each reference form. Give each reference a form and a self-addresses stamped envelope. (Place a stamp on the envelope, if it is to be returned to you by mail) Request references to enclose the completed reference in the envelope, seal it, sign across the seal, and mail the envelope to you. DO NOT BREAK THE SEAL. Reference envelopes that have been opened will not be accepted. After receiving all reference statements, place the unopened references in a large envelope along with your other completed application documents. Print Reference Forms
4. Transcripts: Current MU students should submit an unofficial transcript (available from myZou). Non-MU students should request an official transcript form each university and college attended, to be sent directly to the School of Social Work.
5. MAIL or hand-deliver your completed application packet to:
   Undergraduate Admissions
   MU School of Social Work
   724 Clark Hall
   Columbia, MO 65211
6. Deadline: See application deadlines

Finally, it is the responsibility of the applicant to make sure that a hard copy of the application, including references and personal statement are enclosed in one envelope; that transcripts are sent from all colleges and universities attended; and that all application materials (including transcripts) are received by the School before the deadline date and time. Unfortunately, due to the volume of applicants, we cannot review your file unless all items are received. If you need to check with our office about the status of your file, please e-mail us at ssw@missouri.edu or call us at (573) 882-6206. Other questions may be directed to Tammy Freelin, Student Services Coordinator.