BSW Admission Policy

Note to all prospective students: It is important that you read this page in its entirety. The BSW Program application is located at the bottom of this page.

The University of Utah Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) Program operates under a selective admissions policy, based on the need to maintain a program of excellence in the classroom, assure availability of quality internship placements, and adhere to accreditation requirements. The BSW Program reserves the right to admit a limited number of students each year. Meeting the minimum standards does not guarantee admission to the program. Students who are denied admission may reapply the following semester.

Students must apply for admission to the BSW Program – this process is separate from and in addition to the University of Utah admissions application. Students interested in applying for the program should declare a pre-major in the field and seek assistance from their BSW academic advisor.

Conviction for past criminal activity or conduct will not be used as a criterion for admission into the BSW Program. However, past or future criminal activity or conduct may limit or inhibit a student from securing a social work internship, which is required for completion of the BSW degree. In addition, the student may be ineligible to receive state certification or licensure to practice social work.

 

 

Program Admission Deadlines

• March 15, each year (Fall Semester admission)
• September 15, each year (Spring Semester admission)

Program Options

• Campus cohort option (Classes at main campus in Salt Lake City, Utah)
• Online cohort option (Fully online program – students do not have to go to campus)

Requirements

• Admission as a matriculated student to the University of Utah
• Completion of the BSW Admission Application by program admission deadline.
• Attainment of a 2.75 cumulative Grade Point Average (We average all college/university credits from every institution the applicant has attended)
• At least 30 college level credits must be completed or in progress at the time of application.
• Completion of WR2 and QA/QL general education requirement prior to starting the program.
• Completion or registration of BSW pre-major course requirements. All pre-major courses must be completed with a grade of C or better prior to beginning the BSW Program. These courses are:
  • SW1010 Social Work and Social Welfare
  • SOC1010 Introduction to Sociology
  • POLS1100 US National Government or equivalent
  • PSY1010 General Psychology or equivalent
• Transcripts from each college or university attended by applicant
• Personal statement essay questions
• Social Work-related resume
• 2 evaluation forms and letters of recommendation
• Read and Abide by the National Association of Social Workers Code of Ethics
• Read and Abide by the University of Utah Student Code of Conduct

Admission decisions for the BSW Program are based upon a review of academic performance, relevant work or volunteer experience, personal statement essay questions, resume, and letters of recommendation. Applications are reviewed after all materials have been submitted. If needed, a student may be asked to complete a formal interview with the Admission Committee, as well as submit additional documentation for those who can support the student’s readiness for a career in social work. The Admissions Committee may seek additional information from social work faculty, the applicant, or other formal sources. The Committee will focus on academic achievement as well as criteria that demonstrate a commitment to social work values, beginning understanding of the social work profession, professional attitude and behavior, emotional maturity, and ability to express oneself clearly both orally and in writing.

6-8 weeks after the application deadline, the applicant will be notified in writing of the Committee’s decision. Committee options include full admission, conditional admission, or denial of admission.

Anyone with an interest in social work who meets the minimum academic requirements is invited to apply. No student will be denied admission based upon race, gender, disability, age, religion, sexual orientation, culture, creed, class, ethnicity, or national origin.

Transfer Students:

If you will transfer from another school, please contact your BSW academic advisor for more information regarding transfer credit articulation.

How to apply

 

For additional information, please contact bsw@utah.edu