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 consult with the BSW academic advisor if they wish to reapply.

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 (Fall Semester admission)
• September 15 (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)
• Prefer a mix of both campus and online courses? Just ask!

Requirements

• Admission as a matriculated student to the University of Utah
• Academic advising with BSW major advisor
• Completion of the BSW Admission Application by program admission deadline.
• Attainment of a 2.35 overall Grade Point Average (We average all college/university credits from every institution the applicant has attended)
• Completion of all, or nearly all, General Education requirements (Student may be missing 2 General Education courses at the time of BSW application, but these must not include the MATH (QA) or Writing (WR2) requirements)
• Completion or registration of BSW pre-major course requirements. All pre-major courses must be completed with a grade of C or better and must have been completed within the last ten years. These courses are:
  • SW1010 Social Work and Social Welfare: The Profession and Institution (Students completing program prerequisites at
  • SLCC must take SW1010 and SW 2650 at SLCC to fulfill this requirement)
  • SOC1010 Introduction to Sociology
  • POLS1100 US National Government (or HONOR2212 American Institutions)
  • PSY1010 General Psychology
• Transcripts from each college or university attended by applicant
• Personal statement
• Social Work-related resume
• 2 evaluation forms and letters of recommendation (2 minimum required; 3 maximum accepted)
• Read and Abide by the National Association of Social Workers Code of Ethics

Admission decisions for the BSW Program are based upon a review of academic performance, relevant work or volunteer experience, a personal statement, 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.

Following review by the Committee, 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