UNIVERSITY OF NORTHERN IOWA
APPLICATION FOR ADMISSION TO MAJOR IN SOCIAL WORK
The Social Work major is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education. This requires an
application to the major in addition to the University declaration procedure.
Social workers need strong relationship skills, emotional maturity and stability, honesty, good
judgment, sensitivity to others, including those from diverse backgrounds, concern about social
issues, and the ability to focus on the needs of others. Core social work values include service,
social justice, dignity and worth of the person, importance of human relationships, and integrity
and compassion.
There are many motivations for becoming a social worker. Some motivations, however, are not
appropriate. These include the wish to promote religion with clients, the substitution of the social
work major for needed personal therapy, and the desire to control others. Also, if you are currently
abusing substances, such as drugs, alcohol, etc., these problems should be resolved before applying
to become a social work major.
The social work faculty reserves the right to deny an applicant’s admission to the major based
upon factors related to the potential to become a social worker and make positive contributions to
the field.
If you wish to discuss your interest in the major, a social work faculty member can be helpful.
Name: __________________________________
University Address: _______________________
________________________
Home Address: ___________________________
___________________________
Email Address: ___________________________
Current year in the University:
Date of Application: ____________
Phone Number: ________________
Student ID Number: ____________
Phone Number: ________________
 Fresh.  Soph.  Jr.  Sr.
Optional - Composite A.C.T. Score:
U.N.I. Grade Point Average:
Transfer Grade Point Average:
Overall Grade Point Average:
(A minimum cumulative grade point average for all college work of 2.40 and a 2.40 grade point
average for all UNI courses taken is required for admission to the Social Work major.)
1. Please attach a one page résumé.
2. If you have attended other colleges or universities list their names.
3. Please list any academic awards or other honors you have received.
The University of Northern Iowa is an equal opportunity employer and educator with a
comprehensive plan for affirmative action
4.
Have you ever been convicted of a felony?
 Yes

No
If you answered yes to this question, on a separate sheet please provide relevant dates, the nature of the
offense, the name and location of the court, sentence imposed and any other information you want the
Admissions Committee to consider.
Please note that, depending on circumstances, a felony conviction may prevent obtaining a license to
practice Social Work. Field instruction agencies and prospective employers may conduct a background
check.
5.
Have you been listed on a Sex Abuse Registry?
 Yes

No
If you answered yes to this question, on a separate sheet please provide any other information you
would like the Admissions Committee to consider. Listing on a Sex Abuse Registry may be a
disqualification for some field instruction sites and prospective employers and is likely grounds for
denial of admission to the major on the basis of potential as a social worker. Agencies may conduct a
background check of the registry.
6.
Please list jobs or volunteer work or social action related to Social Work or social issues in which
you have been involved.
7.
Optional - If you are a racial or ethnic minority and wish to let us know, please indicate the racial
or ethnic minority group you most associate with: _________________
8.
In addition to your résumé, please attach a typed double-spaced two page autobiographical
sketch of your background, previous experiences, including your hobbies and interests and your
specific motivations leading to your desire to become a social worker.
9.
If you plan to earn the Substance Abuse Counseling Certificate, please indicate here.
 Yes

No .
(If you plan to earn the certificate you need to meet with the Substance Abuse Certificate Coordinator.
More information about this Certificate can be obtained in the Social Work Office.)
It is important that you decide on when you would like to take your senior year field placement in a community
agency as soon as possible after completing the course SW 2042 Social Services and Social Work. Please
discuss this with your faculty advisor.
Be sure you have also filled out the University of Northern Iowa Declaration form and turned it in with this
form to the Department of Social Work office, 235 SAB. The faculty decision about your admission to the
major will be communicated to you within a short time. No further action by you is necessary.
If you have any questions regarding this form or the social work program, please contact the Department
Office, 235 SAB, University of Northern Iowa; Cedar Falls, IA 50614-0405; phone - 319/273-6249.
Application material is considered confidential. It is shared only with those persons concerned with your
admission and your educational experience.
I certify that all of the information contained in this application is true.
I understand that any misrepresentation or omission of relevant facts is sufficient cause to deny admission or,
if enrolled, for termination from the program. I authorize the Department of Social Work, the University and
its agents, to verify any information on this application, including employer, registry, or reference checks.
____________________________________________
Signature of Applicant
___________________________
Date