School of Social Work
Missouri State University
Thank you for your interest in the Bachelor of Social Work Program at Missouri State University.
The School of Social Work prepares its students to become ethical social workers in a global
society with a commitment to social justice and a respect for the diversity of others. Upon
graduation from the BSW program, you will have acquired the skills to be a generalist
practitioner in the micro, mezzo, and macro fields of social work practice. Your decision to apply
for admission to the undergraduate social work program indicates that you have given careful
consideration to this program’s mission and the strengths you will bring to the social work
profession.
Attached is an application for admission. It is our expectation that you read the entire packet.
The acceptance of a student into the BSW program is competitive and selective. Not all
applicants who apply will be admitted. The meeting of minimum standards does not guarantee
you will be accepted. The decision to admit you into the program will be based on the BSW
Committee’s selection of the most qualified applicants. It should be noted, this packet will not
be read if it hasn’t been returned to the BSW program in its entirety before Thursday, February
11, 2016 at 10:00AM to the School of Social Work. The School of Social Work is located in
Pummill Hall 105. Incomplete applications will NOT be considered for admission. Please make
sure to retain a copy of all application materials for your records.
If you are selected into the BSW program, you are required to do the following things:
 Meet with your advisor in the School of Social Work to ensure the proper selection of
sequencing for the BSW program.
 Attend the BSW Orientation which will be held at the beginning of the semester after
admittance.
 Continue to maintain a 2.5 GPA and a “C” or better in all SWK courses.
 Demonstrate acceptable levels of maturity, integrity, behaviors and attitudes as defined
by the National Association of Social Work (NASW).
If you are accepted into the program, you will receive an official letter via MSU email. If you
have any questions about this process, please feel free to contact me.
Sincerely,
Dr. Amanda Keys, Ph.D., LCSW
BSW Program Coordinator
AmandaKeys@MissouriState.edu
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MSU Bachelor of Social Work
Application Checklist
Student Name:
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M Number:
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Please complete this checklist BEFORE you submit your application. This checklist must be
submitted with your application. Place the pages of this application in the order of this
checklist (e.g., this checklist is the first page).
Please check to
verify inclusion:
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Items to be included with application packet:
All below items are in a sealed envelope with your name on the outside
Application checklist completed and on top of all below documents
Completed BSW application
Copy of degree audit from mymissouristate.edu
Application information-date and signed (original signature required)
Prerequisite coursework for BSW program paper completed
Becoming a Social Worker Essay included
Recommendation Letter 1 (sealed envelope with signature across lip)
Recommendation Letter 2 (sealed envelope with signature across lip)
Recommendation Form 1 (included with recommendation letter 1)
Recommendation Form 2 (included with recommendation letter 2)
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MSU Bachelor of Social Work
Applicant Information
General Student Information:
BearPass (M) #: Click here to enter text.
Name: Click here to enter text.
Address: Click here to enter text.
City, State, and Zip: Click here to enter text.
Phone Number: Click here to enter text.
Alternate Phone Number: Click here to enter text.
Email Address: Click here to enter text.
BSW Program Requirements:
Please initial by the following items for verification of your understanding of BSW applicant
expectations:
I have completed a minimum of 45 hours of general education courses.
I have a combined GPA (MSU and transfer) of 2.50 or higher on a 4.0 scale.
I have completed: GEP 101(not applicable for transfer students with more than
24 hours of post-high school college level courses), ENG 110, COM 115, MTH
130.
I have completed/currently enrolled in SWK 200, SWK 213, and SWK 219.
I understand and I am willing to participate in field placements outside of
Springfield, Missouri.
I have read the NASW Code of Ethics available at www.socialworkers.org.
I have read and agree with the policies outlined in the MSU BSW Handbook
found on the MSU School of Social Work undergraduate webpage.
I realize that I should meet with my assigned BSW advisor each semester for
advisement.
I know I am ultimately responsible for adhering to my degree plan and knowing
the classes and steps I need to take to graduate on-time.
I understand this program requires me to take part in activities that occur outside
of the classroom and I will be available to participate in these activities.
I know that I’m applying to a professional degree program that requires a large
commitment. I recognize that some extra-curricular activities and/or a full-time
job might make it difficult to be successful in this program.
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Background Information:
Have you ever been convicted of a felony or misdemeanor as an adult? Yes ☐ No ☐
Has any governmental agency ever substantiated allegations made against you for physical,
mental, or emotional abuse or neglect, sexual abuse, or exploitation of (1) a child, (2) a resident
of an adult care home, medical care facility, psychiatric hospital, or state institution for
vulnerable populations, or (3) an adult? Yes ☐ No ☐
If you answered yes to either of the above, please explain below:
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Answering “yes” does not automatically disqualify you for admission into the BSW program.
However, it may affect your ability to be placed in a field practicum which is necessary to
complete the BSW program.
Please initial by the below statements (even if you don’t have any criminal history):
I understand that prior convictions, diversions, pending, and/or future charges
may affect my ability to be placed in a field practicum which is necessary to
complete the BSW program.
I realize that while I may be admitted into the program, I may not be able to
complete my degree if there is something in my background that would prevent
me from being placed in a field agency.
I recognize that many field agencies require background checks and might deny
me based upon previous criminal history and/or substantiated allegations.
I understand that some criminal charges might affect by ability to become
licensed in the State of Missouri and I know it is my obligation to contact the
Missouri licensure board to explore if my criminal charges and/or substantiated
allegations could prevent me from licensure.
I certify that the information contained in this application for admission is correct. I recognize
that false representation of myself will result in dismissal from the Bachelor of Social Work
Program at Missouri State University. I understand that once I am admitted into the BSW
Program, I will be required to demonstrate acceptable levels of maturity, integrity, behaviors,
and attitudes as defined by the National Association of Social Work (NASW). I understand that
if I fail to meet the retention criteria outlined in the MSU Undergraduate Catalog I may be
dismissed from the BSW Program.
Signature:
Date:
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MSU Bachelor of Social Work
Coursework for BSW Program
These courses must have been completed to apply for admission. Please list the semester and grade you have
received for the below courses.
Foundation Courses:
Semester:
Grade:
GEP 101*
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ENG 110
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MTH 130
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COM 115
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*If you are a transfer student with over 24 hours of college courses post high school you are not required to take GEP
101.
You must be currently enrolled or have completed the below courses to apply for admission. Please list the semester
and grade for the below required prerequisite courses.
SWK Prerequisite Courses:
SWK 200
SWK 213
SWK 219
Semester:
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Grade:
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These courses are not required for admission, but serve as prerequisites for upper-level courses. Please list the
semester and grade you have received for the below courses required for SWK majors. If you haven’t taken the
below courses, please list the semester you plan on taking them.
Major Requirements
(Non-SWK Courses):
BIO or BMS (with lab)
ECO 155 or 165
PLS 101
PSY 121
SOC 150
PSY 304
Statistics Course
Semester:
Grade:
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Please list the year you plan on taking the below courses that are required for SWK majors.
Fall Courses:
SWK 306
SWK 313
SWK 325
SWK Elective
Fall Courses:
SWK 418
SWK 420
SWK 430
Year Will Take:
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Spring
Courses:
SWK 307
SWK 314
Year Will Take:
SWK 326
SWK Elective
Spring
Courses:
SWK 480
SWK 490
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Note: The majority of SWK courses are only offered either in the fall or spring semesters. The below tables serve as
a guideline to understand the sequencing of our courses. Please refer to the undergraduate catalog for the semester
the below courses are offered and the required prerequisites.
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MSU Bachelor of Social Work
Becoming a Social Worker Essay Guideline
As a part of your application for admission to the Bachelor of Social Work program, we
ask that you write an essay about the match between you and the profession of social
work. At least two members of the faculty will read your statement. It will be assessed
for the quality of content, the clarity of expression, and the correctness of the writing
style (including grammar, punctuation, and spelling). Please refer to the ‘Rating Form’
for further details of how the essays are evaluated.
To complete your essay, please follow the below directions:
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
The essay should not exceed 7 pages in length.
The essay should be double spaced.
The essay must be typed in a 12-point Times New Roman font.
The essay must address all of the below questions.
Each question should be BOLDED and written in your essay and serve as
headings for each section.
Please address the following questions (remember to include the questions as
BOLDED headers in your document):
1. You could be a helper in many professions. Why have you chosen social work
over other helping professions?
2. As a social worker, you will be expected to work with people who are different
than you. This includes, but is not limited to, the following: people with
mental/physical disabilities, the elderly, the LGBTQ community, people of
different race/ethnicities, people with different religious backgrounds, people who
have been convicted of crimes, and people who are living in poverty. Please
identify at least 1 strength you might have when working with at least one of the
aforementioned groups. Please identify 1 area of improvement you might have
when working with at least one of the aforementioned diverse groups. Please
explain your answers.
3. What do you feel are the characteristics of a responsible student? Discuss your
answer thoroughly.
4. Tell of a time when you received constructive criticism. What were the
circumstances surrounding the criticism? What was your response to this
feedback?
5. Entering into a professional program requires prioritization of your academic
studies. Please discuss your current/future time commitments while in this
program. How do you plan on managing these commitments?
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MSU Bachelor of Social Work
Guidelines for Faculty Rating of Letters of Recommendation
Students are expected to obtain two letters of reference. These letters are expected
to be from a professional you have directly worked with in your community.
Examples of professional references include: employer or volunteer supervisor.
Students must choose professional references that will be able to complete the
reference by the deadline for application. NOTE: In addition to your reference
letter, your professional reference must include the recommendation letter
form that is attached. The following are some suggestions to consider when
determining who to use as a professional reference:

The person worked closely with the applicant and has relevant experience.

The person doesn’t just know the applicant has good character but has actually
seen this person’s ability to interact with others in a work-type environment.

The person has known the applicant long enough to write with authority.

The person is not a friend or relative.
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MSU Bachelor of Social Work
LETTER OF RECOMMENDATION FORM #1
In accordance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, the applicant chooses this
recommendation to be:
Confidential: ☐ or Non-Confidential: ☐
Signature of Applicant: Click here to enter text. Date: Click here to enter text.
The above named individual has applied for admission to the Missouri State University Bachelor of Social Work
Program. We would appreciate your assistance in determining the characteristics of this person and his/her fit for the
profession by doing the following: (a) In the below list of qualities, place a check in the box that is most reflective of this
person; (b) Place a check in the box that represents the strength of your recommendation; (c) Attach a letter of
recommendation addressing additional characteristics that you think would assist in determining his/her
qualifications; and (d) Place the completed form and letter in an envelope, seal the envelope, and write your signature
across the seal. Return the envelope to the applicant in time for the student to submit it with his/her application packet;
his/her packet is due February 11, 2016 at 10:00AM. Thank you for your time in assisting the School of Social Work to
obtain highly qualified students.
Characteristics:
Points Assigned:
Weak
Average
Good
Strong
Unable to
Answer
1
2
3
4
0
Courteous
Mature
Responsible
Verbal skills
Written skills
Initiative
Personal integrity
Punctual
Uses constructive
criticism
Sensitive to
others’ needs
Ability to respect &
work with
differences in
people (e.g., race,
class, culture)
For office use
only:
OVERALL RECOMMENDATION:
_____
I strongly recommend the applicant for the Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) program.
_____
I recommend the applicant for the Bachelor of Social Work degree.
_____
I do have some doubts about the applicant but think s/he should be able to prove him/herself.
_____
I have substantial doubts or concerns about the applicant as to his/her appropriateness for the BSW program.
Printed Name:
Title:
Relationship to Applicant:
How long have you known applicant?______________
Signature:
Date: ____________________________
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MSU Bachelor of Social Work
LETTER OF RECOMMENDATION FORM #2
In accordance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, the applicant chooses this
recommendation to be:
Confidential: ☐ or Non-Confidential: ☐
Signature of Applicant: Click here to enter text. Date: Click here to enter text.
The above named individual has applied for admission to the Missouri State University Bachelor of Social Work
Program. We would appreciate your assistance in determining the characteristics of this person and his/her fit for the
profession by doing the following: (a) In the below list of qualities, place a check in the box that is most reflective of this
person; (b) Place a check in the box that represents the strength of your recommendation; (c) Attach a letter of
recommendation addressing additional characteristics that you think would assist in determining his/her
qualifications; and (d) Place the completed form and letter in an envelope, seal the envelope, and write your signature
across the seal. Return the envelope to the applicant in time for the student to submit it with his/her application packet;
his/her packet is due February 11, 2016 at 10:00AM. Thank you for your time in assisting the School of Social Work to
obtain highly qualified students.
Characteristics:
Points Assigned:
Weak
Average
Good
Strong
Unable to
Answer
1
2
3
4
0
Courteous
Mature
Responsible
Verbal skills
Written skills
Initiative
Personal integrity
Punctual
Uses constructive
criticism
Sensitive to
others’ needs
Ability to respect &
work with
differences in
people (e.g., race,
class, culture)
For office use
only:
OVERALL RECOMMENDATION:
_____
I strongly recommend the applicant for the Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) program.
_____
I recommend the applicant for the Bachelor of Social Work degree.
_____
I do have some doubts about the applicant but think s/he should be able to prove him/herself.
_____
I have substantial doubts or concerns about the applicant as to his/her appropriateness for the BSW program.
Printed Name:
Title:
Relationship to Applicant:
How long have you known applicant?______________
Signature:
Date: ____________________________
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