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 accommodated. The meeting of minimum
standards does not guarantee you will be admitted. The decision to admit you into the
program will be based on a holistic picture of the completed course work and values
that are consistent with the conduct of the profession and the Social Work Code of
Ethics. It should be noted, this packet will not be read if it hasn’t been returned to the
BSW program in its entirety before January 20th, 2015 at 10:00am to the School of
Social Work. The School of Social Work is located in Ellis Hall, Room 308. 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 email followed by an official
letter in the mail. 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).
Included:
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Items to be included with application packet:
Completed BSW application is in a sealed envelope
BSW application checklist completed
Copy of degree audit from mymissouristate.edu
Application information-date and signed (original signature required)
Prerequisite coursework for BSW program paper completed
Volunteer Experience Essay
Becoming a Social Worker Essay
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
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.
BearPass (M) #: Click here to enter text. DOB: Click here to enter text.
Email Address: Click here to enter text.
Gender: ☐Male ☐ Female
Emergency Contact Name: Click here to enter text.
Relationship of Emergency Contact: Click here to enter text.
Emergency Contact Address: Click here to enter text.
Emergency Contact City, State, and Zip: Click here to enter text.
Emergency Contact Phone Number: Click here to enter text.
Please initial by the following items for verification of your understanding of BSW
applicant expectations:
Completion of a minimum of 45 hours of general education courses
Combined GPA (MSU and transfer) of 2.50 or higher on a 4.0 scale
Completed: GEP 101, ENG 110, COM 115, MTH 130
Completed/currently enrolled in SWK 200, SWK 213, SWK 219
Understands and is willing to participate in field placements outside of
Springfield, Missouri
Read the NASW Code of Ethics available at www.socialworkers.org
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Bachelor of Social Work
Application Information Pg. 2
1. Have you ever been convicted or charged with a crime in any state or country,
the disposition of which was other than acquittal or dismissal (do not include
misdemeanor traffic offenses)?
Yes☐ No☐
If yes, please give a brief description:
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2. Please list the name of any other schools of higher education that you have
attended.
School Name:
Date Graduated/Last Attended:
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3. Please list the names of at least 3 agencies where you have volunteered and the
length of time you volunteered at that agency.
Agency:
Dates Volunteered:
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4. Please list the last 3 places of employment and dates worked.
Employer Name:
Dates Worked:
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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
Please list the semester and grade you have received for the below courses. These courses must have
been completed to apply for admission.
Foundation Courses:
GEP 101
ENG 110
MTH 130
COM 115
Semester:
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Grade:
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Please list the semester and grade for the below required prerequisite courses. You must be currently
enrolled or have completed the below courses to apply for admission.
SWK Prerequisite Courses:
SWK 200
SWK 213
SWK 219
Semester:
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Grade:
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Please list the semester and grade for the below courses required for SWK majors. These courses are
not required for admission, but serve as prerequisites for upper-level courses.
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.
Note: The majority of SWK courses are only offered 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.
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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MSU Bachelor of Social Work
Volunteer Experience Essay Guideline
The NASW Code of Ethics (2014) presents the principle that “Social Workers’ primary
goal is to help people in need and to address social problems. Social workers elevate
service to others about self-interest. Social workers draw on their knowledge, values,
and skills to help people in need and to address social problems. Social workers are
encouraged to volunteer some portion of their professional skills with no exception of
significant financial return” (http://www.socialworkers.org/pubs/code/code.asp). This
NASW principle is in keeping with the three pillars of the Missouri State University’s public
affairs mission of ethical leadership, cultural competence, and community engagement.
Applicants to the Bachelor of Social Work program are encouraged to enroll in SWK 300
(CASL), to have volunteer experience either in addition to, or other than CASL, and/or to
have been employed in a social work agency prior to applying to the program.
In 200 words or less explain how your work and/or volunteer experiences are related to
your coursework in social work. Your response will be assessed by your clear and
concise ability to connect your experiences to the social work curriculum.
Please use a separate page to write this essay. This essay must be typed and in 12point Time New Roman font.
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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.
This essay is not to exceed 750 words. This essay must be typed and in 12-point Time
New Roman font. Please address the following:
1.
Why are you choosing social work as your life’s profession? What do you
bring to the profession?
2.
With what ‘at risk’ populations have you had experience (i.e., through life,
work and volunteer experiences)?
3.
What do you wish to contribute to the profession?
4.
In what areas do you need to grow as you progress toward becoming a social
worker?
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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 as a good person 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 #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 10:00 am on January 20, 2015. Thank you for your time in assisting the School of Social Work to
obtain highly qualified students.
Characteristics:
Points Assigned:
Very
Weak
Weak
More a
Weakness
than a
Strength
More a
Strength
than a
Weakness
Strength
Very
Strong
Unable
to
Answer
1
2
3
4
5
6
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 #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 10:00am on January 20, 2015. Thank you for your time in assisting the School of Social Work to
obtain highly qualified students.
Characteristics:
Points Assigned:
Very
Weak
Weak
More a
Weakness
than a
Strength
More a
Strength
than a
Weakness
Strength
Very
Strong
Unable
to
Answer
1
2
3
4
5
6
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
Faculty Rating Sheet for Applicants
This is an example of the form used by faculty to determine admissions to the MSU
School of Social Work. Please do not submit this with your application packet. It is
just for your review.
Students Name:
Faculty:
Ratings are from “Very Weak,” which is “1” to “Very Strong,” which is “6.”
ESSAY:
Volunteer Experience
Connection of
volunteer/work
experience to SWK
coursework
ESSAY:
Becoming a Social
Worker
Why is student choosing
social work? What does
s/he bring?
Experience with at-risk
populations
Intention for contribution
to profession
Areas for growth
Essay complete.
Grammar, organization,
etc.
Letters of
Recommendations
Letter of Rec. #1 and
Form/Average Score
Letter of Rec. #2 and
Form/Average Score
GPA:
Very Weak
(1)
Weak (2)
More
weak than
strong (3)
More
strong
than weak
(4)
Strong (5)
Very
Strong (6)
2.5 – 2.75
2.76 –
3.00
3.01 –
3.25
3.26 –
3.50
3.51 –
3.75
3.75 –
4.00
Total per column
Total score:
__________
Average Faculty Score:
11
MSU Bachelor of Social Work
Faculty Rating Sheet for Applicants
This is an example of the form used by faculty to determine admissions to the MSU
School of Social Work. Please do not submit this with your application packet. It is
just for your review.
The students below have applied to admission to the BSW Program. Please rate each
candidate you know according to his/her readiness and appropriateness for admission
and the profession. Although the exact score will not be added to the applicants’ total
score, your professional opinions will be strongly considered in their acceptance/denial.
You are encouraged to make comments using this, or another sheet.
Student Name:
Very Weak
(1)
Weak (2)
More weak
than strong (3)
12
More strong
than weak (4)
Strong (5)
Very Strong
(6)
Cannot
Judge