Admissions
![Graduation-2022-84.jpg](Graduation-2022-84.jpg)
About the BASW Program:
Social Work students are enrolled in the University at two levels:
- Social Work Preference Students:
- This category includes new freshmen, transfer students, or students who declare social work as their preferred major during their freshman or sophomore years (before earning 56 credits).
- Social Work Major Admits:
- These are students who have completed all required social work prerequisites and have been officially admitted into the School of Social Work as juniors.
- Admission as a social work major allows you to enroll in upper-level social work courses required for the BASW degree (300- and 400-level classes).
Prerequisite Coursework:
- You must complete seven prerequisite courses to start the program. These courses must be finished by the end of summer session B before the program begins in the fall. While prerequisites don’t need to be complete at the time of your application, your course plan must show a clear path to finishing them before the fall semester of when you plan to start the program.
- Full details about academic requirements and the seven prerequisite courses can be found on the Office of the Registrar’s website.
When to Apply:
If you are on a typical four-year graduation plan, you should apply to the upper-level program in the spring of your sophomore year.
- The goal is for your junior and senior years to include upper-level social work courses required for the BASW degree.
- You should plan to have 60 credits and junior standing when you begin the program.
Important Note:
Admission to the upper-level BASW program is competitive. Being a social work preference student does not guarantee acceptance into the program as a social work major.
Need Help?
Not sure when to apply or how your current courses fit into the program? Contact BASW Academic Advisor Jamie Griggs at griggsj5@msu.edu to review your course plan.
Questions about the program and/or application process? Contact the BASW Student Support Coordinator Emily Langhart at halling3@msu.edu
Application Information and Materials
Use the drop down menu below to find appplication instructions and materials and more.
- Application Instructions and Materials
- Application Drop-In Sessions
- Admissions & Application Questions
- Admission Information for Transfer Students
Michigan State University's Master of Social Work (MSW) programs and its Bachelor of Arts in Social Work (BASW) program are fully accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) and designed to meet the State of Michigan's social work licensing criteria. However, MSU cannot confirm whether these programs meet licensure requirements in states other than Michigan. Students who may be seeking professional licensure elsewhere will need to check with the appropriate licensing board in that state to verify that the program meets the requirement for licensure.
Each state's social work licensing requirements can be found HERE.