Application Information and Instructions

Applications Open: September 1 for the following academic year (i.e. 09/01/2024 for Summer 2025 and Fall 2025).

Early decision deadline: December 8, 2024

Application Deadline: February 7, 2025

  •  Before the Application:

 

  1. To Apply, you will need the following information:
  • First Semester to Enroll
    • For Regular Standing MSW, select Fall semester
    • For Advanced Standing MSW, select Summer semester

 

  • Major preference (under the College of Social Science)
    • For Regular Standing Clinical: Clinical Social Work (MSW) – (Masters)
    • For Regular Standing Organization and Leadership: Organization & Community Leadership. (MSW) – (Masters)
    • For Advanced Standing Clinical: Clinical Social Work – Advanced Standing – (Masters)
    • For Advanced Standing Organization and Leadership: Organization & Community Leadership – Advanced Standing – (Masters)

 Click for more information on Clinical versus Organizational Community Leadership.

  • If you are applying to a joint degree, select one. (PLEASE NOTE: You must apply and be accepted into the Law School or the School of Public Health separately).
  • Program preference:
    • East Lansing
    • Statewide Blended
  • Supporting Materials:
    • Transcripts
    • Contact Information for 2 Recommenders
    • Academic Statement
    • Resume
    • Other materials: please note that based upon responses to some questions on the application additional documentation may be required (i.e. affidavit of support; or court documents/disposition documents).

Application Instructions

To assist with completion of the application process we recommend that you download the complete instructions for details on all required application materials to ensure submission of a strong application.

  1. Online application. Login into the Slate Applicant Portal at https://explore.msu.edu/apply/ to complete your online application.
  2. Official copy of your transcripts will be required to finalize application processing.
  3. Two recommendation letters from a professional, academic, and/or volunteer setting. For Advanced Standing applicants, if you are not able to get at least one letter of recommendation from a previous practicum experience or from someone at your undergraduate field office, briefly explain why. Personal references such as a family friend or therapist will not be accepted.
  4. Academic/Applicant Statement (required). Instructions for the Applicant Statement are available in the instructions document. Personal Statement is optional.

Program Selection Notice:

  1. By submission of an application to the Statewide Blended Program, applicants acknowledge that, if out of state, must live within 50 miles of the Michigan border. Verification of geographic location; and completion of the Additional Requirements Form to verify eligibility for program are required prior to final admissions decision processing.
  2. International applicants: review the additional requirements on the International Admissions page.
  3. Make sure your information is complete before final submission.
  4. Pay your $65 application fee ($75 for international applicants). (NOTE: Once you have paid the fee and submitted your application you will not be able to make changes).

 TIPS from the Department:

  • Review Program Options and apply accordingly. Incorrect program option may delay processing of application or rescinding of offer of admissions if found to be ineligible.
  • Indicate which, if any, of our certificate or scholar programs you are interested in. (PLEASE NOTE: You will not complete a certificate application until you are accepted into the MSW program).
  • Personal references (friends; work colleagues or peers without supervisory role; pastor; mentor; high school advisor or coach etc.) will not be accepted.
  • For Advanced Standing applicants, if you are not able to get at least one letter of recommendation from a previous practicum experience or from someone at your undergraduate field office, briefly explain why.
  • For Regular MSW applicants, if your undergrad GPA is below a 3.0, briefly explain the circumstances and why you believe you are now able to maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher in a graduate program.

 After Submission of Application:

  • Log in to the Slate Applicant portal regularly to view your application status and respond to any messages in the E-Message Center.
  • After decision of admissions has been made, all students will be required to complete a certification process that confirms receipt, review, and acknowledgment of the following prior to final admissions processing.
    • All Applicants:
    • For Statewide Blended Regular applicants must complete the Additional Requirements Form to verify eligibility for program.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Prospective Students