Application Process

Applications open: September 1, 2021 for the 2022 academic year

Early bird deadline: December 6, 2021

Advanced Standing deadline: January 10, 2022

Final deadline: February 28, 2022

Applications are reviewed and applicants are notified in a rolling process. We encourage applicants to submit the application and all supporting documents at the earliest date possible.

To complete the application process you will need the following. Click on the link for each item for more information as well as tips for putting together a strong application. We also recommend that you download the PDF with complete instructions and that you download and print this checklist to make sure you submit all the required pieces.

1. Online application.

   Login to https://explore.msu.edu/apply/ to complete your online application. See our Online Application Instructions for detailed instructions.

   As part of the online application, you will upload an Applicant Statement as the “academic statement”. Instructions for the Applicant Statement are available here.

2. Official copy of your transcripts.

   Request they be sent via email to swgradoffice@ssc.msu.edu or mailed to:
   Graduate Programs
   School of Social Work
   655 Auditorium Road
   239 Baker Hall
   East Lansing, MI 48824

   An official copy is one that is generated by the institution and submitted in a sealed envelope by the institution. Unofficial transcripts submitted by the applicant will not be accepted.

   Applicants with a bachelor’s degree from MSU (or who are expecting one by May) must upload an unofficial transcript through the student portal.
3. Three recommendation letters from a professional, academic, and/or volunteer setting. Personal references such as a family friend or therapist will not be accepted.
4. Upload the following through the student portal as “certification”.
   • The Criminal Background Statement of Understanding. In addition, all applicants to the University must answer a question regarding criminal conduct and academic dishonesty as part of the application process. Students who are admitted to the University may also be required to undergo a criminal background check related to study in a particular field, licensing requirements, or internship placements.
   • The Liberal Arts Form.
   • Your résumé.
   • The Code of Ethics Agreement Form, and upload as a Supplemental Application.
   • For Statewide Blended Regular applicants, complete the Additional Requirements Form.
   • For Weekend applicants, upload the Weekend Additional Requirements Form.
5. International applicants: review the additional requirements on the International Admissions page.
6. Pay your $65 application fee. (NOTE: Once you have paid the fee and submitted your application you will not be able to make changes).
7. Log in to the student portal regularly to view your application status and respond to any messages in the E-Message Center.

   Communication about your application will be made through the student portal. Make sure notifications from the portal are not going to your Spam and log in to the portal regularly.

   You are responsible for making sure all information is complete and required documents are uploaded in a timely manner.