Applications open: September 1, 2022 for the 2023 academic year
Early bird deadline: December 6, 2022
Final deadline: February 7, 2023
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 after September 1.
The instructions on this page can be downloaded as a pdf and you can also download and print this checklist to make sure you submit all the required pieces.
Log in to explore.msu.edu/apply/. Select “start new application” and follow the menu to fill out the application step by step.
Request that an official copy of your transcript is 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. 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.
As part of your application, you must include an applicant statement. The personal statement is optional.
The Applicant Statement is uploaded to your online application in the “academic statement” section.
You are expected to organize your applicant statement into a cohesive essay, rather than a list of discrete answers to the questions posed. In other words, you should use the questions to guide your statement but organize it like an essay or paper. The applicant statement is a critical part of the application: We will assess your ability to address the questions, as well as your writing skills, and fit with our MSW program. Your statement should be double-spaced, 12 pt font, and a maximum of 5 pages long. If you choose to reference scholarly or other sources, be sure to cite appropriately using APA format. A reference page will not count to the 5-page page limit.
The NASW Code of Ethics is a guide for professional social work conduct. The principles outlined in the Code address our ethical responsibility to clients, colleagues, employers, the social work profession, and to society. These include the core values in which our mission is rooted: service, social justice, dignity and worth of the person, importance of human relationships, integrity, and competence.
After reviewing the Code of Ethics:
The personal statement is an opportunity to share any additional information that you think we should consider as we review your application that does not fit within the applicant statement as outlined above. Examples may include the circumstances behind a low undergraduate GPA; reasons for a career change if you are new to social work; unique experiences, skills, or perspectives you bring that contribute to the diversity of the program, etc. If you choose to include a personal statement, it should be no more than 1 page and uploaded to the “personal statement” section of the online application.
The School of Social Work requires additional documents that you will need to upload once you have submitted your application. After you have submitted your application, log back into https://explore.msu.edu/apply/. You will be able to see the status of your application, including whether letters of recommendation and transcripts have been received. There is also a section titled “Upload Materials”. Use this section to upload the materials listed below. Use the pull down menu to identify these documents as “certification”.
The Statewide Blended and Weekend programs have requirements regarding how far you live from various campus sites. In addition, because of the unique blend of online and face-to-face instruction, we want to ensure that applicants have access to appropriate technology. By completing these forms, you confirm this information.
International applicants must complete all parts of the application detailed above. The MSU Graduate School website has useful information and the Office for International Students and Scholars is a great resource for application and Visa information.
If you are an international applicant, you must also provide the following information.
Due to the circumstances of COVID-19, there are temporary rules in place for official transcripts. If you are unable to request an official transcript, please visit our Graduate School website to learn how you can still apply to our program.
Emailed transcripts will not be accepted for international applicants. You must request official hard copies of your transcripts – as soon as possible – from all of your previous University coursework.
Official means, signed, sealed and delivered by your academic university to the School of Social Work.
Transcripts must show courses taken and grades earned, and must be translated into English if the original records are in another language. If a document is translated, it should be certified as accurate and correct by an appropriate public or school official, or sponsoring agency or government.
Emailed transcripts will not be accepted for international applicants.
In addition, if you are pursuing or have earned degrees from universities in China, the Office of Admissions requires you to submit not only transcripts and graduation certificates from China, but also verification of these documents from the China Academic Degrees and Graduate Education Development Center (CDGDC) in English. All documents should be sent to:
Graduate Programs – School of Social Work
655 Auditorium Road, Office 239 Baker Hall
East Lansing, MI 48824
You must upload a photocopy of your passport in the student portal.
International applicants are required to submit TOEFL, Duolingo English Test, IELTS Indicator, or TOEFL iBT Special Home Edition scores. The Testing center must electronically submit your scores directly to the Office of Admissions. Scores submitted by you will not be considered official. The Michigan State University code is 1465.
In order to be admitted, you must meet minimum scores as detailed at grad.msu.edu/english-language-competency.
In order to comply with U.S. Government regulations, you must complete the Affidavit of Support, which can be found under Financial Proof at grad.msu.edu/internationalapplicants. Final admission cannot be granted until the Office of Admissions is satisfied that all documents are complete and correct.
The deadline for submitting your application is January 10, however, government or agency-sponsored international students may have additional or other applications to complete with their own deadlines.