Apply: Master of Social Work

The professional statements should be carefully prepared and are an important part of your application, as it demonstrates your critical thinking skills and writing abilities.

Professional Statement Part I and Part II must be submitted as separate documents (recommended to submit as a PDF to preserve the intended format).

Professional Statement - Part I (3 pages maximum, double-spaced):

Provide a narrative essay addressing the following areas (as applicable)

• Discuss the development of your interest in the field of social work. Include examples of values, academic courses, work experience, volunteer experience, or other influences that played a role in your decision to pursue a career in social work.
• What do you wish to accomplish with your graduate education?
• Discuss your experiences with diverse populations. Include in your discussion an assessment of the strengths you bring to working with diverse individuals, groups, or communities.
• If you are a career changer, what skills have you developed that are transferable to working in diverse environments?
• If you have a GPA below the minimum requirement, please discuss issues you faced at that time and why you now have the readiness for graduate education.
• Why is the Salem State MSW program a good fit for you and for achieving your goals?
• Why is now the right time to apply to our MSW program?      

Professional Statement - Part II (3 pages maximum, double-spaced):

Social Justice is a guiding principle in the National Association of Social Workers Code of Ethics (2008) and is also one of the strategic initiatives of Salem State's School of Social Work.

Describe an experience you had in either a paid or volunteer capacity that demonstrates the importance of social justice and how that is connected to the experience you hope to have in graduate school.

All of the materials listed above are required, plus:

• Bachelor’s degree in social work or social welfare from an accredited college or university within 5 years of applying for advanced standing. 

  • International advanced standing applicants must confirm the earned degree meets the academic credentials in social work that are comparable to accredited baccalaureate degrees. 

• One letter of recommendation should be completed by either a social work faculty member or your employed work supervisor.

• A copy of your final BSW Practicum Evaluation from your senior year field placement. 

  • Should be completed by the individual at the agency who supervised you during your practicum. 

  • If applicants are currently in their practicum, practicum evaluations can be submitted at the end of the fall semester. 

  • If you are not able to obtain a copy of your senior field placement, use the BSW Practicum Evaluation Form. Work experience in social work or human services is preferred.

A maximum of 30 credits earned in a CSWE accredited school of social work as a matriculated student may be considered for transfer to Salem State. A grade of B or better must be earned in each course for which transfer credit is requested. No transfer credits will be given for courses more than 6 years old. In order for us to make a decision about transfer credit, you must submit all of the following items for evaluation to our MSW Program Coordinator:

• Official transcripts
• Course description (for each course)
• Course syllabus (for each course)

In addition to the above, transfer applicants must fulfill the following requirements:

• Submit a letter stating that you are in good academic and professional standing at the school from which you wish to transfer.
• For students who have completed field education requirements, a copy of the field evaluation must be submitted.
• An interview is required for all students who were matriculated at another school of social work.
• In addition to the professional statement, you must discuss your reasons for transfer and why you think our MSW program will be a good fit.

Salem State University's School of Social Work does not grant social work course credit for life experience or previous work experience.

A maximum of nine non-matriculating graduate credits in courses for which a grade of B or better was earned can be considered for transfer from another college or university. The following items must be submitted for evaluation:

• Official transcripts
• Course descriptions
• Course syllabus

Students who have earned a grade of B or better in non-matriculating courses offered by our MSW program at Salem State will receive transfer credit.