What is a formal admission?

The Department of Social Work, an undergraduate professional degree program, formally admits students into the social work major as is required by the Council on Social Work Education.  This formal admissions process gives you an opportunity to reflect on your career goals and develop a more focused academic plan.  It gives you an opportunity to take stock of your own educational and professional development.   The process consists of completing an application packet and two interviews, the first with the instructor that had you either in SOCWK200 or in SOCWK230.  The second is with the Admissions Coordinator who is also the chair of the department.

What Does Formal Admission Involve?

Formal admission to the major occurs after you have completed the 100 and 200 level social work course work.  It offers you an opportunity to:

• Think through your academic and professional goals, and put these in writing;
• Meet with either your SOCWK200 or SOC230 instructor to discuss your academic performance to date and your professional goals;
• Review your strengths and aptitude for professional social work practice;
• Refine your academic plan to ensure timely completion of degree requirements.

What are the admission requirements?

To be formally admitted to the major you must have:

• Earned  at Ball State University a minimum 2.3 grade point average on a 4.0 point scale in 100 and 200 level courses required by the major and taken prior to formal admission;
• Submitted a Social Work Application to the Department at least five days prior to an assessment conference (interview);  Your application materials must demonstrate writing skills adequate for entry-level social work practice;
• Submitted a completed Volunteer Field / Learning Contract and Evaluation Form for an approved Volunteer Field Experience. This minimum 25-hour Volunteer Field Experience is a course requirement for SOCWK 200.  For students transferring in the equivalent of SOCWK 200 from another institution, a copy of an evaluation of their volunteer/internship experience or its equivalent must be submitted;
• Completed an assessment conference (interview) with the social work faculty member in SOCWK 200 and/or SOCWK 230.  This faculty member then submits a reference on your behalf which becomes a part of your formal application materials;
• Signed an Admissions Contract
• Have a general career/educational goal that is consistent with professional undergraduate social work education.

When do I apply for formal admission?

You can apply after you have completed the 100 and 200 level social work courses.  Information about the application process is presented in the SOCWK230.  You will learn about the process and the steps when your take SOCWK230.

How Do I apply?

You begin the process by completing an admissions packet and scheduling an appointment for your first interview with the instructor you had in either SOCWK200 or SOCWK230.  He or she will review your application, discuss your performance in their class, and review your career aspirations.  Upon the recommendation of your instructor you will then schedule a second interview with the Admission Coordinator.

Is everyone accepted?

While not everyone is accepted into the program, most students who apply for formal admission are. In some instances a student who does not quite meet all of the admissions criteria, are accepted conditionally and expected to meet the criteria during the next semester.  This occurs most frequently around applicants who have a gpa slightly below the required 2.3.

When do I apply for formal admission if I am a transfer student?

As a transfer student you would apply for formal admission after their first semester at Ball State depending on the number of hours you have transferred into the university and whether you have taken SOCWK200, SOCWK220, and SOCWK230.  When you meet with the transfer coordinator in the social work department at the point of transfer, she will help you develop an academic plan and will provide you with information regarding formal admission.

How do I get a copy of the formal admission application?

Hard copies are available in the social work office (Fine Arts Building, 227) or you can download the application with detailed instructions from this website. 

Still have questions?

Feel free to contact the Admissions Coordinator, Dr. Darlene Lynch at 765 285-1016 or speak to any social work faculty member.