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  interviewing with the Admissions Coordinator of the department.

The Department of Social Work is fully committed to the University's Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity policies and procedures, as well as other University and professional policies that can be found at the following websites: 

University's non-discrimination and affirmative action policy: http://www.bsu.edu/legal/

University's Sexual Harassment:
http://www.bsu.edu/legal/article/0,1375,24288-4086-8479,00.html 

University's Policy of Consensual and Romantic Relationships:   http://www.bsu.edu/legal/article/0,1375,24286-4086-39085,00.html 

Council on Social Work Education's Education Policy Statement: http://www.cswe.org/

Professional standards in the National Association of Social Work's Code of  Ethics:
http://www.socialworkers.org/pubs/code/default.asp 

Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974: http://www.bsu.edu/registration/ferpa

What Does Formal Admission Involve?

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

• Think through your academic and professional goals, and put these in writing;
• 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;
• Electronically submitted a Social Work Application to the Department at least five days prior to an 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;
• Demonstrated the absence of a criminal history of any of the following offenses:  felony, felony assault / assault, drug related offenses, theft, domestic violence, child abuse, murder or manslaughter, felony DUI (bodily injury), and sexual assault, stalking or rape [students are welcome to seek clarification from the Department];
• Complated an interview with the Social Work Department Admissions Coordinator; 
• 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. You will learn more details about the process and the steps when your take SOCWK230.

How Do I apply?

Application materials for formal admission to the major can be obtained in the Department of Social Work office in the Fine Arts Building (AR) 227.  An electronic copy can be found on the Department's website:  http://www.bsu.edu/socialwork/admissions. Specific directions and examples can be found within the packet.

Please note, for the 2008-09 academic year the formal admissions process will be modified as follows as the Department of Social Work searches for a Chair. 

You begin the process by completing and electronically submitting a word processed admissions packet to Judi Egbert (jegbert@bsu.edu), Admissions Coordinator,at least five days prior to a scheduled admissions interview; Application materials must demonstrate writing skills adequate for entry-level social work practice. To schedule your interview, contact Judi Egbert or Alison Gillespie (agillesp@bsu.edu).

The Admissions Coordinator will seek written feedback about academic performance and professional readiness from other 200-level faculty you have had for courses, and will review all admissions materials.

At the conclusion of the interview, acceptance to the major is indicated.  Further descriptive detail can be found in the Admissions packet.

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, is 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 usually apply for formal admission after your first semester at Ball State, depending on the number of hours you have transferred into the university and whether SOCWK200, and SOCWK230 have been completed.  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, AR227) or you can download the application with detailed instructions from this website. 

Still have questions?

Feel free to contact the Department of Social Work at 765 285-1016 or speak to any social work faculty member.