Transfer Program, Social Work Department, Ball State University

Transfer Program

This page contains information for students thinking about transferring into the bachelor of social work (BSW) degree program at Ball State.

What courses will Ball State accept in transfer?

That depends on the kinds of courses you took at another college. Ball State has an automated system to help you determine course equivalencies. By checking with the Automated Course Transfer System (ACTS) (PDF Format) you can determine ahead of time what courses will transfer into Ball State.

In general, Ball State does not accept in transfer:

Pre college courses (below 100 level courses)
Courses in which less than a "C" grade was earned
Courses taken as independent studies
Courses that consist of internships

To earn any BSU degree, including the BSW degree, 30 of your last 40 semester hours must be earned at Ball State.

Are community college and online courses accepted in transfer?

Yes. Ball State does not differentiate between transfer courses taken at a four year college and those taken at a community college. Face to face and online courses are both accepted as long as they meet the University's transfer course standards.

Is there a limit on how many hours I can transfer into Ball State?

Not really. A minimum of 126 semester hours in required for any bachelors degree. You will, however, need to meet all graduation requirements.

What are the social work graduation requirements?

Minimum of 126 semester hours
General Education (Core) requirements
15 courses required for the major
A 2.5 G.P.A. in the courses required by the social work major
A passing grade on the university's writing exam (taken after you complete 63 semester hours)

You would need a minimum of 126 semester hours to earn an undergraduate degree in social work. Depending on how many semester hours you transfer into the university will determine how many hours you will need to complete your BSW. In addition, as a transfer student you will need to meet Ball State's general education (Core) requirements, and the course requirements for the social work Major.

Can I begin the BSW program any semester?

Sure. All required social work classes are offered both fall and spring semesters. During the summer sessions only a few social work classes are offered. Students, who transfer in during the summer, frequently complete general education (Core) courses or courses for a minor. The university has recommended deadlines for applying for admission, although students can be accepted at later dates. Early application ensures the student can be financially packaged in a timely fashion.

Recommended Deadlines:

Fall Semester Admission: March 1

Spring Semester Admission: December 1

Summer Session/Semester Admission: April 1

Who can I talk to about transferring to Ball State?

If you are thinking or planning about transferring to Ball State's social work program, contact the Department of Social Work's transfer coordinator, Judi Egbert, early. Early may mean even a year or more before you would be ready to transfer. Communicating early with our transfer coordinator allows you to see if the BSW degree is for you, get answers to questions you have, and to find out how to best prepare for the transfer.

Planning ahead makes for a smoother transfer process. You can consult with the transfer coordinator electronically, or you can schedule an appointment. If you schedule an appointment you may even want to sit in on a social work class and/ or tour the campus.

Judi Egbert, Transfer Coordinator

765 285-1016

How do I transfer into Ball State's social work program?

Submit a University Admissions Application Detailed instructions can be found at the university's admissions website
Send in Official Transcripts If you are currently enrolled in another institution, you may have to send in two transcripts, one now to begin the admissions process and one latter when you complete your current semester's academic work. Request a transcript be sent in from every college you attended, even if you only took a course or two at one school. Ball State won't process your application until all transcripts are received, and they will only accept official transcripts sent directly from another college. A personal copy of your transcript won't do.
Meet with an Advisor in the Cooper Advising Center Once you have been accepted into the university, you'll get a letter telling you to call the Cooper Advising Center and schedule an appointment with an advisor to orient you to the general education requirements, the registration process, obtaining an email account, and getting a student ID. You can't register for classes until you meet with this advisor. You'll find the Cooper Advising Center in Room 253 of the Cooper Science building. Your letter will also tell you how many credits Ball State accepted in transfer. Questions about what was accepted can be discussed with the Cooper Center advisor.
Meet with a Social Work Transfer Coordinator Once you schedule an appointment to meet with an advisor in the Cooper Advising Center, you should also schedule an appointment the same day with the transfer coordinator, Judi Egbert, in the Department of Social Work. Ms. Egbert will advise you on the specifics related to the BSW degree and assist you in developing an academic plan that will ensure your timely completion of the BSW degree. She also will talk to you about the process for Formal Admission to the major. Ms Egbert is located in the Fine Arts building (right next to the Cooper Science building), in Room 227. In most cases you can meet with the Cooper Center advisor and the social work Transfer Coordinator the same morning or afternoon so you don't need to come to campus on two different days.

What if I am transferring from Ivy Tech or a community college?

Community college students are welcome as transfer students here at Ball State. The university has articulation agreements with Ivy Tech related to general education (core) graduation agreements, and the Department works closely with the Human Services program at Ivy Tech in Region 6 (Muncie, Anderson, Marion). Your community college advisor should help you plan ahead for transfer to Ball State. Depending on the number and kinds of courses you transfer in, will determine what you will need to take at Ball State to finish the social work degree. If you are working on your human services associate degree at Ivy Tech, it is recommended you take the following courses at Ivy Tech for the smoothest transfer into the BSW program. Ivy Tech students from other regions may need to adapt this plan. Generally taking as many courses that will count toward Ball State's general education (core) requirements is your best bet.

Can I transfer from another accredited social work program?

Sure. Each CSWE accredited BSW program configures its curriculum slightly differently, so the social work courses you transfer in will be assessed individually. Every effort will be made to minimize your repeating course content. Checking out the Courses Required of the Major at Ball State will give you some idea of how the Ball State program is configured.

Please note: Transfer courses are not accepted from other accredited social work programs for either SOCWK 410 Social Work Practice IV, SOCWK 460 Field Practicum, or for SOCWK 462 Field Seminar. These courses must be taken within the Department to earn the BSW degree from Ball State University.

To earn any BSU degree, including the BSW degree, 30 of your last 40 semester hours must be earned at Ball State.