Formal admission to the social work major occurs after completion of SOCWK 100, SOCWK 200 and SOCWK 230 and is based upon the following criteria set by the Department of Social Work.  Students must have:

1. 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.
2. Submitted a completed Social Work Application with the 200 level Faculty at least five days prior to an assessment conference (interview); Application materials must demonstrate writing skills adequate for entry-level social work practice.
3. 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.
4. 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 behalf of the student which becomes a part of the student's application materials.
5. Signed an Admissions Contract verifying:

   Familiarity with the NASW Code of Ethics; A willingness to adhere to the principles and tenets of the Code of Ethics; A willingness to continue professional development through regular use of university and community resources; Scheduling of advising sessions with your assigned Faculty Advisor to discuss academic and professional development; Permission for social work faculty to discuss her/his progress in the social work program with the Chair and other relevant social work faculty members as needed; Full disclosure of convictions or pending charges for serious offences;

6. Focused upon a general career/educational goal consistent with professional undergraduate social work education.
7. Demonstrated the absence of a criminal history of any of the following offences:  felony, felony assault / assault, drug related offences, theft, domestic violence, child abuse, murder or manslaughter, felony DUI (bodily injury), and sexual assault, stalking or rape. *
8. Completed an interview with the Chair of the Department of Social Work and received a positive recommendation for formal admission to the major;

Application materials for formal admission to the major can be obtained in the Department of Social Work office in the Fine Arts Building, Room 227, or application materials can be downloaded from this website.  The formal admission process is also explained in all SOCWK 230 classes.

Admission Interview with the Department Chair

In order to schedule an Admissions Interview with the Department Chair, students must have submitted all admissions materials at least five days prior to the scheduled interview.

During the interview the applicant's admission materials are reviewed and questions regarding the BSW major are answered.  Applicants are asked to elaborate on their written responses on their application materials.  At the conclusion of the interview, students who meet the department's criteria for admission are informed of their acceptance into the program. 

During the admission interview the Chair of the Department:

1. Asks the student to sign an Admissions Contract;

2. Develops an academic plan with the student designed to ensure the student's timely completion of the BSW degree;

3. Asks the student to declare which semester she/he intends to complete SOCWK 460 and SOCWK 462;

4. Confirms the designation of academic advisor in consultation with the student and based upon faculty availability.

In situations where there is concern regarding the applicant's suitability for the BSW program or for the social work profession, these concerns are discussed in the interview with the applicant.  This includes concerns involving a felony or misdemeanor conviction or pending charges.  If the applicant continues to want to pursue admission, the applicant's materials are then reviewed by the BSW Student Standards Committee, which may request additional materials from the applicant.  The final decision is then made in a timely fashion by the Student Standards Committee, and the applicant is notified by mail of the Committee's decision.