Social Work

Admission into the Social Work Program

Admission Requirements

Students interested in a degree in social work must apply for admission to the Social Work Program.

To apply to the program, students must:

  • Complete SWK 2000 Introduction to Social Work with a grade of "B" or better.
  • Fill out the Social Work Admission Form and give it to the chair of the Social Work Department. All forms are found in the menu at right and in the Student Social Work Handbook.
  • Provide the chair of the Social Work Department with three references.

Additionally, students in the program must:

  • Maintain a cumulative G.P.A. of 2.50 on a 4.0 scale at the time of admission and throughout their academic career.
  • Obtain grades no lower than "C-" in required courses for the social work major.
  • Complete a declaration of major form (from the Registrar's office) and be assigned to a Social Work Department faculty advisor.
  • Obtain a copy of current transcript (an unofficial copy is available at no charge in the Registrar's Office).
  • Complete the Writing Skills Assessment administered by the Writing Center.
  • Schedule an admissions interview with a committee of the social work faculty.

Before acceptance into senior level courses, faculty will review students’ evaluations and commitment to pursue Senior Field Placement. To enroll in senior classes, students must demonstrate social work skills, values and ethics in supervisory practice and academic settings. Academic and non-academic performance requirements are defined in the Student Social Work Handbook. Non-academic standards measure a student's "likely performance as a social work generalist practitioner."

Termination from the program is based on the student's failure to demonstrate professional conduct and behavior consistent with the values and ethics of the profession. However, knowledge, skill and value expectations are all academic in a professional program.

It is very important that all transfer students see the department chair immediately upon acceptance to Carthage.

Tips for Admission
Frequently Asked Questions about Admission into the Social Work Program
Frequently Asked Questions about Social Work in General