Application Information

MSW Application Criteria

1

Degree Requirement

Successful completion of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.

  • For Advanced Standing, the degree should be in social work (BASW/BSW).
2

GPA Requirement

A calculated grade-point average of 3.0 in the last 90 graded quarter credits or 60 graded semester credits.

  • For Advanced Standing, the degree must be from a CSWE accredited undergraduate social work program, awarded no longer than seven years prior to the application date with a grade-point average 3.0 in undergraduate social work courses and a cumulative grade-point average 3.0 in the last 90 graded quarter credits or 60 graded semester credit.
3

Credit Hour Requirement

Completion of 3 credit hours of an introductory statistics course covering descriptive and inferential statistics and basic hypothesis testing with a minimum grade of 2.0.

  • Any student who has not completed such a course must complete an approved statistics course during the foundation portion of the program. The course must be completed prior to taking SOWK 526: Research Methods.
4

Complete GradCAS Application

Select Social Work-MSW for the Cheney/Spokane Full-time MSW Program or the Eastern Washington Part-time Weekend Hybrid Program.

Select Social Work-Advanced Standing MSW for the Cheney/Spokane Advanced Standing MSW Full-time Program or the Everett Part-time Weeknight Hybrid Program.

Graduate Admissions

Important Things to Know:

  • The GRE is not required.
  • Previous Life or Work Experience cannot be substituted for course credit.
  • No exceptions are made to policies regarding Advanced Standing.
  • Applications for all programs are reviewed on a rolling basis. Students applying to our full-time program who are from outside Washington and interested in being considered for WICHE vouchers and other scholarships should submit by the priority deadline of February 1.

MSW Program Application Cycles

ProgramLength
(Years)		Cohort Start DateAccepting
Applications		Priority Admission
Deadline		Regular Admission
Deadline		Next Cohort
Full-Time (Cheney & Spokane)2Every fall quarterOct. 1, 2020 -
Aug. 1, 2021		Feb. 1, 2021Apr. 1, 2021Fall Quarter 2021
Full-Time, Advanced Standing (Cheney & Spokane)1Every summer quarterOct. 1, 2020 -
Jan. 20, 2021		N/AJan. 20, 2021Summer Quarter 2021
Eastern Washington, Part-Time, Weekend, Hybrid Program (Spokane)3Every two yearsOct. 1, 2020 -
May 1, 2021		Feb. 1, 2021Apr. 1, 2021Summer 2021
Eastern Washington, Advanced Standing, Part-Time, Weekend, Hybrid Program (Spokane)1.5Every two yearsFall 2021N/AN/ASummer 2022
Everett, Part-Time, Weeknight, Hybrid Program3Every two yearsFall 2021N/AN/ASummer 2022
Everett, Advanced Standing Part-Time, Weeknight, Hybrid Program1.5Every three yearsOct. 1, 2020 -
Jan. 20, 2021		N/AJan. 20, 2021Summer 2021

Frequently Asked Questions

Strong essays are developed carefully and thoughtfully. Essays should address each question. Strong answers include examples and evidence. To demonstrate an ability to apply concepts, strong essays include examples from work, volunteer, education, and other pertinent details.

Essays should be written clearly, concisely, and ideas should be expressed explicitly. Be sure to allot plenty of time to complete essay questions. Essays written hastily reflect a lack of preparedness.

You have 250 words for each question. Strong essays provide enough detail to fully answer the question without being wordy. Strong essays answer the questions concisely and clearly. We recommend typing your response in Word and then pasting it into the application.

It is extremely important. Essay responses are a key component of the application and provide information faculty consider when reviewing your application materials.

It is very important to use complete sentences, proper grammar, punctuation, spelling, and other mechanics of written English. Strong essays often undergo revision and proofreading.

For the purpose of this application, no.

Yes. Be sure to fully answer each question. Some questions have multiple parts. Make sure you address each part in your answer.

We are not concerned with gaps in your resume only that your resume corresponds with what you share in your essay questions.

We recommend you include one academic, one reference from someone involved in your field experience and one professional reference. If you have been out of school for more than 5 years, it may be more difficult to obtain an academic reference. Choose references who can accurately and directly speak about your past work and your potential in this program. References should be able to speak to your ability to succeed academically and/or to your ability to practice as a social worker. We do not accept references from personal friends, family, a counselor/client, or faith leader/parishioner.

General Questions

You can contact Dr. Tim Hilton at thilton@ewu.edu to see if your course meets the requirements.

If you didn’t earn a 2.0 you will be required to take and pass a statistics course during your foundation portion of the MSW program. You may use it as one of your elective courses.

You do not have to take a class prior to applying or starting the program. You will be required to take and pass a statistics course prior to take Research Methods II.

No, previous life or work experience cannot be substituted for course credit.

We accept applications for multiple programs each year. Be sure to select the correct program in the GradCAS. It is very important you complete the correct application for the program to which you want to apply. You may only apply to one program. If you are having trouble identifying which application to choose, contact Colleen Mastel at cmastel@ewu.edu or 509.359.4244. When calling, be specific about which program you interested in.

No, in all instances. The Spokane Hybrid program only serves Eastern Washington and Northern Idaho. Everett serves the west side of the state.

We may ask students for an interview.

Overall GPA is one of the primary factors considered in the admissions criteria. Students with an overall GPA of less than 3.0 may find it more difficult to be successful in a graduate level program. Additionally, Graduate Studies only allows admission of a small number of applicants with an overall GPA of less than 3.0.

If your overall GPA is less than 3.0, you will be asked to write a rationale explaining why you should be admitted to the program.

No, the program is competitive. We receive many strong applications each year and not everyone who applies is admitted.

No, you need to indicate on the application you would be willing to accept admission to the full program.

If you indicate yes, your application will be re-evaluated for admission to the full program.

There is no appeals process, but you can reapply when we are accepting applications for the next cohort.

The GRE exam is not necessary for admission.