Schools & Divisions

Bachelor of Social Work Admission

Admission Requirements

Enrollment in the B.S.W. program requires formal admission to the School of Social Work. The following are the minimum requirements for admission consideration:

  • Regular admission to the university.
  • Completion of a minimum of 12 credit hours.  Although advanced students may also apply.
  • Satisfactory completion (grade of C or higher) of the required course S141 Introduction to Social Work.
  • A minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale.
  • Evidence of characteristics or potential required for competent social work practitioners as defined in the mission statement of the school. Such evidence may be derived from application materials, letters of reference, pertinent work or volunteer experience, and performance in S141 Introduction to Social Work.

While the B.S.W.  Program uses a rolling admissions policy, applicants, to ensure a timely review of their applications, should submit completed applications in the fall by November 1 and in the spring by the Monday after Spring break. IU Northwest students generally apply at the end of their sophomore year, but can do so later in their academic career. Community college transfer students generally apply at the point of transfer or after completing their first semester at IU Northwest.  The formal admission process is electronic.  The electronic application can be accessed at:  http://socialwork.iu.edu/Apply-to-BSW/.  Admission information may be obtained from:

Dr. Marshelia Harris
B.S.W. Program Director 
Indiana University Northwest 
Telephone: (219) 980-5630 
Email: mdharris@iun.edu 

Transfer Students

Students transferring from another four year  accredited academic institution or a community college into Indiana University have their transcripts evaluated by the University Admissions office in relation to their progress toward meeting general education and supportive area degree requirements.  In most instances, the University Admissions office assessment is accepted in relation to general and supportive area course requirements.

All social work courses beyond the introductory level must be taken in an accredited social work program.  Transfer courses taken at another accredited B.S.W. program must also meet Indiana University’s academic standards (an earned letter grade of “C” or better), and be judged as equivalent to the School of Social Work’s  required social work courses by the campus Program Director on the campus where students are applying for admission.

Ivy Tech Transfer Students

The Indiana University School of Social Work welcomes students who are transferring from Ivy Tech community college campuses.  Ivy Tech students, who have earned the associates degree in human services, are prepared to complete the four-year B.S.W. degree at the Indiana University School of Social Work.   

Students currently enrolled at Ivy Tech are encouraged to plan ahead prior to transferring to an IUSSW B.S.W. program by calling or meeting with the campus Program Director. Early planning can ensure a smoother transfer process.

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