Professional social work education requires students at the master's level to undertake a rigorous program of classroom and field study. The Indiana University School of Social Work seeks to admit individuals who have demonstrated competency though previous academic work, professional achievements, and volunteer commitments. A strong commitment to social justice and service to others should be evident in the application. The school also seeks to provide an ethnically and culturally diversified student body.

Admission information for the Indiana University Northwest M.S.W. program may be obtained from:

Dr. Darlene Lynch, Director
Indiana University Northwest
Phone: (219) 980-7111

Web site: socialwork.iu.edu 

Enrollment in the M.S.W. program requires official admission to the Indiana University School of Social Work. A limited number of students are admitted each year.

The following criteria are considered when making admissions decisions:

• Evidence of an earned bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university.
• An undergraduate record that reflects a liberal arts perspective as demonstrated by the successful completion of a minimum of six courses in social or behavioral sciences. Courses from the following disciplines are accepted: social work, psychology, sociology, anthropology, economics, history, human services, political science, government, criminal justice, and/or languages. 
  • Note: Other social or behavioral sciences courses outside of the listed disciplines may be accepted.
• An undergraduate record that reflects successful completion of a college-level math course or equivalent. 
• Critical thinking skills and the ability to communicate effectively in writing, as reflected in the application questions and required writing sample and statement.
• Evidence of personal qualities considered important for social work practice.
• It is the policy of the School of Social Work that no student or applicant who has been convicted of sex offenses against children shall be eligible for admission or continuation into the BSW, MSW or Ph.D. programs.

Note: The Graduate Record Exam (GRE), the Miller’s Analogy Test (MAT), and other graduate tests are not required.

Applications are available in early fall of the year preceding admission.  The application process is electronic. Information pertaining to the deadlines, requirements, and program details can be found in the online application at http://socialwork.iu.edu/Admission/MSW/Index.php. All applicants are encouraged to submit applications as soon as possible and before the final application priority date.  The M.S.W. admissions committee will make all decisions and notify students beginning in early spring.  Applications are evaluated on the basis of the criteria outlined above.  Admission is competitive and the instructional resources of the school determine total enrollment.

International Students/International Degrees

Applicants who are not citizens of the United States should apply as early as possible preceding the fall in which they wish to enter. They must fill out the international application and the Indiana University School of Social Work application by the posted deadlines. They also must provide proof of their ability to pay fees and support themselves adequately during the period of their study and, through examinations designated by the school, must demonstrate an ability to comprehend, write, and speak English at an acceptable level.

International students or any person holding a degree obtained outside of the United States should request an international application from the following address:

International Affairs
IUPUI
902 W. New York Street, ES2126
Indianapolis, IN 46202-5154
Telephone: (317) 274-7000
E-mail: oia@iupui.edu

Transfer Students

A limited number of transfer students from other accredited M.S.W. programs may be accepted each year. Master of Social Work students interested in transferring to Indiana University must complete an application for admission to the program. Applicants must submit a reference letter from the previous MSW program director stating that the student left the program in good standing and verifying the student's competence in the field of social work. Upon receipt of the completed application, the division director will review the materials and decide if the applicant may be accepted in the program. If accepted, the division director will analyze the student's transcript and course syllabi to determine which credits earned in another accredited social work program will transfer to Indiana University. In all circumstances, however, transfer students must complete all required courses in the concentration and theiir chosen focus area.