How to Apply to the School of Social Work
If you have questions about the Springfield College School of Social Work admissions process, please contact:
Chris HinelyAdmissions Coordinator
MSCHE, 1997, University of Arkansas
Areas: Community Health Education
Telephone: 413.748.3060
E-mail: chinely@spfldcol.edu
Apply Online
Please select one of the following options:If you are interested in applying to the Springfield College School of Social Work, for either the weekday or weekend program, you will need:
- A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university that reflects a broad background in liberal arts, with at least twenty semester hours in the social, behavioral, and biological sciences with an emphasis on human biology. Social and behavioral sciences include anthropology, economics, education, history, political science, psychology, and sociology. Biological sciences include botany, biology, physiology, and zoology. The School looks favorably on transcripts that include coursework in writing and in research methods or statistics.
- A grade point average (GPA) of at least 2.5 for all undergraduate work and 3.0 in the last two years of academic work. Some exceptions are made, and the faculty considers other evidence that demonstrates the candidate’s ability to conduct graduate study in social work. Applicants who do not meet the GPA minimum will be considered for admission on probation if space is available.
- The personal capacity to work effectively with people to achieve professional standing;
- Social work experience as an employee, volunteer, or in an undergraduate field practicum;
- A professional statement describing: (1) professional goals and reasons for pursuing an M.S.W. degree in this program; and (2) the education, professional/work experience, and personal characteristics that make the applicant a good candidate for an advanced generalist M.S.W. program.
- Three professional or academic references that address the applicant’s ability, potential, and readiness for graduate education and professional social work experience.
- Transcripts from all undergraduate institutions.
Although all work for the M.S.W. is usually completed at the Springfield College School of Social Work, transfer credit may be awarded on a course-by-course basis for up to nine graduate credits earned at a CSWE-accredited graduate program in social work. Following admission, a student’s coursework with grades of B or better that have been taken within five years of the anticipated date of completing the M.S.W. program at Springfield College will be considered by the faculty committee.
M.S.W/J.D. Combined Degree Program
Applicants interested in the M.S.W./J.D. program must successfully meet the separate admissions requirements of each institution and be accepted into the combined degree program. The combined degree program is only open to the students in the full-time M.S.W. and J.D. programs.Although admission to the combined degree program is usually decided at initial enrollment, it is possible to begin studies in either the M.S.W. or J.D. program and then enroll in the combined degree program. Application to the second institution must be made before completion of the first year of studies at the first institution.
Neither the Springfield College School of Social Work nor the Western New England College School of Law admits new students for the spring semester.
Advanced Standing Programs (Weekend and Weekday)
Applicants to the Advanced Standing Program must complete a supplemental application, available from the Admissions Coordinator at the School of Social Work.The application for admission and all supporting credentials are due in the Office of Graduate Admissions by March 1. Applications received after the deadline will be considered only if space is available.
Post-Master's Degree Certificate Program in Advanced Practice with Children and Adolescents:
The program is aimed at providing experienced professionals with the opportunity to advance their knowledge of practice with children and adolescents. The program is designed for social workers, nurses, mental health professionals, school counselors, and others who have earned master’s degrees in related fields. Applicants must be currently working with children and adolescents. Applications are accepted twice each year.- For Fall 2010: By July 1st
- For Spring 2011: By December 1st
The goal of the Certificate Program is to enhance state of the art knowledge and skills in the following content areas:
- Clinical Intervention Techniques
- Bio-Psycho-Social Theories