How to Apply
The Social Work Program accepts applications for new students every semester. Application deadlines are December 1st, April 15th, and August 1st. The following courses must be completed with a grade of C or better prior to application. Students may be enrolled in SOWO 2000 and /or SOWO 3910 during the semester in which they plan to apply to the major.
- SOCY 1000 Sociology: Global Perspective
- SOWO 2000 Introduction to Social Work
- SOWO 3910 Field Practicum
The student must have an institutional GPA of 2.0 or greater and a social work GPA of 2.5 or greater to be fully accepted into the Social Work Program.
Application Process
Application process and details are discussed with students enrolled in SOWO 3910. To apply, students should complete the Microsoft Forms social work major application.
BA Social Work Application – Fill out form
Before beginning the form, please have the below required documents prepared to upload:
- A 4x6 picture for identification purposes and does not have any bearing on admissions decisions.
- At least one letter of recommendation from someone who knows you well. This may include professors, social workers, supervisors from work, or social service agency personnel. Auburn University social work faculty cannot write recommendation letters for this purpose.
- A current, unofficial transcript.
- A 3-4 page essay typewritten, double spaced, addressing the below:
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- Why do I believe social work is an appropriate career choice for me given my personal values, life experience, interest in and ability to contribute to the social work profession?
- Please include any history of helping others or personal events which have contributed to your growth in awareness, sensitivity and understanding of diversity with regard to race, age, gender, lifestyle, socioeconomic status, sexual orientation and gender identity, spirituality, religious, non-religious belief, or physical or intellectual ability.
- What social problems with American society am I most concerned with and wish to impact as a professional social worker?
- How are my personal values similar, dissimilar, or a "good fit" with the profession of social work? Please discuss this in detail after thoroughly reviewing the NASW Code of Ethics. If I have some conflict with the values of social work and still want to work in this profession, what can I do to improve my ability to work with clients who challenge me?
- What strengths do I possess? What are the areas in which I need to grow during the course of my education? Include how you manage stress and/or crisis situations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can write a letter of recommendation?
The letter of recommendation should come for someone who knows you well and has observed your academic work and/or professional behavior and potential in an academic or work setting. For example, a course professor (e.g., English, Math, History, Sociology) or a supervisor in either a paid employment setting or an unpaid/volunteer setting. The person should not a relative.
Can a social work professor write a letter of recommendation?
No, a social work professor cannot write a letter of recommendation for the BASW program application.
Can my field instructor/supervisor write the letter of recommendation?
No, your field instructor will complete a final evaluation that serves as their letter of recommendation.
How do letters of recommendation get submitted?
It is preferred that the person who writes your letter sends it directly to you and then you can upload it in the Microsoft Application Form. However, if that is not possible, the individual may email it directly to the Social Work Program Administrator Ms. Delaine Gibson dzm0013@auburn.edu.
When are applications due?
You will apply the semester you are enrolled in SOWO 3910. The due dates are December 1st, April 15th, and August 1st.
If the application deadline falls on a Saturday or Sunday, do I submit the application on the Friday prior or the Monday after?
In this case, applications should be submitted the Friday before the due date.
Where do I find my unofficial transcript?
You can print and download an unofficial transcript from DegreeWorks.
Where can I get a photo taken and what type of photo is needed?
Auburn University has a Headshot Machine located in 136 Foy Hall. You do not have to submit a professional headshot. You may use a photo you already have as long as it is a professional photo. Professional photos are typically characterized by business appropriate clothing, sharp lightening, direct eye contact, and a chest- or waist-up portrait.
Can the Microsoft form be saved so I can work on it one part at a time?
Yes, you can save the form and continue your responses later.
Is the expectation that I score myself high on the self-assessment?
No, the expectation is an accurate, honest self-appraisal. The BASW Admissions Committee understands students are still growing and developing their professional behaviors and potential for future practice.
Is the expectation that I have no value conflicts?
No, value conflicts often occur in social work practice. The expectation is that students have thoughtfully identified possible value conflicts and considered ways to manage such conflicts in a professional setting.
Application Review
Students are encouraged to work with their social work faculty advisor in development of their admissions application and to complete the admissions process. An initial review of the application will be conducted to determine if prerequisites have been met and if the application is complete. The admissions committee meets once per semester to review applications and make admission decisions. Students in good academic standing (not on academic probation or suspension) with a grade-point average of 2.5 in social work classes and who have completed the three required courses with a grade of C or better are eligible for full admission into the program. Action may be either acceptance, denial, or conditional acceptance. If denial is suggested by a committee member, the admissions decision will be deferred. A statement giving the reasons for the proposed denial will be given to the student with copies to committee members within one week. Students will be given an opportunity to reply. Denial requires a majority vote of those eligible to make the admissions decision.
Conditional acceptance allows a student admission to the program contingent upon the satisfaction of some requirement in coursework or other matters relating to admission criteria. Conditions for moving from conditional to full admission will be specified in writing to the student. Students whose applications are denied will be given the opportunity to reapply unless they have been previously terminated from the program. In such cases, students must receive prior approval for reapplication. All students may enroll in any social work courses except Methods (SOWO 4060, 4070, 4080) and Field Placement (SOW0 4950).
Students will be notified in writing via USPS of admission decisions generally within 2 weeks of the admissions committee meeting.
Appeals
Students may register appeals or grievances through the Auburn Association of Student Social Workers Grievance Committee, the admissions coordinator, the Social Work Program director, the department chair, and/or Auburn University Student Academic Grievance Committee. Appeals and grievances should be made in writing. Appeals and grievances will be taken up at the admissions committee meeting following notification of the grievance or appeal.