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Master of Social Work Degree Program

Application Procedures


The Division of Social Work will begin reviewing Applications for the 2008 year on January 17th and will have rolling admissions. You should realize that this is a highly competitive program. Therefore, you are encouraged to apply early. Completed applications will be reviewed as they are received until the program is full. Application packets must be complete before the admissions committee will review an applicant's file. We will attempt to complete the review process and provide you with our decision within two weeks of receipt.

Because the Division of Social Work has limited openings for graduate students, it is advisable to submit your admission materials to the University of Wyoming Graduate School and Division of Social Work as early as possible. Applicants for admission to the Master of Social Work Program must fulfill the general admission requirements established by the University of Wyoming, as well as the requirements specific to the Division of Social Work. Materials to be sent to the Graduate School

The following materials should be sent to the Graduate School:

  • The Graduate Application can be completed on line at http://grad.uwyo.edu
  • A credit card, check or money order for the amount noted on the application form in U.S. dollars payable to Graduate Admissions, University of Wyoming. (This is a non-refundable fee.)
  • Official transcripts (one set) of all previous academic work, undergraduate and graduate, sent directly from the Registrar of each institution attended, whether or not credit was earned.
  • GRE scores forwarded directly from the Educational Testing Service. (Optional)

International applicants must also send the following information:

  • TOEFL scores forwarded directly from the Educational Testing Service
  • Confidential financial statement form, certified, with supporting documentation.

Applicants must send the above materials to:

Graduate School Admissions
University of Wyoming
Dept. 3108 (108 Knight Hall)
1000 E. University Ave. Laramie, WY 82071

Materials to be sent to the Division of Social Work

  1. Divisional face sheet
  2. Photocopies of ALL college(s) transcripts (or a second set of originals)
  3. Photocopies of GRE scores (optional)
  4. TOEFL scores for international applicants.
  5. An Academic Essay on a topic that is chosen by the division
  6. Three letters of recommendation. Please see additional information regarding the letters of recommendation.
  7. A Personal Statement. Please see additional information regarding the personal statement
  8. A resume that conforms to the format included in the application packet

Applicants must send the above materials to:

Admissions, MSW Program
Division of Social Work
University of Wyoming
Dept. 3632
1000 E. University Ave.
Laramie, WY 82071

Letters of Recommendation
The forms for the letters of recommendation are included in the application packet. Applicants should carefully select those persons whom they ask to send letters of recommendation. References should include those people who can attest to the applicant’s academic potential, their social work or related work and/or volunteer experience, their fit with the professional value base, and their ability to meet the emotional and intellectual demands of the graduate program and social work careers.
If you are currently working in a social work position or in a related field, it is expected that your employer/supervisor will provide a letter of reference. If you have completed a practicum, in social work or a related field, it is expected that your supervisor/field instructor will provide a letter of reference.

Personal Statement
The applicant should carefully consider the purpose of the personal statement in the application decision process. This statement should be well thought out, carefully written and edited, and not exceed five double-spaced typewritten pages. The statement should address the following questions:

  • Describe your career goals. Identify how these goals are compatible with the Advanced Generalist concentration that is offered at the University of Wyoming.
  • Identify the personal and intellectual qualities that have prepared you for social work education and practice.
  • Identify the social problem that most influenced your decision to apply to the MSW Program. If you have participated in an effort to respond to this problem, what strategies did you consider?
  • Illustrate your understanding of human diversity as applied to social work practice. Give a specific example of your experience with people who have a different background than your own. Indicate how this experience may influence your ability to practice as a social worker.
  • What gaps or deficiencies do you see in your work experience, attributes or skills that would need to be modified in order to successfully pursue graduate studies in social work and professional social work practice

Recommended Resume Format
Personal Information
Name:
Address:
Phone:

Education: Institution, City, State, Dates Attended, Major, Degree

Work Experience: Dates, Job Title, Employer, City, State
(List the most current employment first; Emphasize experience relating to social work knowledge and skills.)

Volunteer Experience: Dates, Job Title, Employer, City, State
(List the most current experiences first; Emphasize experience relating to social work knowledge and skills.)

Publications, Presentations, and Grants

Continuing Education

Awards/Honors Received

Community Activities

Professional Memberships

Professional Licenses

Other: