The Bachelor of Social Work Programs (BSW) APPLICATION DEADLINE  is June 1.
All BSW students start in the fall semester.

Application information

All applicants are encouraged to submit applications as soon as possible as admissions will close once program capacity has been reached. Applications may be submitted up to one year prior to the start of the beginning term of the program. All students admitted to a BSW program for the fall semester must attend a mandatory orientation.

The social work program does not grant social work course credit for life experience or previous work experience.

The BSW is offered full-time/part-time, on-campus and online. All BSW programs, including the online program, require an in-person Practicum in the senior year. 

Pre-Professional Courses

The BSW program requires that courses in the social sciences and natural sciences match the courses below. If your institution does not offer the required preprofessional courses, you may need to take the equivalent course at WSU before entering the BSW program.

• Introduction to Social Work and Social Welfare - 3 cr.
• American Government – 3-4 cr.
• Introduction to Sociology – 3cr.
• Human Biology – 3 cr.
• Introduction to Psychology – 3cr.

Transfer Students

Wayne State recommends that transfer students fulfill their general education requirements through the Michigan Transfer Agreement (MTA). If  you don’t have MTA, you can use the Transfer Course Equivalency tool to search specific courses and how they transfer to Wayne State. In addition, we offer Transfer Pathways for a seamless associate degree to BSW. 

Need help understanding your transfer credit? Please visit us at wayne.edu/transfer to schedule a transfer advising appointment and learn more about the advantages of transferring to Wayne State University.

Two Step BSW Application Process

Applicants must have 1) earned a minimum overall grade point average of 2.50; 2) completed 16 social service volunteer hours; and, 3) submitted a copy of transcripts from all colleges attended, current resume and personal interest statement demonstrating the ability to pursue successful undergraduate professional social work education.

Application material guides:

• Personal Interest Statement Guidelines (pdf)
• BSW Resume Guidelines (pdf)

Steps to apply

• Submit to the Wayne State University Office of Undergraduate Admissions the Application for Undergraduate Admission with the appropriate fee and official transcripts from colleges or universities.
• Submit to the School of Social Work's Office of Admissions and Student Services, the Application for Admission, Bachelor of Social Work Degree Program.

Application materials include a personal interest statement and a copy of transcripts from all colleges attended that demonstrate the ability to pursue successful undergraduate professional education in social work.

Admission to the School of Social Work is a competitive process. The Wayne State University (WSU) Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) application deadline   is June 1. If you have any questions regarding the application process, please contact the Office of Admissions and Student Services in School of Social Work at (313) 577-4409 or by email at sswadmissions@wayne.edu.

STEP 1

Applicants for the WSU Bachelor of Social Work Degree Program must first be admitted to Wayne State University. If you are not a current Wayne State University student, complete the WSU undergraduate online application here.  

STEP 2

Once admitted to Wayne State, students can complete the WSU BSW program application here. The BSW application includes submission of official transcripts, resume, and a personal interest statement. If you previously submitted an application to the School of Social Work, please contact the Wayne State University School of Social Work, Office of Admissions and Student Services for directions on submitting additional application material at (313) 577-4409 or by email at sswadmissions@wayne.edu.

School and university policies governing each application process are in the current University Undergraduate Bulletin.

The School of Social Work at Wayne State University welcomes all applicants for our social work programs. We are committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and do not discriminate on any basis, including history of criminal background in admissions consideration. We do not discriminate or deny anyone admission based on criminal history; it is important for applicants to disclose information about background so that they understand any possible professional restrictions related to certain crimes. Read more about criminal background information here

BSW information meetings

The School of Social Work hosts informational meetings on its programs. Potential applicants are encouraged to attend one of these meetings prior to applying.

For additional information on the BSW program or your application, please contact the Office of Admissions and Student Services at (313) 577-4409 or sswadmissions@wayne.edu.