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Admission

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Prerequisites

To be admitted to the MSW Program, students must:

  • Hold a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited university or college (or an equivalent degree from a college or university in another country) with a minimum 3.0 grade point average on a 4.0 scale. At the discretion of the university, a higher professional or graduate degree may be accepted as a substitute for the bachelor’s degree. A limited number of applicants with a grade point average between 2.5-2.99 and relevant work experience may be admitted provisionally at the program’s discretion.
  • Satisfy the prerequisite requirement of a statistics course with a grade of C or higher.

Application Deadlines

  • Early Admission Deadline: January 15
  • Regular Admission Deadline: March 1

Admission Requirements – Domestic Applicants

The specific criteria for seeking MSW admission are:

  1. A Graduate Application for Admission (including $45 fee).
    (Apply Online | Download PDF)
  2. Completion of an MSW Application form*.
  3. Completion of Statistics course (three units). If Statistics has not been taken at time of MSW application, it must be completed (at an accredited college or university) prior to start of MSW Program in the fall. Proof of completion must be submitted to the MSW director of student services before start of program in fall. Student will be admitted on provisional status until proof of completion of course is submitted, upon which time provisional status will be removed.
  4. Willingness to participate in an admission interview.
  5. Three reference letters (download form*) specifically discussing professional and/or academic interests and aptitude for MSW education. References are to be limited to individuals familiar with academic and/or professional abilities.
  6. Submission of a personal statement. Personal statements should be 8-10 pages long (double spaced), and include attention to each of the following:
    1. Motivation for pursuing MSW education, including relevant background experiences and professional goals.
    2. Professional and volunteer experiences related to social work.
    3. Expectations regarding attending a Christian university for MSW Program, and approach to faith integration in scholarship and service. Although no admissions requirements exist regarding faith orientation, Christian and other religious perspectives may be presented and discussed in classes.
    4. Discussion of a social problem of interest to you, including your perceptions of the causes of, and potential solutions to, the problem.
    5. Discussion of an ethical challenge you have encountered in professional, field, or volunteer work and how you resolved it.

Personal statements are assessed based on:

  • Writing and organizational skills.
  • Evidence of professional commitments to service and social justice.
  • Self-awareness and maturity indicating readiness to successfully complete program requirements.
  • Engagement in employment, volunteer work, leadership activities, and/or other experiences relevant to professional social work.

Admission Requirements – International Applicants

Azusa Pacific University is authorized under federal law by the U.S. CIS and the U.S. Department of State to enroll nonimmigrant, alien undergraduate and graduate students. APU issues and administers both the I-20 and DS 2019 (F-1 and J-1 status documents respectively).

To apply to be a graduate student at APU, the following requirements must be fulfilled in addition to meeting the domestic applicant and other admission requirements specified by the program.

International applicants must:

International applicants must also submit:

  • An International Graduate Application
    (Apply Online | Download PDF)
    Note: This application is submitted in place of the domestic graduate application.
  • A $65 (U.S.) nonrefundable application fee
    Note: This fee is submitted in place of the $45 nonrefundable application fee for domestic applicants.
  • Official transcripts
    Request that official transcripts be sent to APU's International Center for all degrees, certificates, and credentials earned prior to application to APU. Learn more about APU's international applicant transcript policy.

  • Official TOEFL/IELTS score report (if applicable)
    Request official TOEFL/IELTS test scores sent directly from the academic institution to APU. For more information, read our English Proficiency Requirements for Graduate and Doctoral Programs.
  • An affidavit of support and a bank statement
    International applicants must provide an affidavit of support and a bank statement proving financial ability to pay for educational costs through personal, family, or sponsor resources.
  • A recent photo
    International applicants must submit one recent photo of yourself.
  • A résumé showing work experience
    International applicants must submit a current résumé or curriculum vitae (CV) that demonstrates recent work experience.
  • Three recommendation letters (Download PDF)
    International applicants must request recommendations completed by professors or employers (non-family members) who have knowledge of the applicant's academic ability and potential. Some programs require specific information in their recommendations.
  • Essays (international master's applicants only)
    International applicants must submit a typewritten essay addressing the following questions:
    1. How do you hope to benefit from an academic experience in America?
    2. Describe your current religious or philosophical beliefs.
    3. Explain why you would be a good candidate to study at APU, including any leadership roles you have experienced.

Submit all materials to:

International Center
Azusa Pacific University
901 E. Alosta Ave.
PO Box 7000
Azusa, CA 91702-7000
USA
+1-626-815-3055
Fax: +1-626-815-3801
Email IC

What to Expect

After all admission materials have been received by the International Center, the department reviews the applicant’s file. The student is notified of the committee’s decision within approximately two weeks.

*The downloadable version of this document is provided in a Portable Document Format (PDF). To learn more about PDFs or to install Adobe Acrobat Reader, follow this link.

Note: This information is current for the 2009-10 academic year; however, all stated academic information is subject to change. Please refer to the current Academic Catalog for the most current and controlling information. For additional information, please contact the appropriate office.