Application Deadlines

Applicants qualified for the Advanced Standing program may enter in Fall or Spring terms to complete the MSW program in 1 year.  To be admitted into the advanced standing MSW program at Eastern University, students must:

Degree: Have earned a BSW from a CSWE accredited school, an International Social Work degree recognized by CSWE’s International Social Work Degree Recognition and Evaluation Service, or one covered under a memorandum of understanding with international social work accreditors. Students must have completed the BSW no more than five years from the first day of beginning MSW classes. Students must have earned a 3.0 GPA or higher.  

1. Official BSW Transcript: Potential students will submit an official transcript from the institution that conferred their bachelor's degree.
   The GRE is not required.
   - How to Request a Transcript: View FAQs about requesting a transcript from your previous school.
2. Application: Fill out Eastern’s online application at eastern.edu/apply.
3. References: Submit 2 references using this form:
   • one from an individual who can attest to the student’s academic competence (former professor) to complete the MSW program.
   • another from a professional reference (either a former field instructor or one who has supervised the student’s work since graduation with the BSW).  
4. Essay: Potential students will complete and submit one personal essay for review by the Social Work Faculty. See below for essay prompts and instructions.
5. Resume: Applicants will submit a resume/curriculum vitae (CV). 
6. Interview: Applicants will be interviewed by Social Work faculty to assure their goals align with those of the program.

Submission Instructions:

Email Option: Materials can emailed to admissions.file@eastern.edu 

Mailing Option: Mail your materials to:
Eastern University
Graduate and Online Undergraduate Admissions
1300 Eagle Rd.
St. Davids, PA 19087

To be admitted to the full-time or part-time, without advanced standing, students will need to: 

Degree: Have completed a bachelor’s degree at an accredited university with a GPA of at least 2.5.

1. Official Bachelor's Transcript: Potential students will submit a Non BSW (or BSW that was earned beyond 5 years) from the institution that conferred their bachelor's degree.
   - How to Request a Transcript: View FAQs about requesting a transcript from your previous school.
2. Application: Fill out Eastern’s online application at eastern.edu/apply.
3. References: Submit 2 references using this form:
   - One attesting to ability to compete at the graduate level from an academic reference (former professor).
   - One from a supervisor attesting to the student’s competence and work habits (in an employment setting).  
4. Essay: Potential students will complete and submit one personal essay for review by the Social Work Faculty. See below for essay prompts and instructions.
5. Resume: Applicants will submit a resume/curriculum vitae (CV).  
6. Interview: Applicants will be interviewed by Social Work faculty to assure their goals align with those of the program. 

Submission Instructions:

Email Option: Materials can emailed to admissions.file@eastern.edu 

Mailing Option: Mail your materials to:
Eastern University
Graduate and Online Undergraduate Admissions
1300 Eagle Rd.
St. Davids, PA 19087

Guidance for Essay (800 words)

• What personal or professional experiences led you to pursue a career in social work? (200 words)

• Discuss how previous personal education, work, and/or volunteer experiences have prepared you for the rigors of an MSW program. (150 words)

• Eastern University is a diverse, Christ-centered community preparing graduates to impact the world through faith, reason, and justice. What aspects of this mission align with your career aspirations and have led you to apply for our MSW Program. (150 words)

• Describe an area of social justice you are passionate about. How do you see your future career as a social worker contributing to change in this area, and what specific skills do you hope to gain from our program to help you achieve that? (200 words)

• What are your current strategies for self-care and stress management?  Please include how you plan to utilize personal and professional relationships to sustain yourself during your graduate studies and future career? (100 words)

Essay Submission Instructions

Email your essay to admissions.file@eastern.edu.