Master of Social Work

Frequently Asked Questions

Admission Information

When are applications due?
Early admission deadline is January 15. Regular admission deadline is March 1. Applications may be accepted after this date if there are any available spaces. Please call (626) 387-5724 to inquire.

Do I have to take the GRE?
No, we do not require the GRE.

Can I apply if my undergraduate degree is not in social work?
Yes, we accept applications from students with any undergraduate degree from a regionally accredited university or college.

What is the GPA requirement?
APU requires a GPA of 3.0 or higher for regular admission. If a student earned a baccalaureate GPA between 2.50 and 2.99, that student could be fully admitted provisionally, which means a B (3.0) must be earned in each course for the first 12 units to stay in the program and the university. Earning less than a 3.0 in these first courses may jeopardize the student's progress at the university.

Are there any prerequisite courses?
The only prerequisite course is a college-level statistics course. If Statistics has not been taken at the time of application to the MSW Program, proof of course registration must be submitted to the MSW director of student services by September 1 prior to fall semester of the foundation year. If accepted to the MSW Program, it will be on a provisional status until proof of completion of the course, upon which time provisional status will be removed.

How much does the MSW Program cost?
The MSW Program consists of 60 units. Current tuition (2008-09 academic year) is $520 per unit, which means the total program is $31,200. This is subject to a small increase each year.

How do I find out about financial aid?
Please refer to the APU Graduate Student Financial Services website: www.apu.edu/graduatecenter/sfs/. Students must maintain a 3.0 GPA to continue receiving financial aid.

Can I attend part-time?
The four year part-time program consists of classes one night per week. In addition, there are four weekend intensive courses throughout the program. Weekend intensive courses meet three times per semester on Friday evening (6-10 p.m.) and Saturday (8:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.). Internships (16 hours per week) take place in the second and fourth year of the program. While all classes are scheduled for evenings and weekends to allow students to continue working, flexibility will be needed to accommodate internships.

Do I need to submit reference letters?
Yes, we require three reference letters from individuals familiar with your academic and/or professional abilities. The forms are provided with the MSW Application materials.

What else do I need to include with the MSW Application?
Applicants are required to submit a personal statement (8-10 pages, 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.

Do I also need to complete the APU Graduate Application form?
Yes, we require completion of the APU Graduate Application form in addition to the MSW Application form. Please send in a complete application package (together with $45 application fee) so that we may process your application more quickly.

Can I transfer in any units?
Students formerly enrolled in a CSWE-accredited MSW Program may be able to transfer up to 12 units of foundation year courses (completed within last five years). In addition, it is possible to transfer up to six units of elective credit from another graduate program, providing the courses are relevant to the MSW Program. All transfer requests will be assessed by the MSW Program director for eligibility.

The Program

What concentrations do you offer?
We currently offer concentrations in Community Practice and Partnerships and Clinical Practice with Individuals and Families. Please see our web pages for detailed information on each concentration.

Do I find my own internships?
Our field education director places students with qualified, trained field instructors at internship sites. Students are required to interview with the agency they are referred to. Students must provide their own transportation to and from the field site, with possible home visits at some internships.

How long are the internships?
Students in the two year full-time program spend approximately 16 hours per week at internships throughout the whole program. A new internship is assigned for the second year in order to expand students’ learning experience. Students in the four year part-time program spend approximately 16 hours per week at internships in the second and fourth year of the program. Internship schedules are determined by the agency. While we will try, if requested, to place part-time students at sites that allow some evening/weekend hours, at least one day will need to be during the week. Students must be willing to be flexible with regard to agency hours. A total of 960 internship hours are needed in order to graduate (480 hours per internship year).

Do you offer online courses?
No, all courses are at the Azusa campus. Courses in the part-time program, however, are scheduled on evenings and weekends.

Do you offer summer courses?
No, all required classes are fall semester (September-December) and spring semester (January-late April/early May). Some May-term and summer elective courses may be offered.

General Information

Where is Azusa Pacific University located?
APU is located 26 miles northeast of Los Angeles in Azusa, California. This vibrant Southern California urban environment offers many diverse opportunities for field placements in all areas of social work.

Do you have graduate housing?
For information on graduate housing and other local rental accommodations, go to www.apu.edu/asset/properties/students/. Surrounding cities include Glendora, San Dimas, Covina, Claremont, La Verne, Monrovia, Sierra Madre, and Arcadia.

Does APU have a wireless network?
Yes. The wireless network is available on all parts of campus.

What other campus resources does APU offer?
APU has a counseling center, duplicating and graphics center, bookstore, writing center, three libraries, fitness center, health center, computer centers, shuttle service, campus safety, and various eating areas.

What recreational activities are available nearby?
APU is centrally located with easy access to a wide variety of exciting places. You can be at the beach or in the mountains in about an hour; in the desert in two hours; in downtown Los Angeles or Hollywood in 30 minutes; or in Pasadena in 20 minutes. There are many beautiful places nearby to hike or ride bikes. For those interested in diversity, theater, arts, and music, this is the place to be!

Who can I contact if I have any other questions about the MSW Program?
Please contact Karen Maynard, M.A., director of student services/assistant professor, at kmaynard@apu.edu or (626) 387-5724.

Graduate Center Information