Admissions - Wingate University Admissions Standard Admissions Transfer Admissions Advanced Standing Admissions Admission to the Traditional MSW Program Admission to the Traditional MSW Program is open to all applicants who have earned a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university within the United States -or- per institutional (formerly regional accrediting organization) accreditor (SACSCOC) guidelines on “ International Credentials ,” evaluation of credentials of foreign or international transcripts that align with the U.S. Department of Education’s “ Recognition of Foreign Qualifications .” Criteria: Admission to the Traditional MSW Program Criteria for admission to the Traditional MSW Program includes the following: Completed online application for Wingate University Official transcripts for all undergraduate credits earned A bachelor’s degree from an institutional accreditor (formerly regionally accrediting organization) with a minimum, overall GPA of 2.75. Well organized responses to three, critical self-reflection questions Submission of professional resume Contact information for three academic and/or professional references Submission of documentation of an earned baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university within the United States -or- per institutional (formerly regional accrediting organization) accreditor (SACSCOC) guidelines on “ International Credentials ,” evaluation of credentials of foreign or international transcripts that align with the U.S. Department of Education’s “ Recognition of Foreign Qualifications .” Process for Evaluation of Applications to the Traditional MSW Program Review and evaluation of applicants to the Traditional MSW Program is a balance between maintaining some level of rigor and also allowing some flexibility to assure that the process is equitable and inclusive. To that end, Wingate’s MSW Program uses a holistic review of applications for the Traditional MSW Program. The holistic review of applications for the Traditional MSW Program is conducted using a Holistic Review of Applications-Traditional Admissions Rubric and a progression of layers and criteria at each layer that are designed to provide some measure of equity and inclusion while also maintaining a level of rigor in the program. Admission Decision Types The decision types for Admissions to the Traditional MSW Program are: Admit Waitlist Do not admit Process for Notification of Admission Decision Applications are typically reviewed, and a decision made, within two weeks of submission. Formal notification of the admissions decision is coordinated electronically via the Office of Enrollment Management. Transfer Admission to the Traditional MSW Program Admissions to the Traditional MSW Program is open to applicants wishing to transfer credit earned in graduate-level social work courses completed at the generalist practice level in a CSWE-accredited (or CASWE-accredited) program. Criteria: Transfer Admission to the Traditional MSW Program Criteria for Transfer Admission to the Traditional MSW Program is a 2-step process and includes: Completed admissions packet to the Traditional MSW Program Completed online application for Wingate University Official transcripts for all undergraduate credits earned A bachelor’s degree from an institutional accreditor (formerly regionally accrediting organization) with a minimum, overall GPA of 2.75. Well organized responses to three, critical self-reflection questions Submission of professional resume Contact information for three academic and/or professional references Submission of documentation of an earned baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university within the United States -or- per institutional (formerly regional accrediting organization) accreditor (SACSCOC) guidelines on “ International Credentials ,” evaluation of credentials of foreign or international transcripts that align with the U.S. Department of Education’s “ Recognition of Foreign Qualifications. Submission of the following, additional documentation: submission of transcripts for all courses completed in a CSWE-accredited (or CASWE-accredited) graduate program. Earned grade of “B” or better in all graduate-level social work courses completed at the generalist practice level in a CSWE-accredited (or CASWE-accredited) program that the applicant wishes to have reviewed for transfer credit. Course syllabi for all graduate-level courses completed at the generalist practice level (and with an earned grade of “B” or better”) from a CSWE-accredited and/or CASWE-accredited graduate social work program that the applicant wishes to transfer. Documentation from the transferring institution of a CSWE-accredited and/or CASE-accredited graduate social work program of all practicum (field) hours completed at the generalist practice level and documentation of each generalist practice-level competency successfully met across the four dimensions (knowledge, values, skills, and cognitive-affective processes) in the practicum setting. Note: In order to account for variability in transcripts and application of +/-, the Wingate University MSW Program defines grades as follows: A = Range of A- to A+ B = Range of B- to B+ C = Range of C- to C+ D = Range of D- to D+ Policy on Course Credit for Life Experiences or Previous Work Experience The MSW Program at Wingate University does not grant transfer social work course credit for: 1) life experiences or 2) previous work experience Process for Evaluation of Applications to the Traditional MSW Program-Transfer Credit Review and evaluation of applicants wishing to apply for admission to the Traditional MSW Program-Transfer Credit is a balance between maintaining some level of rigor and also allowing some flexibility to assure that the process is equitable and inclusive. To that end, Wingate’s MSW Program uses a holistic review of applications for the Traditional MSW Program-Transfer Credit. The holistic review of applications for the Traditional MSW Program with Transfer Credit is conducted using a Holistic Review of Applications-Traditional MSW Program with Transfer Credit Admissions Rubric and a progression of layers and criteria at each layer that are designed to provide some measure of equity and inclusion while also maintaining a level of rigor in the program. Admission Decision Types The decision types for Transfer Admissions to the Traditional MSW Program are: Admit (with subsequent review of requested transfer of courses and/or practicum hours) Waitlist (with subsequent review of requested transfer of courses and/or practicum hours if/when moved to “Admit”) Do not admit Process for Notification of Admission Decision Applications are typically reviewed, and a decision made, within two weeks of submission. Formal notification of the admissions decision is coordinated electronically via the Office of Enrollment Management. Admission to the Advanced Standing Program Admission to the Advanced Standing Program is open to all applicants who have earned a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university within the United States -or- per institutional (formerly regional accrediting organization) accreditor (SACSCOC) guidelines on “ International Credentials ,” evaluation of credentials of foreign or international transcripts that align with the U.S. Department of Education’s “ Recognition of Foreign Qualifications .” Criteria: Admission to the Advanced Standing Program Criteria for admission to the Advanced Standing Program includes: Completed online application for Wingate University Submission of official transcripts for all undergraduate credits earned, including documentation of: A bachelor’s degree from an institutional accreditor (formerly regionally accrediting organization) with an overall, minimum GPA of 3.0. A baccalaureate social work degree from either a CSWE-accredited or CASWE-accredited program or an internationally earned ISWDRES -evaluated degree comparable to a baccalaureate social work degree. No more than one grade of “C” (and no Ds/Fs) earned in the last 60 hours of the baccalaureate program Well organized responses to three, critical self-reflection questions pertinent to the MSW Program Submission of a professional resume Contact information (name, email, and phone number) for three academic and/or professional references Documentation, before the start of the program, of earned, baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university within the United States -or- per institutional (formerly regional accrediting organization) accreditor (SACSCOC) guidelines on “ International Credentials ,” evaluation of credentials of foreign or international transcripts that align with the U.S. Department of Education’s “ Recognition of Foreign Qualifications .” Note: In order to account for variability in transcripts and application of +/-, the Wingate University MSW Program defines grades as follows: A = Range of A- to A+ B = Range of B- to B+ C = Range of C- to C+ D = Range of D- to D+ Process for Evaluation of Applications to the Advanced Standing Program Review and evaluation of applicants to the Advanced Standing Program is a balance between maintaining some level of rigor and also allowing some flexibility to assure that the process is equitable and inclusive. To that end, Wingate’s MSW Program uses a holistic review of applications for the Advanced Standing Program. The holistic review of applications for the Advanced Standing Program is conducted using Holistic Review of Applications-Advanced Standing Admissions Rubric and a progression of layers and criteria at each layer that are designed to provide equity and inclusion while also maintaining a level of rigor in the program. The following table outlines this process. Policy for Ensuring Generalist Content not Repeated at the Master’s Level Students admitted to the MSW Program at Wingate University with advanced standing status (those who have earned a CSWE-accredited baccalaureate social work degree, CASWE-accredited baccalaureate social work degree, or an ISWDRES-evaluated/approved degree comparable to a baccalaureate social work degree) are only required to successfully complete the sequence of courses and practicum hours at the specialized level. These students will not repeat generalist content at the master’s level that has been achieved at the baccalaureate level. As a secondary mechanism, applicants who have earned a CSWE-accredited baccalaureate social work degree, CASWE-accredited baccalaureate social work degree, or an ISWDRES-evaluated/approved degree comparable to a baccalaureate social work degree but do not meet criteria for admissions into the Advanced Standing Program are given the option to be considered for the Traditional MSW Program. In these scenarios, applicants may receive course credit for all social work courses competed at the baccalaureate level in which a “B” or above is earned through a comprehensive review of course syllabi. Admission Decision Types The decision types for Admissions to the Traditional MSW Program are: Admit Waitlist Do not admit Process for Notification of Admission Decision Applications are typically reviewed, and a decision made, within two weeks of submission. Formal notification of the admissions decision is coordinated electronically via the Office of Enrollment Management. request information Apply now Fast App Are you a WU undergraduate student or alumnus? If so, apply via the WU Fast App. Apply Complete an application Arrange to have your official transcript(s) sent directly from all previously attended colleges and universities. Application Deadlines: Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. You are encouraged to submit your application early. Your application must be submitted by the following deadlines in order to be considered for admission to the corresponding semester: Admission to Fall 2025 semester: August 1, 2025 Transcripts Please have your transcripts sent to: Mr. Randy M. B. Taylor Director of Graduate Enrollment Communication Wingate University PO Box 159 Wingate, NC 28174 If you have any questions regarding the application or admission process, please email mswadmissions@wingate.edu or call (704) 233-6022. Tuition 2024-2025 Credit Hour – $650 Two-year program with 48 hours total. request information Apply now What do social workers do? When does the program start? Does your program or institution offer financial assistance? Do I need to take the GRE (Graduate Record Examination)? Is there an advanced standing option? May international students apply? Will I become licensed in social work through the MSW program at Wingate? Do I need to submit official transcripts only from my undergraduate degree-conferring institution? I earned a bachelor's in social work. Does that help? Where can I work with a MSW from Wingate? What kind of job can I get with an MSW? Are there other MSW Program policies I should be aware of? The growing need for social work professionals has been exacerbated by external challenges, including the Covid-19 pandemic, exposure of deep-seated racial discrimination and oppression, and the impact of climate change and other environmental issues on basic, human needs. Social workers typically see the world through a person-in-environment lens and systems perspective and are trained to critically analyze and intervene on behalf of individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities who are experiencing social, racial, economic, and/or environmental injustices. The first cohort will begin in August 2024 (the application is expected to open by October 1, 2023). Moving forward, the program will offer two entry points: fall and spring semesters. Each semester will be split in half so that students will finish two courses every 8 weeks; 4 courses per semester for full-time students. Part-time students may reduce their course load as needed to accommodate additional professional and personal responsibilities. The Office of Financial Aid may be reached by email at finaid@wingate.edu or by phone (704) 233-8209. No, Wingate University does not require applicants to take the GRE (or another standardized test) for admission to the MSW program. While you can apply to the MSW program with any undergraduate degree, holding a baccalaureate degree from a program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) provides you with the opportunity to apply for advanced standing and complete the program in as little as one year. The first advanced standing cohort will begin in August 2025. International students may apply and will need to complete the following steps: Have their baccalaureate degree evaluated by a member organization from either of the two national associations of credential evaluation services endorsed by the U.S. Department of State: National Association of Credential Evaluation Services or Association of International Credential Evaluators Provide proof of English-language fluency, proof that the baccalaureate institution of degree conferral operates in English as a primary language, or documentation that the primary language of the applicant’s home country is English. Wingate’s MSW program is designed to help students work toward social work licensure; however, every state has different requirements. It is up to individual students who graduate from Wingate University’s MSW program to determine what is needed for licensure in the state in which they intend to practice. To be considered for admission, we require official transcripts of all post-secondary (post-high-school) credit attempted, including any transfer credit or dual-enrollment credit. Although you can apply to the MSW program with any undergraduate degree, holding a BSW offers you the opportunity to apply for advanced standing and complete the program in one year. Wingate’s program is designed to meet the social work licensure requirements in North and South Carolina. However, every state has different requirements, so it is the responsibility of the student to determine whether our MSW program will provide what they need for licensure in their state. The Bureau of Labor Statistics forecasts that the field of social work will grow by 12% between 2020 and 2030. Professional, licensed social workers will be in demand across multiple industries, including hospitals, public schools, assisted living/nursing homes, safe and affordable housing agencies, mental health clinics, child welfare agencies, adult protective services, agencies working with refugees and unaccompanied minors, drug and alcohol counseling clinics, criminal justice settings, public health facilities, advocacy organizations, public policy, and international non-governmental organizations (NGOs). You could hold a number of positions including: Child welfare specialist Safe and affordable housing coordinator Medical social worker Substance abuse counselor Clinical social worker Community organizer Professional advocate Program evaluator International social worker The MSW Program at Wingate University does not grant social work course credit for: 1) life experiences or 2) previous work experience. Applicants who are undocumented, with or without Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) status, are welcome to apply to the MSW Program at Wingate University. Students who are undocumented may face additional challenges in securing practicum placements and/or future employment. Wingate’s MSW Program is committed to helping all students secure practicum placements, regardless of status. Applicants with past convictions who are admitted to the MSW Program may face challenges in terms of securing practicum placements and/or future employment. Wingate’s MSW Program is committed to assisting all students with practicum placements but cannot guarantee placement based on positive, criminal background checks. *The MSW program is 100% online. F1 visa international students, per federal regulations, cannot be granted visas for online degrees. International students who are NOT seeking entry into the U.S. on an F1 student visa may apply to the MSW online program. Questions? Wendy Sellers, PhD, MSW, MA Founding Director of Social Work Program (704) 233-6140 w.sellers@wingate.edu