Generalist Year Admission Standards

The Generalist Year pathway is intended for students who do not hold a Bachelor of Social Work degree from a CSWE-accredited program.

• A bachelor’s degree from a university accredited by a nationally recognized accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, with at least 18 credits of liberal arts studies
• A course in statistics, or completion of SW 585: Introductory Research & Statistics (2 credit hours) with a grade of B or higher during the first semester of the Generalist Year
• A research course, or completion of SW 585: Introductory Research & Statistics (2 credit hours) with a grade of B or higher during the first semester of the Generalist Year
• A GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale in the last 60 credit hours of academic work
• Applicants with a GPA between 2.5 and 2.99 on a 4.0 scale in the last 60 credit hours of academic work must earn a grade of B or higher in all courses during the first semester of the Generalist Year
• Three letters of recommendation
• Completion of the CSU Pueblo graduate admission application and payment of the $35 application fee

Specialized Year Admission Standards

The Specialized Year pathway, also known as Advanced Standing, is intended for students who hold a qualifying Bachelor of Social Work degree.

• A Bachelor of Social Work degree from a program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education, or a degree recognized through CSWE’s International Social Work Degree Recognition and Evaluation Services
• A course in statistics
• A research course
• A GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale in the last 60 credit hours of academic work
• At least 150 hours of volunteer or paid work experience in a human services field, beyond placement hours, completed within a six-month period during the last five calendar years
• The applicant’s most recent placement evaluation
• Three letters of recommendation: one from a professor, one from an academic advisor, and one from an employer or field supervisor
• Completion of the CSU Pueblo graduate admission application and payment of the $35 application fee

Transcripts

Official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions must be submitted directly by the institutions. Unofficial transcripts may be submitted for an applicant’s current institution.

Resume or Curriculum Vitae

Submit a resume or curriculum vitae outlining your education and professional experience. Specialized Year applicants should clearly identify the total number of volunteer or paid work-experience hours completed in a human services field.

Placement Evaluation

Specialized Year applicants must submit their most recent placement evaluation from their Bachelor of Social Work field practicum.

Letters of Recommendation

Specialized Year applicants must submit three letters of recommendation: one from a professor, one from an academic advisor, and one from an employer or field supervisor.

Personal Statement

Ensure that your personal statement includes the following:

• The expected role of graduate studies in your personal and professional development, including your motivation
• Your employment history and professional goals
• Your strengths and areas of growth as a graduate student
• A diversity statement describing your experiences with diverse populations
• How your previous volunteer or paid work experience relates to the nine social work competencies, required only for Specialized Year applicants