Western New Mexico University

School of Social Work

     Master's of Social Work

Applications due the Monday after Spring Break and the Monday after Thanksgiving each year

Master's in Social Work Mission Statement

In keeping with the tenets of the program, the purpose of social work, constituent needs, and the "rural" characteristics of western New Mexico, the MSW program mission is "To educate and prepare students for professional social work practice to meet the needs of a diverse, but primarily Hispanic and Native American rural population."  The program is particularly dedicated to addressing the work force needs of agencies working with New Mexico's families and communities and emphasizes professional and scholarly service to rural areas, the community, the state, and the nation.

MSW Program Application

The MSW program application and recommendation forms are included at the end of this document. The MSW application may be completed and submitted either electronically (walkerb@wnmu.edu) or by hard copy. The MSW application includes the completed application itself, a personal statement that responds to specific questions within the application, a current resume, and letters of recommendation from three individuals who know the applicant well in both academic and employment environments. There is no MSW program application fee.

MSW Application materials must be sent to the MSW Program (address below) as a complete packet containing all materials except recommendation forms.  Recommendation forms should be sent directly to the program from recommenders.

WNMU/Social Work MSW

P.O. Box 680

Silver City, NM 88062

MSW Program Admission Standards

Applicants must possess a Bachelor's degree from an accredited College or University.    

WNMU Graduate Division Admission Requirements

Complete the Graduate Application

Submit copy of official transcript showing the award of bachelors/masters from an institution recognized by CHEA (Council of Higher Education).

MSW Program Admissions Process

Two Applications are required, 

one to the Graduate Division

 and one to the MSW Program.

A Graduate Division Application can be completed online at the university website www.wnmu.edu.  Select "Online Applications" on the lower left hand side of the web page and follow the prompts.

Applicants must make arrangements to have official copies of transcripts sent from ALL previous universities attended sent to Graduate Studies.  Only applications that have fulfilled all of the application requirements for the MSW Program and the Graduate Division will be considered complete.

The MSW program's Admissions Committee independently reviews each application to determine admission to the program. There may be personal or telephone interviews by the admissions committee, if necessary.

Letters of determination will be mailed to each applicant upon decision. No admissions outcome information will be given over the telephone.

MSW Application Checklist

Immediately:

_____ 1. Carefully review the program information included here.  Do you have any questions? If so, do not hesitate to contact us!  Email:  msw@wnmu.edu or walkerb@wnmu.edu, or call (575) 538- 6421. 

_____ 2. Map out a workable application timeline for yourself, using the information included in this checklist. You should count on the process taking anywhere one to two weeks, so give yourself plenty of time to put together a high quality application. A planned application process and subsequent timely admission also generally mean less stress for the applicant.

**Note that application materials are submitted

to two separate offices.  Details below.**

Soon: 

_____ 3. Apply to WNMU Graduate Division.  You may apply online by going to

www.wnmu.edu and clicking on On-line Applications. Then then click on Graduate Applications. 

               Until the Graduate Studies web page is updated to include the MSW degree apply for the MA Interdisciplinary Studies (MAIS) - Two Fields program. Then contact Dr. Walker (walkerb@wnmu.edu or 575 538-6421) to let her know that it is the MSW you are interested in, not the MAIS.

_____ 4. Arrange to have official transcripts from all colleges and universities you have attended sent to WNMU Graduate Studies:

                               WNMU Graduate Studies

                               P.O. Box 680

                               Silver City, NM 88062

_____ 5. Complete the MSW Program Application. 

_____ 6. Arrange for recommendations.  One employment and two academic references are required. (If you have not been employed, provide for additional academic or personal references.  If you have been employed for more than 5 years, you may substitute work references in place of academic references.) 

Ask three persons who know your work well to complete the recommendation forms included in the admissions packet.

These references should be sent directly to 

WNMU/Social Work MSW

P.O. Box 680

Silver City, NM 88062

_____ 7. Write and type up your personal statement.  See instructions on the application form.

_____ 8. Write (or update) your resume. See the application for a resume outline.  Important:  include inclusive dates for each work or volunteer experience (e.g. Jan. 1, 1999 - June 1, 2000).  Highlight all experiences, skills, and abilities that have helped prepare you for professional social work practice.

_____ 9. Compile all application materials to be sent to the MSW program:  application, resume, personal statement.   Have you completed, signed, and dated all documents?  Have you made copies for your own files? 

_____ 10. Follow up on your letters/forms of recommendation.  Have your recommenders completes the forms and sent them directly to the MSW program?

_____ 11. Mail your complete application packet early enough so that it will reach the MSW program office by the admission date. If you know you'll be late, please call Dr. Walker at 575 538-6421. Send to:

WNMU/Social Work MSW

P.O. Box 680

Silver City, NM 88062

You may also deliver your application packet personally.  We are located in Brancheau P.E. Building, Room 140, on the WNMU Silver City Campus. 

Call us at 575 538- 6421 Fax: 575 538-6209.

Click below to download an application packet in either .pdf or Word (.doc) format.

Letter of Recommendation Form .doc
Letter of Recommendation Form .pdf
MSW Application  .doc
WNMU MSW Application  .pdf