Doctor of Social Work Application Requirements

The criteria for admission into the DSW program are as follows:

Master’s degree: All applicants must have an earned master’s degree in social work or social services (preferred). Official transcripts are required from each institution in which bachelor’s and master’s level credits were earned. Applicants who have a social work degree from outside of the United States must have their degree evaluated by the Council on Social Work Education.

• For applicants with a master’s degree outside of social work, please contact the DSW Program Director for further information. Applicants will have to complete four core MSW courses in social work before entrance into the DSW:
  • SW-503 Social Work Practice with Individuals and Families or SW‑513 Social Work Practice with Groups or equivalent
  • SW-518 Global Community Practice or equivalent
  • SW-627 Implications of Social Justice and Human Rights
  • SW-669 Applications of Social Justice and Human Rights

Please note, SW-627 and SW-669 must be taken at Monmouth. Both courses are offered online.

Grade Point Average: Applicants must have a minimum grade point average of 3.0 out of 4 in a nationally/globally accredited master’s program.

Resume/Curriculum Vitae: A current resume/curriculum vitae should outline the applicant’s educational background, employment history, professional activities, and other activities that provide support for admission.

Three letters of recommendation: These letters should address the applicant’s readiness for doctoral study.

Personal statement: Please describe in 1,000-1,500 words how past and current professional experiences have prepared you for pursuing a doctoral program in human rights leadership at this time. Please include the long-term professional goals that cultivated your interest in human rights leadership.

Interview: Candidates may be selected for an interview by one or more members of the admission committee to determine the candidate’s level of interest, aptitude, and career goals.

Writing sample: At or near the time of their interview, candidates will be asked to provide a writing sample to be evaluated by the admission committee.

Post-Graduate Experience: Applicants are expected to have at least 3-5 years post-graduate professional work experience before undertaking doctoral work.

Admissions Requirements for International Students

Required English proficiency test – A test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Testing Systems (IELTS) score report is required for non-native English-speaking applicants.

Transfer Students

Students who wish to transfer into the DSW program can transfer up to two courses with a B or better from their current or past (within five years) doctoral program. Students would need to submit their doctoral syllabi to the DSW Program Director along with a justification as to how these courses fit with the Monmouth DSW curriculum.