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Department of Social WorkMaster of Social Work ProgramDear Interested Applicant,Thank you for your interest in the California State University, Dominguez Hills’ Master of Social Work(MSW) Program. On behalf of the faculty I want you to know that we are excited you are considering usbecause we believe we have a very unique program that will prepare you to effectively work in thecomplex, diverse communities of Los Angeles. The program will begin accepting applications foradmission for Fall 2019 on October 8, 2018. Our Program is fully accredited by the Council on SocialWork Education (CSWE) as of February 2010 and has received reaffirmation of accreditation through2022.The MSW program at CSUDH prepares students for culturally and contextually competent social workpractice in diverse, urban communities. We offer one concentration for advanced study: Social WorkPractice in Communities. This concentration provides the framework in our two-year full-time programfor intervention in one of three specializations: Children, Youth and Families, Community Mental Healthand Community Capacity Building and a specialization of Community Mental Health in the three-yearpart-time program. The MSW program consists of sixty credit hours and 1028 hours of field placement.The field placement occurs in a community agency in which students gain professional experience thatreinforces their classroom learning.Currently we offer two program options:1) A two-year full-time program with classes meeting on Tuesdays and Thursdays throughout the daywith fieldwork hours during daytime working hours on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.2) A three-year part-time program with classes held on an every other weekend basis, as well as onenight per week, and fieldwork occurring in the second and third years during daytime working hours.The application period begins on October 8, 2018 and will close on February 1, 2019. However, pleasebe advised that the MSW department has a rolling admissions process, meaning that completedapplications are reviewed in the order they are received and will be reviewed until spaces are filled.Please check the website (https://www.csudh.edu/social-work/index) frequently for additionalinformation and any updates regarding our program.Sincerely,Mekada Graham, Ph.D., MSWProfessor and ChairMaster of Social Work ProgramCalifornia State University, Dominguez Hills1
Department of Social WorkMaster of Social Work Program2019 APPLICATION GUIDE AND CHECKLIST*Please submit this checklist with your completed applicationThe process for admissions consists of two (2) steps:1. Applying to CSUDH by completing the CSU Post-Baccalaureate and Graduate Admission applicationonline at https://www2.calstate.edu/apply by February 1, 20192. Applying to the Department of Social Work by completing the Supplemental Application.Step 1: Applying to CSUDH (It is recommended that the application for the university be submitted before orat the same time your application is submitted to the MSW department.) Cal State Apply online at https://www2.calstate.edu/applyWhen prompted for the appropriate code, select 5150 or Social Work MSWprogram. Application fee ( 55) or Fee Waiver Form. Official transcripts in a sealed envelope of all post-secondary institutions attended. Official TOEFL score (if applicable).Send or deliver your graduate admission application and documents to:California State University, Dominguez HillsOffice of Admissions & Records1000 E. Victoria StreetCarson, CA 90747Step 2: Applying to the Department of Social Work *Supplemental Application.Statement of Financial and Time Management (Please see page 8)Experience Profile (Do not substitute with a resume).Official transcripts in a sealed envelope of all colleges/universities attended.Personal Statement (Limited to 4 to 6 pages. Any additional pages may be discarded.)Three (3) current reference forms and three (3) letters of recommendation (must be original, signed over thesealed back flap of the envelope and not more than one year old). Letters of recommendation are mandatory.GRE scores (Optional)One (1) self-addressed stamped envelope.* An email confirmation will be sent to you once the department verifies that your application is complete.Send or deliver your supplemental application and documents to:California State University, Dominguez HillsDepartment of Social Work (Welch Hall 385)College of Health, Human Services, and NursingMaster of Social Work Program1000 E. Victoria StreetCarson, CA 90747PLEASE NOTE:§Incomplete applications will not be considered.§All signatures must be in pen (application and letters). No electronic signatures will be accepted.§Once your application is submitted, it will become property of the department and you will not haveaccess to the contents of the application; therefore, it is recommended that you make a copy of all yourmaterials for your personal records.2
Department of Social WorkMaster of Social Work Program2019 SUPPLEMENTAL APPLICATIONPLEASE TYPE OR PRINT IN INK.Please rank the specialization in order of preference [first (1), second (2), and third (3)]Children, Youth, and FamiliesCommunity Capacity BuildingCommunity Mental HealthPlease identify the Program you are applying for:Full-Time (2 year)Part-Time (3 year)CONTACT INFORMATIONLast NameFirstMiddleOther Name(s) or Maiden NameMailing AddressNumber and StreetCityStateZipHome Phone NumberCell Phone NumberWork Phone NumberEmail AddressEDUCATIONAL INFORMATIONPlease chronologically list all colleges/ universities attended regardless if you have received a degree.InstitutionDates of EnrollmentMajor/Program of StudyDegree Received1.2.3.4.Graduate Record Examination Score (Optional)/Submit Official DocumentationDate Taken Verbal Quantitative Analytical3
Department of Social WorkMaster of Social Work ProgramOPTIONAL PERSONAL INFORMATIONDate of Birth*:/ /Ethnicity*Gender*Optional. Information is used for statistical reports and scholarship information and not used in application review process.APPLICANT ACKNOWLEDGEMENT AND CERTIFICATION OF DUAL APPLICATION PROCESSI am aware that I must be accepted to both the university as well as the department of Social Work to enroll into theMSW program. My signature acknowledges that I have read and understood this agreement and that I have applied tothe university as well as the department.Signature of ApplicantPrint Name4Date
Department of Social WorkMaster of Social Work ProgramAPPLICATION INFORMATIONHave you previously applied to this MSW program? No YesIf yes, what year?Are you applying to other MSW programs? No YesIf yes, which ones?Have you attended this MSW program? Yes No Year(s) Attended: (e.g. 2009)If yes, please explain in your personal statement your reasons for reapplication to the program.Have you attended another MSW program? No YesIf yes, please indicate which university you attended and provide an official letter regarding your status and standing inthat MSW programHow did you learn about the CSUDH Department of Social Work? (Check all that apply) Graduate & Professional School Fair at Alumni Friend Supervisor OtherACADEMIC PREREQUISITESI have completed 3 courses in Behavioral Sciences (sociology, psychology, political science, economics, etc.)I have completed 2 courses in the Humanities (humanities, philosophy, literature, history, etc.)Human Development: List any course (e.g. lifespan development, developmental psychology, early child developmentetc.; check website for a list of applicable courses) you have completed with at least a C or are in the process ofcompleting that meet the human development requirement. Proof of enrollment of any prerequisite classes must bereceived by July 26, 2019. Proof of successful completion of any prerequisite courses must be provided by August 30,2019. If you are missing any prerequisites an email notification will be sent to you.InstitutionDate CompletedCourse Title/NumberGradeStatistics: List any course you have completed or are in the process of completing that meet the statistics requirement.InstitutionDate CompletedCourse Title/NumberGradeREFERENCESList below the three persons from whom you will request reference forms and letters. References should be professionaland/oracademic. Please do not include any personalreferences. Indicatebelow their relationship to you andreference type. A reference from your supervisor, especially if related to social work, is highly encouraged.NameRelationshipPhone NumberReference Type1.2.3.I have read this entire application packet. I hereby certify that all of the information/documentation submitted in this application istrue, complete, and accurate to the best of my ability. I also certify that all responses in my application represent my original work. Iunderstand that if it is determined I was dishonest or misrepresented or omitted information/documentation on my application, theDepartment of Social Work has the right to deny or revoke my application and/or dismiss me from the program. The Department ofSocial Work reserves the right, on the basis of educational or professional judgment, to reject an applicant.Signature of ApplicantDate5
Department of Social WorkMaster of Social Work ProgramEXPERIENCE PROFILELast NameFirstMiddleEXPERIENCE PROFILEExperience related to social work is preferable but not required for application. Please describe all paid (full and parttime) and non-paid work (internships, practicum, volunteer) for at least, but not limited to, the last 10 years beginningwith your most recent experience. Do not substitute a resume in lieu of completing this section. Attach additionalpages as needed.Business/Agency NamePosition/TitleFrom (Mo./Yr.) To (Mo. /Yr.)Hours Per WeekResponsibilitiesPaid Volunteer Practicum Business/Agency NamePosition/TitleFrom (MM/YY) To (MM/YY)Hours Per WeekResponsibilitiesPaid Volunteer Practicum Business/Agency NamePosition/TitleFrom (MM/YY) To (MM/YY)Hours Per WeekResponsibilitiesPaid Volunteer Practicum Business/Agency NamePosition/TitleFrom (MM/YY) To (MM/YY)Hours Per WeekResponsibilitiesPaid Volunteer Practicum Business/Agency NamePosition/TitleFrom (MM/YY) To (MM/YY)Hours Per WeekResponsibilitiesPaid Volunteer Practicum DO YOU SPEAK ANOTHER LANGUAGE?Please indicate any languages other than English that you feel comfortable using in a professional capacity.6
Department of Social WorkMaster of Social Work ProgramARE YOU CURRENTLY WORKING FOR THE FOLLOWING AGENCIES? Yes NoPlease indicate the appropriate county of which you are employed. Include your position and dates of employment.Position/TitleDates of EmploymentDepartment of Children and Family ServicesOther Public Welfare Agencies:County:ADDITIONAL INFORMATIONDescribe any significant achievements or personal information, etc, not reflected in the enclosed forms that mightenhance your application. This may include, but not limited to, a list of publications, awards, honors, and professionalpresentations, etc. Please attach an additional sheet if needed.ADDITIONAL CONSIDERATIONS CERTIFICATIONI understand that the MSW program is very demanding and I may not be able to continue my current job while inthis program. I am prepared to make adjustments to my schedule to meet the MSW program curriculum requirements. Ialso understand that there is no guarantee that my field placement will be close to my place of residence and may requireup to an hour commute each way.As a prospective student, I am aware that I must pass criminal clearance before final placement confirmation forinternships. I am also aware that if I have a prior felony or misdemeanor conviction or any other involvement with thelegal system that may come up during the screening process, I will be prepared to discuss this with field faculty so thatconsiderations can be made when deciding placement. I am also aware that I may not be able to: (1) receive a license inclinical social work (LCSW) from the state of California, and (2) may be excluded from obtaining social work jobs,internship placements, and/or may experience delay in field practicum courses. Your signature below certifies that youhave read and understood the above statements, and that all application materials submitted for consideration iscomplete and accurate.Signature of Applicant (Required) Date7
Department of Social WorkMaster of Social Work ProgramSTATEMENT OF FINANCIAL AND TIME MANAGEMENTFor applicants for the Full-Time program:The full-time MSW program is a rigorous two-year 60 unit program in which you must maintain a B average. It willrequire 15 hours per week of classes, 16-20 hours (8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.) of field work and another estimated 25 hoursper week in reading and completing writing assignments. FIELD PLACEMENT OCCURS DURING REGULARWORKING HOURS, thus prior arrangements MUST be made with your place of employment. Please discussyour financial and time management plans below. If you plan to work while as a student in the MSW program, pleaselist your proposed work schedule (days and hours during the week).For applicants for the Part-Time program:The part-time program -although designed to provide more flexibility for working individuals- requires a three yearcommitment. It is a rigorous program in which you must maintain a B average. This 60 unit program involves eveningand/or weekend classes with 16-20 hours of field work taking place during the second and third year of the program.FIELD PLACEMENT OCCURS DURING REGULAR WORKING HOURS, thus prior arrangements MUSTbe made with your place of employment. Please discuss your financial and time management plans below. If youplan to work while as a student in the MSW program, please list your proposed work schedule (days and hours duringthe week).Please outline your plan below:8
Department of Social WorkMaster of Social Work ProgramPERSONAL STATEMENTAs part of your application for admission, please submit a personal statement that incorporates each of thequestions below. Your statement should be well-crafted and demonstrate critical thinking capability,creativity in the management of complex material, analytical and self-reflective capacities, advanced writingskills, synthesis of life/professional experiences and desire to work in the field of social work. Failure toaddress all items or to adhere to the guidelines and instructions may affect admission. The statement shouldbe between four (4) to six (6) double-spaced pages (one-inch margins, 12-point font) and should be written inan essay format. Any additional pages may be discarded.1. Discuss how your interest in social work evolved and the philosophy upon which this interest isbased. Illustrate this discussion using examples from educational, vocational, and/or personalexperiences.2. The social work profession is rooted in a set of core values. These values are: service, social justice,dignity and worth of the person, importance of human relationships, integrity, and competence.Explain how your own values are aligned with those of the social work profession.3. The MSW Program at CSUDH emphasizes Critical Race Studies and Intersectionality as frameworksto inform Social Work practice. Please discuss your understanding of systems of oppression (race,class, gender) and how they interact and affect disenfranchised communities (low-incomecommunities, LGBT, homeless, immigrant populations etc.).4. Which personal strengths will assist you in your graduate education and as a professional socialworker?5. Please share at least one personal limitation that you are aware of that can be challenging to you asyou pursue your graduate education and career as a professional social worker.9
Department of Social WorkMaster of Social Work ProgramREFERENCE FORM from Professional or Academic ReferencePLEASE ALSO ATTACH A SEPARATE RECOMMENDATION LETTER TO THIS FORM ONLETTERHEADInstructions to the applicantThis form should be given to an individual who is able to comment on your qualifications for graduate studies andshould be dated within one year of application submission. References should be professional and/or academic. Pleasedo not include any personal references. The completed reference form and separate letter of recommendation must bein a sealed envelope with his/her signature across the flap and included with your application at the time of submission.Please note: Letters without signatures on the flap cannot be accepted and your application will be considered incomplete.Applicant’s NameReference’s NameUnder the 1974 Family Education Rights and Privacy Act, the applicant will have access to the information provided onthis form if admitted and matriculated. However, in order to ensure that references are free to write a candid letter ofrecommendation, an applicant may waive the right to see this form and the letter of recommendation.By signing this form the applicant waives his/her right to view this reference and its contents.Signature of ApplicantDateInstructions to the ReferencePlease be informed that under the 1974 Family Education Rights and Privacy Act, the student will have access to theinformation provided on this form if admitted and matriculated, unless the student waives such right to review. Thisapplication will indicate above if the right to review is waived.The above named applicant is seeking admission to the Master of Social Work program at California State University,Dominguez Hills and has given your name as a reference. Please acquaint us with information as to the applicant’squalifications and capabilities. The information you share with us will significantly aid us in the admissions process.Individuals who enter graduate social work training will have heavy academic, financial, and personal demands placed onthem. It is essential for students to possess a high degree of intellectual, emotional, professional, and personal capacitiesto successfully complete their training. An individual who enters graduate training without a high degree ofdevelopment in the areas mentioned above is at risk of failure and disappointment.We would greatly appreciate your assistance in our evaluation of this candidate. Please place this completed form and aseparate letter of recommendation in an envelope, seal and sign across the flap. Return to the applicant who will submitthe sealed envelope containing your recommendation to us as part of the application process.Please answer the following questions as thoughtfully as possible. Attach a letter in addition to completing this form.1. How long have you known the applicant?month(s) year(s)2. In what capacities have you known the applicant? (Please check the appropriate boxes.) Professor Research Supervisor Academic Advisor Supervisor Field Instructor Other3. What do you consider the applicant’s major strengths?10
Department of Social WorkMaster of Social Work Program4. In what areas, and to what degree, does the applicant need to improve or further develop?5. Using as a base of comparison other individuals whom you have known in the same field in recent years,please indicate your evaluation of this applicant’s ability and professional competence by placing an “X” in theappropriate category.CharacteristicExceptionalTop 5%OutstandingTop 20%Very GoodTop 35%GoodTop 50%Next 50%No Basis ForJudgmentIntellectualCapacityMaturity andemotional stabilityCapacity forself-awarenessIntegrity andhonestyConcern for the wellbeing of othersAbility to respectothers’ ingness to acceptdirection/supervisionAbility to makesound judgmentsAbility to beflexibleCreativity andresourcefulnessAbility in oralcommunicationAbility in writtencommunicationPotential andmotivation forchosen field 6. It is very importan
2 Department of Social Work Master of Social Work Program 2019 APPLICATION GUIDE AND CHECKLIST *Please submit this checklist with your completed application The process for admissions consists of two (2) steps: 1.Applying to CSUDH by completing the CSU Post-Baccalaureate and Graduate Admission application
