How to Apply

Gerontology Minor or Non-Degree Certification

Become an expert in the physical, psychological and social aspects of aging, and gain skills for a career enhancing the lives of older people.

You may declare your program upon applying for admission, filling out our minor declaration form.

Apply for Admission

Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies

WSU’s Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies program allows you to earn your degree in three academic areas, including emphases in social work and gerontology.

BIS Application Process

Bachelor of Science or Arts in Social Work

Step 1: Apply for Admission

Apply to WSU

Step 2: Declare Your Major

You must be declared a social work major upon applying.

Declare Online

Step 3: Meet With Your Advisor

Contact your academic advisor to make sure you’re on track.

Advising

Step 4: Complete Prerequisites

You must complete 60–63 semester hours (or equivalent), including the following prerequisite courses for general education, behavioral and social sciences, human development and social work.

General Education Prerequisites

Complete the following categories of general education requirements:

Composition requirements
American Institutions requirements
Quantitative Literacy requirements
Computer & Information Literacy requirements

General education prerequisite courses must be completed with a grade of C or better, with a total GPA of 2.5 or better.

General Education Requirements

Behavioral and Social Science Prerequisites

ANTH 1000, Introduction to Anthropology (3)
PSY 1010, Introduction to Psychology (3)
SOC 1010, Introduction to Sociology (3)

Human Development Prerequisites

ZOOL 1020, Human Biology (3)

Any transfer course in this area must contain only human biology content. Courses with animal or plant content are not acceptable. This requirement may be taken prior to or concurrently with SW 2100, Human Behavior and the Social Environment I.

Social Work
Prerequisites

SW 1010, Introduction to Generalist Social Work (3)
SW 2100, Human Behavior and the Social Environment I (3)

You must complete SW 1010 before you can enroll in SW 2100. You may apply to the social work program while you’re enrolled in SW 2100.

Step 5: Agree to the Code of Ethics

Prior to applying to the social work program, you must review and agree to abide by the National Association of Social Workers Code of Ethics.

Step 6: Apply to the Program

You may apply to the social work program while enrolled in or upon completing SW 2100, Human Behavior and the Social Environment. Upon applying to the program, you must:

Have two professional or academic references
- NOT letters of recommendation. There is a reference link in the application.
Write a short (1-2 pages) autobiographical essay which includes:
- A brief biography
- An explanation of why you want to be a social worker
Have a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.50 or better
Submit your application for committee review.
Note: When completing the Academic History portion of the application, please list IP (In Progress) as the grade for classes in which you are currently enrolled.

Program Application

When to Apply

Social work applications are taken every semester. You will be notified of your acceptance by e-letter to your WSU account.

If you want to start in the semester...	Apply during or before this semester...	Before this deadline...
Spring 2025	Fall 2024	October 25, 2024
Summer 2025	Spring 2025	March 14, 2025
Fall 2025	Summer 2025	June 20, 2025
Spring 2026	Fall 2025	October 24, 2025
Summer 2026	Spring 2026	March 13, 2026

Note: A second review for your continuation in the program will take place prior to entering SW 4860, Social Service Field Experience I.