• Have a bachelor’s degree in Social Work from a regionally accredited college or university and the Council of Social Work Education (CSWE).
• Earned a B or better in core social work courses.
• Have a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale in most recent 60 credits of coursework. Probationary admission can be considered.
• A statistics course: 200 level or higher, with a grade of C or better.
• A psychopathology course with grade of B or better.
• Demonstration of 24 credit hours of liberal studies including: human biology or social sciences (psychology, sociology, anthropology, economics, women’s studies, political science).

• Have a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university.
• Have a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale in most recent 60 credits of coursework. Probationary admission can be considered.
• A statistics course: 200 level or higher, with a grade of C or better.
• Demonstration of 24 credit hours of liberal studies including: human biology or social sciences (psychology, sociology, anthropology, economics, women’s studies, political science).

How to Apply

1. Complete and submit the online Graduate Student Application.
2. Submit the nonrefundable application fee. You can submit the payment online by credit card or e-check through Transact Payments on the MyMountMary portal. Note: The application fee is waived for Mount Mary alumnae. If you’re an alumna, contact your graduate admission counselor to obtain the waiver code prior to submitting your application.
3. Submit your official transcripts from all colleges or universities attended. You will need to contact each institution (typically the registrar’s office) to have your transcript sent directly to Mount Mary University. If you are in the process of completing a bachelor’s degree, send your current transcript at the time of application and then send your final transcript once your degree is conferred. If you previously attended Mount Mary, you do not need to request Mount Mary transcripts, but you should provide transcripts from other schools, if applicable. Official transcripts can be submitted via mail or electronically to:
   • Graduate Admission Office, Mount Mary University, 2900 N. Menomonee River Parkway, Milwaukee, WI 53222-4597
   • mmu-admissop@mtmary.edu 

4. Submit three letters of recommendation. At least one academic instructor and one professional reference (field, volunteering, and/or work).Use our Letter of Recommendation for Graduate Study Form (PDF).
5. Personal statement. Please address the following topics:
   • What are your professional social work goals and how might the Mount Mary MSW Program best provide you with the preparation to achieve those goals? 
   • Anti-racism, diversity, equity and inclusion are major aspects of social work practice. Discuss your conceptualization of these aspects of social work and give an example of how you have participated in working towards these goals. Be as descriptive as possible.
   • Social workers may encounter experiences that conflict with their own personal values. Discuss how you might resolve such conflicts. Give an example of when you were confronted with a situation that conflicted with your values and how you resolved the conflict.
   • Discuss how you deal with stressful situations. Describe an example and how you responded to the stressful incident.  

The National Organization of Forensic Social Work (https://www.nofsw.org/what-is-forensic-social-work-1) defines forensic social work as  the application of social work to questions and issues relating to law and legal systems. It is social work practice which is in any way related to legal issues and litigation, both criminal and civil. Child custody issues, involving separation, divorce, neglect, termination of parental rights, the implications of child and spouse abuse, juvenile and adult justice services, corrections, and mandated treatment all fall under this definition. It is based on specialized knowledge, familiarity with the law and working with language that the court can use. Forensic social work involves interactions and relationships with the following:

• Criminal justice, juvenile justice, and correctional systems
• Law makers
• Law enforcement personnel
• Attorneys, law students, and paralegals
• Members of the public

The MSW Forensic Social Work Certificate involves the completion of two elective courses:

SWK650

Mediation in Social Work

2 credits 

This course expands students' knowledge of conflict and conflict resolution. It provides students with the knowledge, values and skills necessary to practice mediation in various settings including forensic social work. This course combined with the Forensic Social Work course can lead to a Forensic Social Work certificate. 

SWK651

Forensic Social Work

3 credits 

This course will introduce theory and practice of forensic social work practice with individuals, families and groups affected by criminal justice involvement. The role of the social worker in assessing and intervening in various settings such as courts, jails, and other community settings will be a central focus.