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Applying to the Major
The links on this page help to guide students through the application process and progressing through the major. Social work is different than other majors at Skidmore in that students must apply for admission.
Application Process
Students must apply for admission to the social work major no later than the last day of classes during their fourth semester. Students who fail to formally apply or whose applications are rejected may reapply during the fifth semester before the drop add/period ends. Students will not be allowed to register for third year social work classes (SW 333 – Social Work Practice with Individuals and Families and SW 334 – Social Work Practice with Groups, Organizations, and Communities) without being accepted into and formally declaring their major. Admission to the program is based on demonstrated academic competence, a willingness to abide by Skidmore College's Social Work Program Standards for Social Work Education, the National Association of Social Work Code of Ethics, and suitability for beginning professional practice. Applications for admission are available by clicking here. Students planning on going abroad should talk with the Program Director no later than the first semester of their sophomore year so timely and appropriate advising can occur.
Prior to completing the social work application, students should complete SW 222 Introduction to Social Work and Social Welfare or SW 212 Social Work Values and Populations at Risk. These courses should be taken no later than the student's sophomore year as they provide the theoretical, values, and ethical foundations for the advanced courses in the major. These courses help students determine if social work and its value base are a good fit for them.
When the "Declaration of Major" form and application are complete, the student is asked to review the Program's Standards for Social Work Education. Prospective students then meet with a member of the social work faculty to discuss program expectations and any questions the student may have. After consultation among the social work faculty, the Director returns a signed "Declaration of Major" form to the Registrar's Office and the student is assigned an advisor. Advisors are members of the full-time social work faculty. Students are expected to meet with their advisors regularly to discuss academic and professional issues that promote the students' professional development.
Admissions Criteria
The following criteria are used by faculty in making admissions decisions:
Successful completion of introductory courses:
- SW 212 Social Work Values and Populations-at-Risk
- SW 222 Introduction to Social Work and Social Welfare
Awareness of and exposure to Social Work as a profession:
- doing volunteer work
- working in a human service agency
- initiating contact with social work professionals
- participating in social work activities
Behavioral indicators of suitability for the profession:
- emotional maturity and stability
- demonstrated understanding of social work values
- demonstrated acceptance of and respect for human diversity
- ability to handle classroom assignments
- behaving appropriately in the classroom
- communicating effectively (oral and written)
- relating appropriately with peers and authorities
