Social Work Candidacy

Candidacy is the application process which all undergraduate Social Work students must complete in order to progress academically in their major and be admitted to a practicum course and site placement.  Prior to applying to Candidacy, students progress academically through Pre-Candidacy; generally the first two years of general education and pre-candidacy coursework.

Junior Candidacy application deadline - April 1st
Note: deadline may vary for transfer students.

Requirements

  • Complete Social Work Pre-Candidacy classes: SWO 200, SWO 220, SWO 225, SWO 300, SWO 320, SWO 332, and SWO 350 OR SWO 351.
  • Made satisfactory progress in completion of general education coursework
  • WRT 120, WRT 200, SOC XXX, PSY 100, PSC XXX, PHI XXX, HIS XXX, Foreign Language 1, Foreign Language 2, Science, Math, and Art course (or complete/attain an Academic Passport).
  • Earned a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5
    **Please make an appointment with your faculty advisor to determine specific classes you'll take for any given semester.

Complete the Candidacy application and include the following:

  • The Candidacy Application: *A new link will be provided when applications are next being accepted
  • Personal Data form*
  • Unofficial WCU transcript
  • Candidacy application checklist*
  • Proof of Coursework Progress for Candidacy*
  • Copy of your Recognizing & Reporting Child Abuse training certificate
  • Signed Professional Behavior Agreement form*
  • Signed & Completed Verification Form confirming completion of the 20 hour Volunteer Service Requirement
  • Letter of Recommendation (from a non-family member) who can vouch for and recommend the student as possessing the qualities and characteristics of a good social worker

*found within the application

Other Requirements for Candidacy

Every student is responsible for obtaining and storing the following forms and displaying them on request of the agency or site they’re placed at:

  • Verification of Liability Insurance
  • Criminal Background Check
  • Child Abuse History Clearance

Application Process

Any undergraduate student should follow this process in navigating the Pre-Candidacy period and applying for Candidacy:

  • Access the Candidacy application at: *A new link will be provided when applications are next being accepted
  • Complete the required information and upload required documents to your jotform Candidacy application, including the Verification Form confirming completion of the 20 hour Volunteer Service Requirement.
  • Confirm completion, concurrent enrollment of required coursework or possess an Academic Passport via unofficial WCU transcript.
  • Questions or concerns about navigating this process, please email Candidateservices@wcupa.edu or call 610-436-2999.

Candidacy Application Forms

Your Candidacy Application Must Include: