Studying Social Work at Mount Mary
Mount Mary University appears in our ranking of the 35 Best Value Christian Colleges with CSWE-accredited Programs.
Since 1974, the School of Natural & Health Sciences in Gerhardinger Center has awarded the Bachelor of Social Work for Mount Mary University undergrads to learn the frameworks of ethical decision making in generalist human service. Overseen by Dr. Cheryl Bailey, the 72-credit B.A. major prepares women for advancing justice in subjugated populations from a Catholic worldview. Ladies satisfy ASWB exam requirements with engaging Milwaukee courses like Oral Communication, Introductory Sociology, and Tribal Government at a 12:1 student-professor ratio. Social action projects are woven into the 500 hours at fieldwork agencies, such as Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin House, Emmaus School, Parent's Place, Brotoloc Health, and La Causa. Majors might also join Social Work Club, pledge Delta Epsilon Sigma, volunteer with SET Ministry, add the Peacebuilding Certificate, and serve in Costa Rica.
About Mount Mary University
Mount Mary University was opened in Prairie du Chien in 1872 by the School Sisters of Notre Dame, a Catholic congregation devoted to education in 34 countries for 185+ years. Initially called St. Mary's Institute until 1913, it was the first private, women's baccalaureate college in Wisconsin. Thirteen years later, the Institute was acquired by the Archdiocese of Milwaukee and moved to its current 80-acre Golden Valley campus in Forbes' 98th best city for careers. During Eileen Schwalbach's eight-year tenure, MMU was awarded university status in 2013. Endowed for $17 million, Mount Mary University now attracts 1,404 Blue Angels, including Social Work majors, into a creative, female-friendly culture with class sizes averaging 15. Linked to 5,882 LinkedIn alumni, Mount Mary has graduated Donna Ricco, Marie O'Brien, Karen Davidson, Cynthia Dohmen, Elizabeth Barbone, and others.
The U.S. News & World Report ranked Mount Mary the 99th best Midwest university with 74 percent retention. On Niche, MMU has America's 237th best college dorms, 441st safest environment, 460th top location, and 490th most liberal education. College Factual noticed MMU for the 218th most ethnic diversity, 135th best Catholic school, and 288th top social work value. PayScale calculated a 20-yet net ROI of $84,800 for Mount Mary University grads. According to WalletHub, MMU places 274th for campus experience, 97th for faculty resources, and 200th for financing nationally. Washington Monthly crowned Mount Mary the 28th most service-oriented master's college. In 2014, MMU accepted the President's Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll with Distinction Award. Mount Mary University also was the country's 15th best institution for women on College Choice.
Mount Mary University Accreditation Details
In December 2017, Mount Mary University passed its interim assurance review from the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association (HLC-NCA) to keep Level VI accreditation current under its 12th president, Dr. Christine Pharr, until the 2022 reaffirmation. Located just 100 miles south on Interstate 94 in Chicago, this mega 19-state Great Lakes Region accreditor is authorized by the U.S. Secretary of Education to check the institutional effectiveness of MMU's 43 baccalaureate, eight master's, two doctoral, and 28 certificate options. Wisconsin's oldest private BSW also has programmatic approval from the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) through June 2025.
Mount Mary University Application Requirements
Joining the Mount Mary University Blue Angels is considered "moderately difficult" by Peterson's because 388 of the 689 Fall 2016 applicants were okayed for 56.3 percent acceptance. First-year admission occurs only after an acceptable high school curriculum of 20+ academic units. BSW majors should have four units of English, two units of math, and six units of history or social science. AP courses like Psychology or Human Geography can transfer with grades of "3" or higher. Freshmen present a mean 3.12 GPA, 1110 SAT score and 20 ACT mark. Beyond academics, MMU seeks participation in community activities and moral character. To transfer up to 72 accredited credits, undergrads must hold a minimum 2.0 average. Guaranteed transfer exists for 16 colleges like Gateway Tech, Milwaukee Area Tech, and Fond du Lac Community College. International Bachelor of Social Work candidates on F-1 visas complete the WESLI Level 600, score at least 68 on the TOEFL iBT, or equivalent.
Mount Mary University suggests freshmen apply during the Fall semester of their senior year, but admission is rolling. Transfers should leave at least four weeks before the term starts. When ready, BSW entrants file the Undergraduate Application wholly online for free. Only official documents are mailed directly to 2900 Menomonee River Parkway in Milwaukee, WI 53222. Please contact (414) 930-3024 or [email protected] for further inquiries. Aspiring social workers shouldn't omit the following:
- Signed request form for official transcripts
- Test scores by code 4620 (ACT) or 1490 (SAT)
- Parents' contact information and occupation
- Outline of extracurricular and work history
- Dates for honors and awards received
- Brief explanation of social work career goals
- Copies of passport, I-20 form, and SEVIS fee (foreign only)
Tuition and Financial Aid
For 2018-19, Mount Mary University will charge full-time Bachelor of Social Work majors $14,755 per semester or $29,510 annually. Studying part-time incurs $895 per credit. Summer session BSW courses are discounted to $600 per credit. Undergrads budget for the $295 general fee, $50 tuition deposit, and $135 graduation fee. Living at the Milwaukee campus' dorms like Mary John Place adds $2,400 to $4,975 each term for room and board. MMU suggests leaving $1,400 for books and $6,032 for other expenses. The annual bachelor's cost equals $45,472 on-site and $36,942 if commuting.
According to the NCES College Navigator, 95 percent of full-time MMU Blue Angels fly with median financial aid offers of $17,636 apiece for $12.55 million combined. University offerings include the Caroline Scholars Program, Grace Scholars Program, Trustee Award, Vision Scholarship, Heritage Scholarship, Alumnae Scholarship, Janet Mary Trutwin Elkouh Endowed Scholarship, Catherine Brophy Swinnell Scholarship, and Achievement Scholarship. The Friends of Mount Mary program gifts 30+ merit-based awards of $500 to half tuition. School Sisters of Notre Dame can take eight credits for free. Senior citizens age 62 and over benefit from 50 percent tuition cuts. Corporate partners like Columbia St. Mary's, Harley-Davidson, Time Warner Cable, and Waukesha County have employee discounts. Badger State natives can earn the Wisconsin Grant, Talent Incentive Grant, Indian Assistance Grant, or Hearing & Visually Handicapped Grant. Eligibility for federal aid, including the Pell Grant, FSEOG Grant, and Direct Loan, is evaluated with FAFSA forms coded 003869 too.
Learn more about Mount Mary University at the Social Work Department website.