Social Work and Kinesiology Dual Degree M.S./M.S.W.

Dual degree applicants in Social Work and Kinesiology: Outdoor Education must meet the requirements for both Social Work and Kinesiology: Outdoor Education. Please note, dual degree applicants may be accepted into the M.S.W. program only, M. S. in Kinesiology only, or both. Dual degree applications are due by February 1st.

Evaluation of applications is based on the student's undergraduate preparation, academic record, Graduate Record Examination general test scores, and letters of recommendation. Each applicant's undergraduate record will be examined for course deficiencies and such courses will have to be made up without graduate credit.

Graduate Record Examination

In addition to meeting the general admission requirements of the UNH Graduate School, successful candidates must show adequate preparation in basic operational knowledge of outdoor education programs and a strong background in outdoor adventure skills. A minimum of 2 years experience in the field of outdoor education is necessary, with evidence of considerable leadership time with groups in outdoor education settings. Familiarity with the philosophic and historical underpinnings of the field is also necessary. Students found to be lacking in these expected areas are sometimes conditionally admitted while they gain proficiency in a needed area.

UNH Graduate School

The Department encourages applications from persons who

• Hold a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university
• Have attained an overall grade-point average of “B” or better in undergraduate coursework
• Have completed courses in a broad range of liberal arts and science disciplines
• Have acceptable recommendations from three individuals, one of whom must be a member of an academic faculty
• Have completed satisfactorily a personal statement of interest in pursuing graduate education in the field. Though not required, significant volunteer and/or work experience in the field is strongly recommended. Students who do not meet the liberal arts and science expectations may be asked to complete additional coursework prior to or during the first year of their enrollment in the program.  The MSW program, in compliance with CSWE Accreditation Standards, does not grant social work course credit for life experience or previous work experience

• Applications are to be made to the Graduate School by applying online. Interested applicants need to apply separately to each program and must meet the requirements for each program to be accepted as a Dual Degree Student.  Applicants should check each program for their requirements which may be different. 
• When selecting a major choice, under the "Planned Major" section of the online application, select Social Work. Then under the options question indicate this is for the Dual Degree Program in Social Work and Kinesiology: Outdoor Education.
• At the top of the personal essay write "Dual Degree Program in Social Work and Kinesiology: Outdoor Education.”  Only one personal essay is required, see #3 for details.
• In a well-constructed essay of 4-5 pages all applicants should respond to the following three questions. Your essay must be typewritten and double-spaced. 
  1. How did you become interested in social work? What personal, academic, organizational, volunteer and/or paid work experiences have influenced your choice of social work as a profession?
  2. Briefly discuss a current social issue of great concern or interest to you.
  3. Describe some intellectual and personal attributes that you believe make you particularly suited for the profession of social work.
  4. In addition, as a Dual Degree student you should integrate into your personal essay why you are interested in both fields and your long term professional goals based on receiving this dual degree. This should supplement your responses to the three questions all applicants are required to address in their personal essays for social work.
• On the letter of reference form, under the "Degree sought in ..." field indicate this letter is for an application to the Dual Degree Program in Social Work and Kinesiology: Outdoor Education.

Graduate School

apply online