Reference Instructions for MSW/MPH Application

We require three reference letters for the MSW/MPH application. It is strongly recommended that one reference come from a college-level instructor. If one of your references is not a college-level instructor, you should give the rational for this in the education section of your narrative statement. In addition to a college-level instructor, the most meaningful references are drawn from the following individuals:

  • Present or former employment supervisor
  • Field placement or internship supervisor
  • Supervisor or coordinator from volunteer, community engagement, or social justice activity
  • Present or former college-level class instructor, an advisor, student support center staff, or research assistant supervisor
In order for your application to be considered complete, we must receive responses from all three references.

Please enter your reference information into the application as early as possible in your application process. This gives individuals sufficient time to receive the email from us and complete their reference by the deadline.

It is your responsibility to ensure that your reference writers complete their references.

Other guidelines:

  • Make sure the reference names you submit have agreed in advance to serving as a reference and know to expect an email from UWM regarding this reference.
  • Do not include friends, relatives, or your own social worker, counselor, therapist, or doctor. Include only those who have been in a position to be able to evaluate you and with whom you have a primarily professional or academic connection.