Welcome prospective student and thank you for considering our MSW program!!!
Our scholars come from all over the country with undergraduate degrees in diverse fields as health, social work, psychology, business, law and education. Future professional interests include work in social services, education, school social work, community development, tribal law, health, mental health, substance abuse and public policy to name a few. It is the combination of culture, spirituality, education, determination and hard work that makes the Buder Center Scholars ready to meet the needs and challenges of Native communities.
All prospective students must first apply to the Brown School and be accepted into the MSW program before applying for the Kathryn M. Buder Scholarship. Once your application has been accepted, an admission advisor will contact you regarding available scholarships.
APPLICATION DEADLINES
| DEADLINE TYPE: | APPLICATION SUBMITTED BY: | DECISION RECEIVED BY: | CANDIDATE RESPONDS BY: |
| PRIORITY CONSIDERATION | December 1 | February 1 | May 1 |
| REGULAR DECISION | December 2 – March 1 | 6-8 weeks after submitting | May 1 |
| ROLLING ADMISSIONS | After March 1 | 6-8 weeks after submitting | May 1 |
-International Applicant Final Deadline – April 1
-Domestic Applicant Final Deadline – July 1
Confirm Intent to Enroll: By May 1 (or within 3 weeks if admitted after April 15). Admitted students must confirm their intent to enroll by submitting a $200 tuition deposit. International admitted students must also submit the Washington University Affidavit of Financial Support to confirm intent to enroll. Some scholarship offers may require accelerated responses from candidates.
Click here to learn more about the application timeline and deadline type.
Kathryn M. Buder Charitable Foundation Scholarship
The Kathryn M. Buder Charitable Foundation offers scholarships to Native American students wishing to pursue a Master of Social Work degree at the Brown School of Social Work, Public Health, & Social Policy and the Kathryn M. Buder Center for American Indian Studies. The Buder Scholarship will provide the following, determined on the recipient’s application to the Brown School:
| Recipient Status | Paid Tuition | *Monthly Stipend | Books & Supplies | Professional Development |
| Advanced Standing | Two semesters of full-time, per semester tuition plus Summer Bridge Course tuition | $1000/month for 11-months | $300 for one academic year | $650 for one academic year |
| Regular Program | Up to four semesters of full-time, per semester tuition | $1000/month for 21-months | $300/semester | $325/semester |
Scholarship Recipient Requirements:
- Enrolled member of a Native Nation within the United State.
- Cumulative grade point average of 3.1 on a 4.0 scale, with no “incomplete” grades.
- Concentrate in American Indian/Alaska Native studies.
- Enroll and complete the five required American Indian/Alaskan Native concentration courses.
- Complete a minimum of three credits (360 hours) of the five credits (600 field hours) of concentration practicum in a setting serving Native communities.
- Participate in the American Indian Student Association (AISA).
- Participate in programs and events sponsored by the Buder Center, including: the Buder Center Powwow, annual Buder Blessing ceremony for graduating students, and other community events and projects.
- Within five years of graduation from the MSW Program, the recipient will commence working for a Native Nation or agency serving Native communities, and will continue such work for not less than two years.
- Maintain professional relationships in a thoughtful and respectful manner. In addition, adhere to the NASW Code of Ethics and its standards of conduct.
About the American Indian/Alaskan Native Concentration
The American Indian and Alaska Native (Al/AN) Concentration is designed to prepare students for advanced social work practice with AI/AN populations. The concentration grounds students in the historical and contemporary issues facing Native populations from a cultural, policy and practice perspective and includes the courses listed below:
- Indigenous Knowledge, Values, and Cultures (3 credits)
- AI/AN Social Welfare Policies and Administrative Practices (3 credits)
- Indigenous Mental Health Practice (3 credits)
- Community Development with AI and Other Indigenous Communities (3 credits)
- Nine credits of practice-focused coursework, to be determined based on your track of choice
If a student is not concentrating in the AI/AN concentration, these classes are available as electives to a student.
Buder Scholars are subject to the same MSW program requirements as other Brown School students; namely students must complete 60 credits to receive their MSW degree. Learn more about coursework requirements for all Brown School students.
For additional information on the Buder Center Scholars, view the Highlights.