Master of Social Work (MSW)
University of Michigan,
School of Social Work
Address: 1080 South University Avenue
Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1106
Phone: 734-764-3309
About the Program:
The master of social work (MSW) offered by the University of Michigan School of Social Work is a 60-credit-hour degree program designed to impart a broad range of skills, tools, and knowledge that prepares students for advanced social work. Students select a concentration in both a practice method and a practice area. The Practice Method concentration focuses on theories and interventions related to practice with individuals, families, groups, organizations, communities and/or society. The Practice Area concentration focuses on selected contexts and domains of practice with particular attention given to specific policies, procedures and practices.
The four Practice Method concentrations are:
- Interpersonal Practice
- Community Organization
- Management of Human Services
- Social Policy and Evaluation
- Aging in Families and Society
- Children and Youth in Families and Society
- Community and Social Systems
- Health
- Mental Health
The majority of MSW students are interested in clinical social work and concentrate in Interpersonal Practice. Coursework in Interpersonal Practice is focused on improving the skills social workers utilize in providing direct service to individuals, small groups, and families. Interpersonal Practice course offerings include Interpersonal Practice with Individual Adults, Interpersonal Practice with Children and Youth, Interpersonal Practice with Groups and Interpersonal Practice with Families.
The MSW will meet the educational requirement to achieve the first level of licensing or certification available in all states. Typically, applicants for licensure must also pass an examination. To attain the highest level of licensing and certification in most states, social workers must complete post-masters work supervised by a fully licensed or certified social worker.
Criteria for Admission
1. Completion of a U.S. bachelor's degree or its equivalent, with competitive grades, from an accredited institution.
2. An undergraduate record that reflects a liberal arts perspective with a minimum of 20 academic semester credits in three of more of the following disciplines: psychology, sociology, anthropology, economics, history, political science, government, and/or languages. In addition a human biology course is required
3. Intellectual and personal qualities supportive of social work philosophy and practice, such as a commitment to address social problems and aid the most economically and socially disadvantaged groups in society.
4. Personal qualifications considered essential to the successful practice of social work, such as sensitivity and responsiveness in relationships, concern for the needs of others, adaptability, good judgment, critical thinking, creativity, integrity, and skill in oral and written communication.
5. Submit transcripts, admissions essay, resume, three recommendation letters, and application fee, as noted on the Department website
6. The GRE is not required for admission to the MSW degree program.
About Admission
The program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)
Admission is limited to the fall term only.
Each fall, approximately 300 new students enter the MSW program, but about 700-800 apply.
A BSW is not required for admission to the MSW program.
Each year up to ten students are admitted without holding bachelor's degrees, to provide an opportunity for individuals with extensive experience as employees and/or volunteers in human service organizations to obtain the MSW degree without first obtaining a bachelor's degree. More information can be found at: http://ssw.umich.edu/admissions/msw/nonbaccalaureate.html.
The MSW takes either 16 or 20 months, depending on how many courses you take at once.
MSW students are required to complete over 900 hours of field work and have over 300 internship sites to choose from.
A thesis is not required
Dual Degree Programs
The following dual degree programs are offered, meaning that a student may earn two degrees at once.
- MSW/JD (Law School)
- MSW/MPH (School of Public Health, Health Behavior/Education)
- MSW/MPP (School of Public Policy)
- MSW/MBA (School of Business Administration)
- MSW/MUP (College of Architecture and Urban Planning)
- MSW/MSI (School of Information)
How Much is Tuition?
The 2008-2009 tuition expenses are $19,630 for Michigan residents; $31,488 for non-residents for two semesters of full-time enrollment.
Is Financial Aid Available?
About 90% of the MSW class apply for and receive some form of grant and/or scholarship assistance.
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About the University of Michigan
Founded in 1817, the University of Michigan (U-M) has stood as the national model for the large public university for more than a century. Recognized as one of the world's premier research universities, U-M is a leader in undergraduate and graduate education, offering challenging academic programs at all levels.
About Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor is known as "Tree Town" for it's tree-lined streets. There are over 20 museums of art, science, and history, about 150 parks and nature areas, annual music and art festivals, and world class entertainment venues. Ann Arbor is easily accessible by air, train, bus, and car. It's a 90-minute plane ride from New York, Boston, and Washington, DC; and a four-hour drive from Chicago and Toronto.
