Are International Students eligible for the Online MSW?
No. U.S. Citizenship or U.S. Permanent Residency status is required to pursue the Online MSW program.
Are Online MSW Program courses synchronous or asynchronous?
Courses in the online program are both synchronous and asynchronous. Per online course each week, students should expect 2 hours of synchronous live course sessions, and around 6.5 hours of asynchronous content (for example: assignments, readings, mini-lectures, videos, discussion boards).
Are Online MSW students eligible for grants and scholarships?
Online MSW students can apply for need and merit-based grants and scholarships. More information about financial aid can be found here.
Are Online MSW students eligible for work-study positions and teaching assistantships at the University of Michigan?
Yes, Online MSW students are eligible for work-study, Graduate Student Instructor (GSI), or Graduate Student Staff Assistant (GSSA) positions. Students must meet the criteria listed on the U-M Human Resources website. Online MSW students must enroll in at least 6 credits in a term to hold a GSI or GSSA position. Positions are posted on the U-M Careers website. Work-study positions are posted on the U-M Student Employment website.
Are special scholarships programs available for online students?
No, special scholarship programs must be completed through the On-Campus MSW Program 16 month (full time) or Advanced Standing (full time) schedules.
Are the admission requirements the same for the Online MSW Program as the On-Campus MSW Program?
The admissions criteria are the same for both programs, however, students who enter through the MasterTrack or Social Work Essentials certificate programs, U-M Sociology and Social Work students, and UM Dearborn Human Services and Social Work students must satisfy additional admission requirements.
Are there any in person meetings on campus if I am completing the MSW program online?
No, online students are not required to come to Ann Arbor. Online students are able to enroll in an on-campus course if they are able to attend in-person. Online students are also invited to participate in the in-person graduation ceremony upon completion of the MSW degree. An online streaming option is also available for commencement.
Are undocumented or DACAmented students eligible to apply to the Online MSW program?
Yes. The student must reside within the U.S. and meet criteria for one of the following paths:
- Advanced Standing (you earned a BSW degree with a 3.5 GPA or higher)
- MasterTrack
- U-M Sociology and Social Work
- UM-Dearborn Human Services and Social Work
As an online student would I be able to pursue the School Social Work Certificate?
Yes, beginning Winter 2023 students in the Online MSW program will be able to take the courses needed for school social work certification. Students will also need to talk with the Office of Field Education to ensure that the field placement qualifies for school social work certification.
Can I complete the Online MSW program as a dual degree student?
Yes, as a full-time Online MSW student. Note that dual degrees are only an option for full-time students. Online and residential full-time students are both eligible; however, most non-social work degree programs are in person at this time.
Students must be admitted into both degree programs. Students must graduate from both programs in the same term to count course credits from their dual unit towards MSW program requirements.