All applicants to the MSW program will have a review of their human service-related experience. Additionally, candidates for the Social Work Essentials/MasterTrack MSW Program are required to have previous human service-related experience and should have their experience reviewed prior to purchasing the Social Work Essentials Certificate/MasterTrack Certificate.
Social workers care; they make a difference and an impact. Chances are you've already been doing similar work - and it can count toward your human service-related experience eligibility (for the Social Work Essentials Certificate) and/or MSW application review. This can include a variety of experiences - both paid and unpaid. Your jobs, volunteer work, internships, or service corps work could qualify. Below are descriptions and examples of what could be considered for your human service-related experience review.
Still unsure? If you have any questions, please reach out to us at [email protected] or (734) 936-0961.
Your work has helped populations impacted by:
- Education inequity
- Environmental inequity
- Health/Mental Health inequity
- Wealth inequality
- Additional populations served by social workers
Your work has provided benefits for your community:
Service settings could include (depending on the scope of practice):
- Behavioral health
- Community service and organizations
- Education
- Governmental agencies
- Housing help
- Legal work
- Medical care
- Mental health support
- Nonprofit organizations
- Organizational culture change
- Research on topics related to social work issues
- Shelter work
- Support groups
Social Work operates on micro, mezzo, and macro levels:
Micro experience
Work with individuals, families, and small groups in social service settings to improve self-determination, functioning, and quality of life.
Mezzo experience
Work with medium-sized groups or organizations, such as schools, community service organizations, or businesses, to promote initiatives that support building community capacity and change.
Macro experience
Work within large organizations, communities, and policy environments to advance social and economic justice, protect human rights, and enhance the health, well-being, and empowerment of disadvantaged communities.
Examples of different human service experiences:
(Provided for general guidance, many experiences can be applicable.)
- Alternative Spring Break work
- Camp Counseling
- Community Fundraising
- Crisis lines
- Human services activities through fraternities, sororities, and other student groups
- Leadership roles in private organizations that promote organizational or social change
- Legal advocacy to promote social change
- Peer mentoring
- Political organizing
- Teaching/educational experience, particularly in supporting students navigate educational barriers
- Paid/Volunteer/Internship experience through a human services position
- Paid/Volunteer/Internship experience through a public school
- Paid/Volunteer/Internship experience through a religious institution
- Paid/Volunteer/Internship experience through a private business
Our Résumé Guide can provide additional information for creating a resume that best highlights your human service-related experience.