Enrolling for graduate-level social work courses as a non-degree student enables individuals to take courses in order to help focus their interests, to test capabilities in a graduate setting, to increase knowledge, or to improve professional skills. A maximum of 19 graduate credit hours earned with a grade of "B" or better as a non-degree student could be applied toward the master of social work degree if that student later applies and is accepted into the MSW program. However, enrolling in courses as a non-degree student does not guarantee admission to the MSW degree program. The School of Social Work offers two options to individuals who wish to enroll on a non-degree basis for on-campus social work courses:
Non-Candidate for Degree Admission Status
Unclassified Non-Candidate for Degree (NCFD) is a special admission status appropriate for a student who has earned a bachelor's degree and who wishes to enroll in on-campus/Ann Arbor graduate-level social work courses without entering the degree-granting program. Admission decisions for NCFD status is based on prior academic credentials and the statement of purpose. A student may apply for unclassified NCFD status for any term, although course offerings are extremely limited in spring/summer term. The application and all required supporting materials must be received by the following dates:
- August 1 for fall term
- December 1 for winter term
- April 1 for spring/summer term
The required supporting materials include:
- A Special Student/Non-Degree Application
- A non-refundable $150 paper application fee or $75 online application fee (submission of PDF via email)
- Official transcripts from all colleges/universities attended
- A brief statement of purpose indicating why you the applicant is seeking enrollment in courses as a non-degree student
Typically, students admitted to NCFD status register after all MSW degree-seeking students have registered. Therefore course registration for any term is dependent on space availability.
NCFD admission is valid for a single term. NCFD students may request to continue NCFD enrollment in the next term by submitting a request to the School at [email protected]. Requests must be received at least three weeks prior to the beginning of the term. Requests will be reviewed, including a review of academic progress, and students will be informed of a decision at the earliest date possible.
For more information and non-degree application materials, see Non-degree/Special Student Enrollment.
Post-MSW Study
Persons who already hold an MSW may enroll for additional on-campus/Ann Arbor graduate-level social work credit as non-degree students. The availability of courses is limited each term, as students enrolled in the MSW degree program have priority in registration.
Students may apply for admission as a special/post-MSW student for any term, although course offerings are extremely limited in spring/summer term. The application and any required supporting materials must be received by the following dates:
- August 1 for fall term
- December 1 for winter term
- April 1 for spring/summer term
The required supporting materials include the following:
- A Special Student/Non-Degree Application
- A non-refundable $150 paper application fee or $75 online application fee (submission of PDF via email) if the applicant's MSW is not from University of Michigan
- An official MSW transcript if the applicant's MSW is not from the University of Michigan
- A brief statement of purpose indicating why the applicant is seeking enrollment as a non-degree student
Typically, students admitted as non-degree students register after all MSW degree-seeking students have registered. Therefore course registration for any term is dependent on space availability.
NCFD admission is valid for a single term. NCFD students may request to continue NCFD enrollment in the next term by submitting a request to the School at [email protected]. Requests must be received at least three weeks prior to the beginning of the term. Requests will be reviewed, including a review of academic progress, and students will be informed of a decision at the earliest date possible.
For more information and non-degree application materials, see Non-degree/Special Student Enrollment.