Once you successfully finish your Social Work Essentials certificate (SWEC) and are admitted to the MSW program you can complete your degree on campus. The SWEC reduces the credit hour requirement for the MSW from 60 to 45, saving you time and money.
Please note the Social Work Essentials Certificate alone is a non-credit bearing credential.
Advantages
- You can waive an entire semester, which saves you time and money
- More than 600+ field placements
- You will have support from an admission counselor and academic advisor
- 300+ Scholarship opportunities
- 8 different curricular pathways covering a broad range of specializations
Admission Requirements
- Candidates with previous human service experience are required
- Submit the Eligibility Review Request form
- Meet MSW Program admissions criteria
Program Requirements
- Admission to the MSW program.
- Successful completion of the Social Work Essentials certificate, including receiving a 70% grade or higher on all assignments, discussions, and quizzes/exams, prior to beginning the MSW program. Certificates are valid for two years.
- Social Work Essentials (SWEC/MSW) students must 1) meet all milestone assignment deadlines, 2) successfully complete all quizzes, assignments, and discussions for each class before the class end date, 3) upload a course completion certificate for each class as soon as it is available and no later than three days after the class ends, and 4) submit the Post-Program Survey after completing all certificate courses.
- Students will complete a 45 credit hour program including 14 credits of field instruction (900 clock hours).
- Advanced standing students are not eligible to participate in the On Campus Social Work Essentials certificate.
Apply to the Social Work Essentials MSW
Step 2: Schedule a Consultation.
Your resume and interest form will be reviewed to assess eligibility to apply to the Social Work Essentials MSW program. Once approved, schedule an admissions consultation with the Office of Student Services and Enrollment Management, [email protected].
Step 3: Review Your Timeline.
Review the Social Work Essentials timeline to plan the timing for your MSW application submission. You want to submit your MSW application with enough time to receive a decision prior to your desired cohort start date.
Step 4: Apply to the MSW Program.
Apply to MSW Program, if eligible based on review. Your application will receive a full MSW program admissions review.
Step 5: Start Your Certificate.
Start your Social Work Essentials certificate (SWEC) either before or after you receive an MSW Program application decision.
Students may be well advised to start the SWEC after receiving an offer of admission to the MSW Program. Completion of the SWEC does not guarantee admission to the MSW program.
Step 6: Complete your Certificate.
After successful admission, complete your Social Work Essentials certificate prior to the start of your fall MSW on campus courses. You will have an individual course planning appointment to discuss part-time or full time enrollment options.
Step 7: Join Your MSW Cohort.
Join your cohort in Ann Arbor to complete your MSW degree.
Application Deadlines
Begin August 2027
| Early Application Deadline | December 1, 2026 |
| Priority Application Deadline | March 1, 2027 |
| Application Deadline | July 15, 2027 |
The NAB applicant and international applicant deadline is March 1, 2027.
Please note admission will be offered on a rolling basis and therefore early application is strongly encouraged.
- Submit your Eligibility Review Request as soon as possible.
- Begin the online Social Work Essentials Certificate courses no later than April 2027.
- Complete all SW Essentials Certificate courses before the start of Fall 2027 term.
Social Work Essentials Certificate Schedule & Timelines
Financial Aid
Online MSW Program
Once you are accepted into the Social Work Essentials MSW program, you are eligible for grants, scholarships and other forms of financial aid. For information please refer to the MSW Guide to Financial Aid.
Social Work Essentials Certificate
There is no financial aid available for the online Social Work Essentials certificate.