FAQ

Part-time online students enroll in 5-7 credits each semester for 7 semesters to complete the 45-credit degree program. In some semesters, this includes credits for field placement hours.

Part-time students will typically complete their field credits in their last 3 or 4 semesters of the part time program depending on their curriculum schedule.

Students who enter the Online MSW Program through the Social Work Essentials/MasterTrack Certificate, U-M Sociology and Social Work or UM Dearborn Human Services and Social Work programs will complete 16 hours of field placement (2 days/week) for four semesters.

Advanced Standing eligible students in the full time online program will complete 24 hours field placement (3 days/week) for two semesters. Advanced standing students in the part time online program will complete 16 hours of field placement (2 days/week) for three semesters.

We anticipate approximately 60 Online MSW students per semester.

Yes, however, students may be able to complete and employment-based field placement with their current organization. Students must have a different LMSW supervisor for their field hours, MSW level tasks in line with the competencies required for their pathway, and an affiliation agreement must be established with the University of Michigan and the organization.

You may apply for the Online Master of Social Work (MSW) program before, during, or after starting or completing the Social Work Essentials Certificate program. Some students may want to have confirmation that they are fully admitted to the MSW program before purchasing the Social Work Essentials courses. Review the posted deadlines for the Online MSW Program and apply as early as possible.

You may apply for the Online Master of Social Work (MSW) program if you received a MasterTrack Completion Certificate and your completion was verified within two years of beginning the MSW program. The MasterTrack Certificate is valid for two years. The MasterTrack Certificate is no longer offered and you must have completed the certificate program.

The Online and On-Campus MSW programs are offered through the School of Social Work, which is separate from the Rackham Graduate School.

Yes, this program is accredited by CSWE.

The Online MSW program is designed for advanced learners that qualify for the 45-credit program. The program offers two pathways:

• Interpersonal Practice in Integrated Health, Mental Health, & Substance Abuse 
• Children, Youth & Families (Formerly Welfare of Children and Families). 

The On Campus MSW is a 60-credit or 45-credit program that offers eight pathways:

• Children, Youth & Families (Formerly Welfare of Children and Families)
• Community Change
• Global Social Work Practice
• Interpersonal Practice in Integrated Health, Mental Health, & Substance Abuse
• Management & Leadership
• Policy & Political Social Work
• Program Evaluation & Applied Research
• Social Work Practice with Older Adults & Families from a Lifespan Perspective

Students in the Online MSW Program will have 45 credits remaining for the MSW degree, which is equivalent to 3 semesters of full time tuition cost. Tuition costs vary based upon whether a student is a Michigan resident or non-resident. Tuition estimates can be found here. If a student enters through the MasterTrack or Social Work Essentials MSW Program they will have additional cost for the certificate.