MSW Program
- Overview
- Apply
- Course Catalog
- Financial Aid
- Licensure
- Online MSW
- Part-Time Programs
- Pathways
- Program Length
- Special Programs
- Student Guide
- Tuition & Fees
- Admitted Students
- CSWE Competencies Assessment
All undocumented individuals are eligible for admission to any degree program at the University of Michigan whether or not they have been granted Deferred Action for Childhood Arrival (DACA). We are taking steps to create a clear path for prospective students to attend graduate school at the University of Michigan regardless of immigration status. Please feel free to contact the Office of Student Services and Enrollment Management at (734) 936-0961 with questions. Visit the U-M Undocumented Students webpage for additional information and resources.
To apply to the Online MSW or On-Campus MSW program, please complete the UM School of Social Work MSW application. Applicants interested in the Online MSW program who are undocumented or DACAmented must reside within the U.S. Applicants who are undocumented or DACAmented should select the following options:
| MSW application question or application component | How it applies if you are undocumented or DACAmented |
|---|---|
| “What is your citizenship status?” | Select "Non-U.S. Citizen/International" |
| “If Non-U.S. Citizen/International applicant, select the visa type you plan to obtain.” | Select "O-Other" |
| “If Non-U.S. Citizen/International applicant and currently in the U.S., enter your SEVIS ID number.” | Leave this blank. |
| Fee Grant/Waiver | The School has a limited number of fee grants available for applicants when paying the application fee will cause extreme financial hardship. Undocumented and DACAmented students are eligible to apply for a fee grant based on economic hardship. |
The funding guidelines were established at the University of Michigan Provost's Office and apply to all graduate students in the MSW program as well as Rackham and other non-Rackham programs.
| Eligible Funding Types | Not Eligible | |
|---|---|---|
| With DACA |
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| Without DACA |
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Graduation student instructor (GSI) and graduate student research assistant (GSRA) positions at the School of Social Work are not available to MSW students; however, each year MSW students are employed by other departments and offices on campus. Please visit the U-M Careers at the U website for a listing of graduate student appointments throughout the University.
In October 2015, the U.S. Department of Education released a Resource Guide Supporting Undocumented Youth: A Guide for Success in Secondary and Postsecondary Settings. For more external funding options, see MALDEF’s (Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund) Scholarship Resource Guide, which includes scholarships for undocumented students, as well as the Paul & Daisy Soros Fellowships for New Americans. Visit the U-M Office of Financial Aid listing of Scholarships for Undocumented Students.
The Office of Field Education facilitates field placements for all MSW students. Each field site has its own criteria and selection process. Many sites, particularly those who work with children and the elderly, require students to participate in and pass a criminal background check, child abuse registry, sex offender registry, drug screening, and/or health screening which necessitate valid identification. This requirement is most common for those students who would be doing clinically focused work/direct client service in their field placement.
| With DACA | Field placements are available. You must participate in and pass a criminal background check, child abuse registry, sexual offender registry, drug screening, and/or health screening if required by the field site. These tests require valid identification. |
| Without DACA | Field placements are available, but with some limitations. Should you have concerns about field placement eligibility, please contact the Office of Student Services and Enrollment Management at (734) 936-0961 to schedule an appointment with the Director of the Office of Field Education. |
A career in social work may involve obtaining a professional license to practice – especially those social workers who want to pursue clinical practice. Licensure is regulated by each state in the U.S. and Washington DC. The rules and regulations adopted by each state can vary and the application process may involve verification of education, work experience, background checks, and Association of Social Work Boards Examination. It is strongly recommended that anyone seeking to practice social work explore and understand the licensure requirements of the state they wish to practice. The Association of Social Work Boards (aswb.org) has a link to each state board where the rules and regulations of licensure are explained. The Association of Social Work Boards also oversees the exams often utilized for licensure and has information about the exam process.
| With DACA | The application process for licensure can vary by state. You may be required to pass a background check, indicate citizenship status, provide verification of education, work experience and pass an examination. Exams often require identification to take them. If you have any questions about licensure and your career in social work, contact the Career Services Office at (734) 763-6259 to schedule an appointment with the Director of Career Services. |
| Without DACA | The application process for licensure can vary by state. Licensure may be problematic, in the state you wish to practice, as you may be required to pass a background check, indicate citizenship status, provide verification of education, work experience and pass an examination. Exams often require identification to take them. If you have any questions about licensure and your career in social work, contact the Career Services Office at (734) 763-6259 to schedule an appointment with the Director of Career Services. |
University of Michigan
School of Social Work
1080 South University Avenue
Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1106