SSW FAQ

Courses in the Sexual Health Certificate Program are not available as independent courses outside of the complete program.

Yes, an electronic copy of your transcript must be submitted with your application.

Students may complete a minor in a Practice Method but not in a Practice Area. Students have the option of selecting a Minor Practice Method in any one of the three Practice Methods in which they do not concentrate. Minor method requirements include two advanced method courses and 171 hours of advanced field work related to the minor method. Selecting a minor may limit field placement options and also limits elective course options.

Yes, the majority of our MSW students concentrate in Interpersonal Practice. Students interested in clinical social work are encouraged to select the Interpersonal Practice method. Coursework in Interpersonal Practice is focused on improving the skills social workers utilize in providing direct service to individuals, small groups, and families. Interpersonal Practice course offerings include Interpersonal Practice with Individual Adults, Interpersonal Practice with Children and Youth, Interpersonal Practice with Groups and Interpersonal Practice with Families. Other courses of interest to students with a clinical social work focus include:

• Death, Loss and Grief
• Mental Health and Mental Disorders of the Adults and the Elderly
• Mental Health and Mental Disorders of Children and Youth
• Treatment Strategies for Sexual Dysfunction
• Special Topics in Family Violence
• Interpersonal Practice with Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Clients
• Practice Seminar in Child Maltreatment: Assessment and Treatment
• Integrative Seminar on Child Maltreatment
• Interpersonal Practice Mini-Courses (SW 790)

Yes, you will be assigned a faculty advisor whom you will meet at Fall Orientation. Students are paired with faculty advisors based on their practice method concentration; practice area is also taken into consideration. Your faculty advisor will assist you in making any changes in your curriculum, curriculum schedule or field placements; your advisor can also provide career guidance and support as you prepare to graduate. You will also have the opportunity to work with an Academic Planning Coordinator over the summer prior to registering for courses.

Both tracks or curriculum schedules are four semesters in length; however 16-month students attend courses and complete fieldwork over four consecutive terms, including the spring/summer term, whereas 20-month students have the spring/summer term off between their first fall/winter terms and second fall/winter terms.

You should also keep in mind that some field placement options require a specific track. For example, most public school field placement sites only accept 20-month students. 

The decision between the two different tracks is a personal one that should be weighed carefully for your own educational needs and preferences. Please contact the Office of Student Services and Enrollment Management (734-936-0961) to speak with an admissions counselor if you have further questions regarding the selection of a curriculum schedule.

Yes, official dual degree programs offered include:

• MSW/JD (Law School)
• MSW/MPH (School of Public Health, Health Behavior/Education)
• MSW/MPP (School of Public Policy)
• MSW/MBA (School of Business Administration)
• MSW/MUP (College of Architecture and Urban Planning)
• MSW/MSI (School of Information)

Students also may set up specialized student initiated dual degree programs. Student initiated dual degree programs have been set up by MSW students with natural resources, architecture, southeast Asian studies, education etc., in the past several years. Separate application materials are required by each school/college and are reviewed independently according to their criteria.

The University of Michigan, Ann Arbor does not; however, the University of Michigan Flint offers a BSW program. Undergraduate students enrolled at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor may enroll in MSW courses in their junior and senior years with the permission of the instructor.

The University offers an LSA-approved minor for undergraduate students interested in community action and social change. Please view our website for information on the CASC Undergraduate Minor.

Over 500 internship sites, termed field placements, are available. Students are required to submit a goal statement, resume, and a list of top placement choices to the Office of Field Education (OFE). Students are assigned a field educator with whom they will work closely with to set up a field placement. MSW students are required to complete 900 clock hours (672 hours for Advanced Standing students) of fieldwork related to their practice area and practice method concentrations. Please visit the OFE's website for additional information.

Yes, international or out-of-state field placements are possible, but require some extra planning. The School offers special programs such as the Global Activities Scholars Program, Jewish Communal Leadership Program, National Community Scholars Program, and Masters International Volunteer Program which all include field placement experience outside of Michigan. If you are interested in such placements you should apply to these programs early and contact the Office of Global Activities: (734) 936-1964 or [email protected].