SSW FAQ

Yes, a current resume is required to complete your application. There is a section of the online application that will allow you to upload your resume. Your resume is an important part of the application and should be well written and highlight your various experiences and skills. You can schedule an appointment with an admissions counselor in the School of Social Work to discuss the information that should be included on your resume. You may also want to consider visiting your university career center if possible for assistance with your resume.

Applicants must submit three recommendation forms and/or letters of recommendation in order for their MSW application to be considered complete. When possible, applicants should try to submit one recommendation from a professional source (ex. from someone who supervised you in a paid, volunteer or internship position that was human services-related and can speak about your readiness for professional social work practice) and one recommendation from an academic source (ex. college faculty member or academic advisor who can speak about your readiness for graduate level work). Applicants may submit two professional recommendations and one academic recommendation or two academic recommendations and one professional recommendation. While not as strong, we do accept personal recommendations. It is not recommended that applicants submit recommendations from family members or friends.

Yes, we strongly encourage applicants to submit an online application and utilize the online recommendation system. In the letters of recommendation section of the online application, you may indicate whether or not you wish each recommender to use the online recommendation system. If you indicate "yes" to use the online recommendation system and click on "submit request to recommender", an email will be sent to the recommender with information and a link that will allow them to submit an online recommendation. You can track the status of your recommendation requests by viewing your application account activity.

Letters of recommendation may also be submitted:

1. Through the mail (be sure the letter is in a sealed envelope with the signature of the recommender over the seal)
2. Via email to [email protected]

Official recommendations must be sent directly to us by the recommender.

To change an online recommender, go to the Online Application Menu, Manage Your Account – Review Your Activity. You will see a University of Michigan School of Social Work link; when you click on it, you should be able to see each of the recommenders in which you indicated "Yes" to "Use Online Recommendation System." From here, you can “take action” and if the recommender has not yet started their recommendation, you can update/change a recommender. If you have submitted a paper application, then a paper copy of the recommendation form and instructions can be found on our website. Please notify the Office of Student Services and Enrollment Management via email at [email protected] that you intend to change a recommender.

No. GRE scores are neither required nor reviewed.

Admissions decisions are based primarily on a review of the following:

• Applicant's commitment to the mission of the School of Social Work.
• Applicant's undergraduate GPA on transcripts provided at the time of application.
• Additional academic work completed by applicant following completion of an undergraduate degree, if applicable.
• Specialized training(s) relevant to social work completed by applicant.
• Applicant's social work-related or human service-related paid, volunteer, research and internship experience.
• Applicant's Supplementary Statement.
• Recommendation letters and/forms submitted.

Yes, a $300 (U.S. dollars) non-refundable enrollment deposit is required to secure your place in the incoming class. The enrollment deposit is applied to your student account. If paying the enrollment deposit will create a financial hardship, please contact the Office of Student Services and Enrollment Management at [email protected] or (734) 936-0961.

Admitted students may request deferment for one or two years. The Office of Student Services and Enrollment Management will review and make decisions on all deferment requests. Deferment requests may be submitted via email to [email protected].

Transfer students from CSWE accredited MSW programs can transfer up to 30 credit hours as long as they were degree seeking students. Other students may be able to transfer up to 19 credits into the MSW program. Credits which have been applied toward another degree cannot transfer. Most transfer students will need to complete 12 credit hours of advanced fieldwork placement while enrolled at the University of Michigan.

For more information visit the MSW Program Transfer Applicants page.

Please review the Transfer Applicants webpage for information and a form to request a review of potential transfer credits.