SSW FAQ

The average incoming student GPA is 3.5. However, we accept a wide range of GPAs, as each application is reviewed individually and evaluated based on a number of factors including:

• Successful completion of a U.S. bachelor’s degree or its equivalent
• An undergraduate record that reflects a liberal arts perspective
• A commitment to keeping social justice at the center of your work  
• Personal qualities considered essential to the practice of social work
• Strong written and oral communication skills

 The GRE is not required for admission to the MSW degree program.

Yes, the MSW from Michigan will meet the educational requirement to achieve the first level of licensing or certification available in your state. Typically, you must also pass an examination. Our graduates have an excellent record for passing the exams held throughout the country. To attain the highest level of licensing and certification in most states, social workers must complete post-masters work supervised by a fully licensed or certified social worker and pass an advanced examination.

Yes. Please feel free to review details on our part-time options.

Yes, the University of Michigan has a three term Advanced Standing program, where students typically complete 45 credits in 12 months. All BSW degree requirements must be completed by Fall Orientation at the end of August.

To qualify for the Advanced Standing program students must:

• Have at least a 3.5 GPA over the last 60 – 75 semester credit hours (90 - 105 quarter credit hours) based on their final BSW transcript.
• Have completed a BSW degree from a Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) accredited program.
• Be able to complete the MSW degree requirements within six years of receipt of their BSW.

No, a BSW is not required for admission to the MSW program. Our students come from a wide variety of backgrounds. The majority of our students hold a bachelor’s degree in a liberal arts discipline (psychology, sociology, etc.), but we also have students with backgrounds in business, engineering, law, etc.

Yes. Each year up to ten students can be admitted through our Non-Baccalaureate Admissions status. The goal of this provision is to provide an opportunity for individuals with extensive, successful experience in social work to obtain the MSW degree without first obtaining a bachelor's degree.

Yes, we encourage prospective students to visit the School of Social Work. Prospective students are invited to attend one of our Prospective Student Group Sessions, which are held once or twice per month from September through April. The School can also arrange an individualized visit for prospective students, which includes attending a class, lunch with a current student, and a meeting with an admissions counselor. Contact the Office of Student Services and Enrollment Management (734-936-0961) to sign up for a Prospective Student Group Session or schedule an individual appointment.

Some students can complete the MSW program in 12 months (full-time Advanced Standing, MicroMasters MSW, MasterTrack MSW, U-M Sociology & SW, and UM-Dearborn Human Services & SW). Students in our full-time four-term programs complete the program in either 16 months or 20 months. Part-time students have different options. Please visit our Program Length webpage for details.

CPT is Curricular Practical Training. All MSW students with F-1 status must have required CPT authorization prior to starting field. Because field placements are required for MSW students, the CPT process for MSW students is different from the non-required CPT application process. CPT application instructions and information are emailed to MSW students with F-1 status before the start of each term.

• For details on the CPT process for MSW students, please visit the Incoming Field International Student webpage.
• For more information about CPT, please visit the U-M International Center's Curriculuar Practical Training (CPT) for F-1 Students webpage.
• If you have questions about CPT at the School of Social Work, please contact Michelle Gorton.

International students are eligible for merit-based financial aid from the U-M School of Social Work and special programs, but are not eligible for need-based financial aid (U.S. federal or state aid). Please see International Student Financial Aid for more information. Contact the Office of Student Services and Enrollment Management with any questions.