SSW FAQ

The PhD in Social Work and Social Welfare is designed for students who already have their Master of Social Work (MSW) degree and are looking for a career focused on social justice, equity, and rigorous research.  This program provides a transdisciplinary approach to identifying and studying societal problems for the purpose of proposing and developing solutions.  The focus on societal interventions and solving problems is core to the new PhD in Social Work and Social Welfare at the University of Michigan.

No. Anyone can enroll in Social Work Essentials Certificate courses.

The Social Work Essentials Certificate program is $2,000.

No. You would have a Social Work Essentials Certificate. The Social Work Essentials Certificate alone is a non-credit bearing credential.

You will receive the MSW degree only if you proceed into the MSW degree program after you complete the Social Work Essentials certificate courses. Note that a full MSW application is required for MSW program admission consideration.

No. The Social Work Essentials certificate was designed to be completed over a 4 month period (taking 3 classes at a time). It is strongly discouraged for students to take more than 3 classes at a time, unless they are working on the SW Essentials certificate full time. Each course is approximately 8-weeks long. If a student cannot complete their courses in 4 months, they are able to extend their time in the class but they would need to be administratively moved to another section. Students who need to do this should email [email protected] for assistance.

This is designed to be a 4 month, cohorted program. You should sign up and pay for all of the courses within the 4 month window. Because the program is designed to be cohorted, and things like peer grading all happen within your cohort window. If you are unable to complete all of your certificate courses within your 4 month cohort window, we can move your remaining courses into the next cohort. Students who need to do this should email [email protected] for assistance.

Note: If you are intending to enter the MSW program, this may delay your MSW program start date.

There is no limit to the number of students who can join the Social Work Essentials Certificate cohort.

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

Yes, as a full-time Online MSW student. Note that dual degrees are only an option for full-time students. Online and residential full-time students are both eligible; however, most non-social work degree programs are in person at this time.

Students must be admitted into both degree programs. Students must graduate from both programs in the same term to count course credits from their dual unit towards MSW program requirements.

It may be possible to transfer credits. Please contact the Office of Student Services and Enrollment Management at [email protected] with any inquiry.