SSW FAQ

Yes, however, students may be able to complete and employment-based field placement with their current organization. Students must have a different LMSW supervisor for their field hours, MSW level tasks in line with the competencies required for their pathway, and an affiliation agreement must be established with the University of Michigan and the organization.

Students who enter the Online MSW Program through the Social Work Essentials/MasterTrack Certificate, U-M Sociology and Social Work or UM Dearborn Human Services and Social Work programs will complete 16 hours of field placement (2 days/week) for four semesters.

Advanced Standing eligible students in the full time online program will complete 24 hours field placement (3 days/week) for two semesters. Advanced standing students in the part time online program will complete 16 hours of field placement (2 days/week) for three semesters.

Students in the Online MSW Program will have 45 credits remaining for the MSW degree, which is equivalent to 3 semesters of full time tuition cost. Tuition costs vary based upon whether a student is a Michigan resident or non-resident. Tuition estimates can be found here. If a student enters through the MasterTrack or Social Work Essentials MSW Program they will have additional cost for the certificate.

Online MSW students can apply for need and merit-based grants and scholarships. More information about financial aid can be found here.

No, special scholarship programs must be completed through the On-Campus MSW Program 16 month (full time) or Advanced Standing (full time) schedules.

Yes, Online MSW students may submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid to apply for federal loans.

No. Students are not required to live near Michigan for the Online MSW Program, but students are required to complete field placement hours in the United States.

No. It is not possible to complete the entire Online MSW program while living outside of the United States. Students who are U.S. Citizens or who have Permanent Residency status in the U.S. may take courses while outside of the United States, however their field placement hours (credits) must be completed in the United States, not including U.S. territories. Please review the Distance Education Disclosure form for more information.

Yes. The student must reside within the U.S. and meet criteria for one of the following paths:

• Advanced Standing (you earned a BSW degree with a 3.5 GPA or higher)
• MasterTrack 
• U-M Sociology and Social Work
• UM-Dearborn Human Services and Social Work

Yes, Online MSW students are eligible for work-study, Graduate Student Instructor (GSI), or Graduate Student Staff Assistant (GSSA) positions. Students must meet the criteria listed on the U-M Human Resources website. Online MSW students must enroll in at least 6 credits in a term to hold a GSI or GSSA position. Positions are posted on the U-M Careers website. Work-study positions are posted on the U-M Student Employment website.