SSW FAQ

All assignments must be completed with 70% or higher in order to pass the course.

Yes, learners can re-do assignments until they receive the required 70%. Assignments include quizzes, discussion posts, Photovoice submissions, and writing assignments. Some assignments are graded via peer reviews. Learners may not be able to receive an updated peer review on their assignments until the next section of the course begins. Course schedules can be found here.

No. The School of Social Work cannot accept payment from a college fund (e.g. 529) to cover the cost for the Social Work Essentials Certificate. Students can consult with a personal accountant to see if the certificate would meet the requirement to receive a reimbursement from their college fund account.

Social impact refers to the effect an organization’s or an individual’s actions have on the well-being of the community and the world at large. In the context of social work, social impact is the positive and measurable change a social worker's actions have on individuals, groups, or communities. It's about moving beyond providing a service to creating a lasting, transformative, and systemic positive change that improves people's well-being by addressing a pressing social issue. This can include anything from local improvements to major global shifts.

Our signature Social Impact Leadership Project pairs students with real organizations and communities seeking innovative solutions to pressing challenges. Over the course of two semesters, you will identify problems, build authentic relationships, and design and implement solutions—all while developing the leadership skills that will define your career.

Students will also have the opportunity to shape their own experience by working on projects and issues of personal interest, including with communities or organizations they already have connections to. The program team will collaborate with each student to customize the project to align with their passions, career goals, and future plans.

This hands-on, immersive experience ensures that every graduate not only understands social impact in theory, but has also practiced it in action—equipping them with a portfolio of work that demonstrates their ability to lead, innovate, and create measurable change.

The Therapy Track is intended for professionals with a mental health license, while the Counseling Track is intended for healthcare and other professionals who may provide counseling to clients/patients around sexual health and functioning.

The upside of a big school is that we also have a lot of resources.

• The SSW has our own writing specialist, Betsy Williams ([email protected]). Not only can that office help you with general learning about the mechanics of writing, they will also proofread and edit your papers. You can connect with the writing center here.
• Often, instructors expect students to follow APA writing, formatting and citation guidelines in papers. Learn more about APA formatting here.
• The U-M has an extensive library system with librarians ready and waiting to help you. They can assist with literature searches, teach you how to use the journal databases, and generally support you in your information gathering needs. You can reach out to any of the U-M libraries and/or contact [email protected].

Once you've been back in school for a while, this will get easier... we promise!

There are two On Campus MSW application deadlines: December 1st and March 1st.

December 1-Early Application Deadline:
The early application deadline is December 1. Students are strongly encouraged to meet this deadline. Applicants complete with their application and supporting documents by December 1 receive notification of their status through the initial review by March 1. For most applicants this will be a final determination. For some applicants, the School will inform them by March 1 that a re-review of their application will be completed in May. Some applicants who have their applications re-reviewed in May will be admitted into the program, some will be denied admission and others will be offered a position on an Alternate List. Some Alternate List members may be offered admission in June, July or August. Those not admitted will be given a final review in September, which could include denial or deferred admission for the next year.

March 1-Priority Deadline / February 1-Priority International & NAB Deadline::
The Priority deadline is March 1. Applicants submitting completed applications by March 1 will have priority for admission in relationship to those applying after March 1. The School will accept applications following the priority deadline, but we strongly encourage applicants to apply as early as possible. NOTE: International applicants must submit their applications and supporting documents by February 1.

Application after March 1st:
The MSW application final deadline for NAB and international applicants is March 1st. For other On Campus MSW applicants, applications are usually accepted after the March 1 Priority Deadline. Once a final On Campus MSW application deadline is set, it is listed on the SSW website, as well as posted to the U of M School of Social Work Prospective Students Facebook page.

Please provide one statement which covers all three topics.

Applicants that were complete with their application and supporting documents by December 1 receive notification of their status through the initial review by March 1. For most applicants this will be a final admission decision. For some applicants, the School will inform them by March 1 that a re-review of their application will be completed in May. Some applicants who have their applications re-reviewed in May will be admitted into the program, some will be denied admission, and others will be offered a position on an Alternate List. Some Alternate List members may be offered admission in June, July or August. Those not admitted will be given a final review in September, which could include denial or deferred admission for the next year.

U-M CASC & Social Work, U-M Sociology & Social Work, and UM-Dearborn HHS & Social Work students submitting an MSW application during their junior year for a future term (preferred application process) have a March 1 application deadline. Admission decision notification will occur in the spring, at the earliest date possible, for all U-M CASC & Social Work, U-M Sociology & Social Work, and UM-Dearborn HHS & Social Work juniors applying to the MSW program for a future term. (e.g. Applying in fall 2026 for fall 2027.).

Yes, please see the program home page for information about the types of continuing education hours offered.