SSW FAQ

The MSIL program is built on the premise that impactful leadership is rooted in a deep understanding of social justice, ethical decision-making, and collaborative action. We believe that social impact leaders must be equipped not only with technical skills but also with the values and vision to drive equitable change.

The curriculum integrates cutting-edge leadership theories with real-world challenges, fostering critical thinking and systems-level analysis. Students will learn to navigate complex social issues, build effective partnerships, mobilize resources, and measure the impact of their initiatives.

At its core, the program emphasizes:

• Ethical and Responsible Leadership – grounding decisions in integrity, transparency, and accountability to communities.
• Collaboration and Co-Creation – recognizing that durable solutions emerge when leaders work alongside, not apart from, those directly impacted by social challenges.
• Innovation and Adaptability – encouraging students to embrace creativity, technology, and new models of change to address evolving social needs.
• Global and Local Perspectives – preparing students to understand and respond to both community-based challenges and broader global systems.

Through this philosophy, the MA develops leaders who not only analyze problems but also design and implement solutions that are measurable, sustainable, and transformative.
 

Students in the MSIL will develop a blend of practical, analytical, and leadership skills that prepare them to create measurable impact across sectors. Core competencies include:

• Strategic Leadership and Management – the ability to lead teams, design initiatives, and make decisions grounded in equity and social justice.
• Financial and Resource Stewardship – practical skills in budgeting, fundraising, and mobilizing resources for sustainable social impact.
• Impact Measurement and Evaluation – tools to identify metrics, assess outcomes, and communicate results to stakeholders.
  Technology and Innovation for Social Good – leveraging digital tools and emerging technologies to advance equity-driven solutions.
• Collaboration and Partnership Building – the capacity to cultivate cross-sector partnerships, engage diverse stakeholders, and mobilize collective action.
• Critical Thinking and Systems Analysis – the ability to navigate complex social challenges, analyze policies, and identify leverage points for change.

Graduates will leave the program with the skills to design, lead, and evaluate initiatives that advance social good—whether in nonprofits, philanthropy, government, or mission-driven businesses.
 

TOEFL, IELTS, MELAB, or ECPE scores are required for applicants whose native language is not English regardless of their status when applying. Applicants are exempt from submitting a TOEFL, IELTS, MELAB, or ECPE score if they have either 1) earned a degree from an institution where the language of instruction is exclusively English, regardless of country, within two years of applying to the MSW or MA in Social Impact Leadership (MSIL) or 2) studied in the US for two years or more within two years of applying to the MSW or MA in Social Impact Leadership (MSIL). Note that test scores are valid for two years from the test date.

Please review the English Proficiency webpage for details.

The Master of Arts in Social Impact Leadership is designed for forward-thinking, solution-seeking, and aspiring leaders committed to driving meaningful, measurable change in organizations, communities, and systems. The MSIL seeks students who aim to work with other like-minded students to build practical skills and leadership capacities in the social impact sector.

If you are looking to expand your skills or translate the experience you already have into a more impactful career, this could align really well. The MSIL will give you skills that will allow you to work in a variety of settings: social enterprises, non-profits, government agencies, philanthropic foundations, impact investment firms, public organizations, and corporations with a commitment to social responsibility.

Students in the MSIL will be able to use their electives to take classes in other schools such as the Ross School of Business, the Ford School of Public Policy, the School of Environment and Sustainability, and the School of Information, among others. 

The MA requires coursework in: Foundations and Frameworks for Social Impact, Technology for Social Good, People Leadership for Social Impact, Financial Management for Social Impact, and Impact Measurement.

All students complete a two-semester signature social impact leadership project.

Students have additional credits that they can use for electives within the School of Social Work as well as from other graduate program courses within the University of Michigan.

The MSIL is a 30-credit program. The MSIL is launching as an in-person, full-time residential/on-campus program in Fall 2026. The residential program is designed as a 2-semester program with students starting in the Fall term and completing the degree at the end of the Winter term. An online version of the program will be available starting in Fall 2027 and will appear as an option on the 27/28 application cycle opening in July 2026.

The MSIL courses will be taught by faculty and industry leaders with substantial experience in a variety of social impact settings.  

We anticipate launching an online, part-time program in Fall 2027.

Eligibility will depend on your program track with the MSW program. We encourage you to reach out to discuss your interests and the feasibility of options based on your program track.