MSW Student Guide
Section 1.09.02: Changing Primary Pathway After Official Declaration
Occasionally, full-time students in the on-campus program or part-time students in the on-campus day program may wish to switch their chosen pathway after they have officially selected the pathway. It is in a student's best interest to make changes to the pathway prior to the assignment of the first field placement. In general, note that:
1. Not all classes are offered every semester. As such, students are strongly advised to
consult with their academic advisor or the Technical Advising Team to ensure the classes
they need to take will be available for registration before graduation.
2. Changing a primary pathway after beginning advanced field education may result in
lengthening the duration of the program since students must complete at least eight (8)
credit hours of SW 691 "Advanced Field Education" in the chosen pathway.
3. Advanced-standing students who change their primary pathway after the first term of SW 691
"Advanced Field Education" will, in all probability, need to enroll for an additional term of
study.
4. Students who elect the school social work specialization will, in all probability, need to
enroll for an additional term of study if they change their primary pathway after the second term
of SW 691 "Advanced Field Education".
After the first term of advanced field education, students may change the primary pathway under the following circumstances:
1. There is room and availability of the required courses.
2. An appropriate field placement can be secured to accommodate the new pathway.
3. A plan is developed by the student that demonstrates that all requirements can be met.
4. Permission of the director of field education is obtained.
5. Permission of the academic advisor is obtained.
6. Permission of the field faculty and director of field education is obtained.
To change a primary pathway and complete degree requirements within four terms, the deadlines below should be observed.
16-Month Students
Submit all necessary forms by the end of the second term of study.
20-Month Students
Submit all necessary forms by the end of the second term of study.
Advanced-Standing and MasterTrack MSW Students
Submit all necessary forms by the end of the first term of study.
Out-of-Sequence and Additional Term Option Students
May not be able to change pathways without extending the program of study.
Consult with academic adviser and field faculty.
Part-Time Day Students
Submit all necessary forms prior to the second term of advanced field placement.
The Change in Pathway Request form is located at https://ssw.umich.edu/assets/change-in-pathway/ .
Students should also confirm that a change in pathway will not conflict with the conditions required of any grant or scholarship offered by the School of Social Work.
1. Not all classes are offered every semester. As such, students are strongly advised to
consult with their academic advisor or the Technical Advising Team to ensure the classes
they need to take will be available for registration before graduation.
2. Changing a primary pathway after beginning advanced field education may result in
lengthening the duration of the program since students must complete at least eight (8)
credit hours of SW 691 "Advanced Field Education" in the chosen pathway.
3. Advanced-standing students who change their primary pathway after the first term of SW 691
"Advanced Field Education" will, in all probability, need to enroll for an additional term of
study.
4. Students who elect the school social work specialization will, in all probability, need to
enroll for an additional term of study if they change their primary pathway after the second term
of SW 691 "Advanced Field Education".
After the first term of advanced field education, students may change the primary pathway under the following circumstances:
1. There is room and availability of the required courses.
2. An appropriate field placement can be secured to accommodate the new pathway.
3. A plan is developed by the student that demonstrates that all requirements can be met.
4. Permission of the director of field education is obtained.
5. Permission of the academic advisor is obtained.
6. Permission of the field faculty and director of field education is obtained.
To change a primary pathway and complete degree requirements within four terms, the deadlines below should be observed.
16-Month Students
Submit all necessary forms by the end of the second term of study.
20-Month Students
Submit all necessary forms by the end of the second term of study.
Advanced-Standing and MasterTrack MSW Students
Submit all necessary forms by the end of the first term of study.
Out-of-Sequence and Additional Term Option Students
May not be able to change pathways without extending the program of study.
Consult with academic adviser and field faculty.
Part-Time Day Students
Submit all necessary forms prior to the second term of advanced field placement.
The Change in Pathway Request form is located at https://ssw.umich.edu/assets/change-in-pathway/ .
Students should also confirm that a change in pathway will not conflict with the conditions required of any grant or scholarship offered by the School of Social Work.