The University of Michigan School of Social Work has been working toward a more equitable, caring and socially just society for more than 100 years. True to this spirit, our top-ranked Master of Social Work (MSW) degree program offers a variety of options to fit your schedule — keeping a world-class education within reach of students at all stages of life. You can earn your degree through an online, on-campus, full- or part-time program.

Which Format Is Right For You?

On-Campus MSW ProgramOnline MSW Program

45 or 60 credits

  • 45 credit option for students with Advanced Standing or the MasterTrack certificate
  • Dual degree possible

45 credits

  • Saves you time and money

Full- or Part-time Program (Days)
Part-time Program (Evenings/Weekends)

  • In-person community

Full- or Part-time Program

  • Courses are both synchronous and asynchronous
Eight curricular pathways offeredPathway offered: Interpersonal Practice in Integrated Health, Mental Health, & Substance Abuse Pathway
Advanced Standing Program Available
(if you have a BSW)
Must have a BSW or completed the MasterTrack Certification
Top faculty

Top faculty

  • Courses are taught by the same faculty as on-campus programs

Helpful advisors

  • Office of Student Service provides in-house support for questions and concerns about curriculum, financial aid and career services

Helpful advisors

  • Specifically dedicated to the online community
Office of Field Education supports your field placementDedicated online field education coordinator finds placements near your own community

Take the Next Step

Complete the form below to learn more about the U-M School of Social Work's #1 ranked MSW degree, available on-campus, online, and part-time. By submitting your information, our academic advisors can help you decide the best program for your needs.

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About the U-M School of Social Work

Ranked in the Nation By U.S. News & World Report Since 2012

300+ Scholarship Opportunities for MSW Students

No Graduate Record Exam (GRE) Required

Admission Criteria

  • A U.S. bachelor’s degree or equivalent, with competitive grades, from an accredited institution.
  • Minimum of 20 credit hours for the liberal arts content requirement prior to enrolling.
  • Possess, and open to further developing, some of the personal qualifications considered essential to the successful practice of social work, such as sensitivity and responsiveness in relationships, concern for the needs of others, adaptability, good judgment, critical thinking, creativity and integrity.
  • No GRE tests required.

Who are Social Workers?

If you are looking for a career with meaning, action, and diversity in a variety of settings, consider social work. Social workers improve the quality of life for individuals and effect system-wide change through the pursuit of social justice.

The School offers eight specialized curricular pathways, which allow students to follow their interests and gain the knowledge and skills to become leaders in their fields. Learn how recents alums have found their calling within the field social work:

Community Change

Jessica Ayoub, MSW '15, speaks about her experience at U-M and her role as the Public Engagement Strategist at the ACLU of Michigan.

Global Social Work Practice

Kaity Nicastri, MSW '10, shares her story working at the International Institute, in Detroit, Michigan working on family and humanitarian based applications.

Interpersonal Practice in Integrated Health, Mental Health, & Substance Abuse

Interpersonal Practice in Integrated Health, Mental Health, & Substance Abuse

Management & Leadership

Margo Dalal, MSW '18 shares her story as a co-founder and executive director of the Detroit Community Wealth Fund.

Older Adults & Families from a Lifespan Perspective

Alberto Martinez, MSW '20, talks about his work with Sage Metro Detroit developing training materials to help support LGBT+ Older Adults.

Policy & Political Social Work

Gabriela Santiago-Romero, MSW '18, speaks about her experience at U-M and her run for Detroit City Council in District 6.

Program Evaluation & Applied Research

Duane Breijak, MSW '12, describes his unexpected path to social work and explains how program evaluation teaches social workers to measure impact and be effective in their efforts.

Welfare of Children & Families

Sharonda Chaney, MSW '18, shares her story and brings us into the hallways of Washtenaw International Highschool and Middle Academy.