Enrolling for graduate-level social work courses as a non-degree student enables individuals to take courses in order to help focus their interests, to test capabilities in a graduate setting, to increase knowledge, or to improve professional skills. A maximum of 19 graduate credit hours earned with a grade of "B" or better as a non-degree student could be applied toward the master of social work degree if that student later applies and is accepted into the MSW program. However, enrolling in courses as a non-degree student does not guarantee admission to the MSW degree program. The School of Social Work offers two options to individuals who wish to enroll on a non-degree basis for on-campus social work courses:
Non-Candidate for Degree Admission Status
Unclassified Non-Candidate for Degree (NCFD) is a special admission status appropriate for a student who 1) has earned a bachelor's degree and wishes to enroll in on-campus/Ann Arbor graduate-level social work courses without entering the degree-granting program or 2) has earned an MSW degree and wishes to enroll in additional on-campus/Ann Arbor graduate-level social work credit as a non-degree student. Admission decisions for NCFD status is based on prior academic credentials and the statement of purpose. A student may apply for unclassified NCFD status for any term, although course offerings are extremely limited in spring/summer term. Applicants are encouraged to submit the NCFD application and all supporting materials by the following dates:
- August 1 for fall term
- December 1 for winter term
- April 1 for spring/summer term
The NCFD application may close at any time after the above-stated dates.
The required application materials include:
- A Special Student/Non-Degree Application
- Official transcripts from colleges/universities where a degree was/will be earned if you have not received an MSW from the University of Michigan
- A brief statement of purpose indicating why you the applicant is are seeking enrollment in courses as a non-degree student
Typically, students admitted to NCFD status register after all MSW degree-seeking students have registered. Therefore course registration for any term is dependent on space availability.
NCFD admission is valid on a term by term basis. If an NCFD student would like to continue in the next term, they must submit a written request to continue NCFD enrollment by completing a Request to Continue Form. Requests must be received by the following deadlines:
- Priority deadline: Nov 1 (for winter), March 1 (for sp/su), July 1 (for fall)
- Final deadline: Nov 30 (for winter), March 31 (for sp/su), July 31 (for fall)
Requests will be reviewed by the MSW Program Director and the Office of Student Services and Enrollment Management. Consideration of continued enrollment will take a holistic approach that includes a review of academic progress (with a 3.0 average expected) and other relevant information (e.g., their rationale to continue, information from previous course instructors about attendance, participation and performance, and adherence to technical standards). Students will be informed of a decision at the earliest date possible.