The master of social work (MSW) is a 60-credit-hour degree program that can be completed part-time or full-time through one of the curriculum schedules listed below.
In addition, the School of Social Work offers the following opportunities to complete the MSW program in 45 credit hours:
- Advanced Standing for students who have completed a bachelor of social work degree and meet all of the requirements for advanced standing status.
- Social Work Essentials/ MasterTrack™ MSW for students who have a minimum of three or more years of full-time human services experience.
- UM-Dearborn Human Services & Social Work Program for University of Michigan-Dearborn human services undergraduates participating in the combined program.
- U-M Sociology & Social Work Program for University of Michigan-Ann Arbor sociology undergraduates participating in the combined program
The School also offers a Masters International Volunteer Program, which allows students interested in incorporating 27 months of Peace Corps service into their MSW program.
Upon admission, students will be required to confirm which schedule they plan to elect since it determines their field placement assignment. After enrollment, students wishing to change to a different schedule must submit an Out-of-Sequence Petition describing an alternate plan. The petition should not be submitted before admission to the MSW program. Such petitions will be granted only if they are deemed educationally sound and all fieldwork and course requirements can be met.
Curriculum Schedules & Program Options
12 Month
Begins in September with fall term, followed by winter and summer terms, and concludes with graduation in July/August of the first academic year.
16 Month
Graduate Ahead of Schedule with a Streamlined, Full-Time Curriculum
Begins in September, includes the spring/summer term, and concludes with graduation in December of the subsequent year.
This schedule is designed for full-time students who will benefit from completing their course requirements in four consecutive terms, including the spring/summer term. Students enter in the fall term and graduate at the end of the subsequent fall term. The 16-month course planning worksheet indicates the typical course schedule by term.
Typically, field education begins in the winter term for two days per week, continues in the spring/summer term for three days per week, and concludes in the fall term for three days per week.
16-Month Curriculum Schedule
| Fall Term Year 1 | Winter Term Year 1 | Spring/Summer Term | Fall Term Year 2 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Course Credit Hours | 16 | 12 | 9 | 9 |
| Field Placement Credit Hours | 0 (no field) | 2 (2 days/week) | 6 (3 days/week) | 6 (3 days/week) |
| Total Credit Hours | 16 | 14 | 15 | 15 |
20 Month
Structured Break Between Years to Recharge or Focus on Other Commitments
Begins in September, excludes the spring/summer term, and concludes with graduation date in April/May at the end of the second academic year.
This schedule is designed for full-time students who will benefit from a spring/summer break in their program. Students enter in the fall term and graduate 20 months later at the end of their second winter term of enrollment. The 20-month course planning worksheet indicates the typical course schedule by term.
Typically, field education begins in the winter term for two days per week, continues in the second fall term for three days per week, and concludes in the second winter term for three days per week.
20-Month Curriculum Schedule
| Fall Term Year 1 | Winter Term Year 1 | Fall Term Year 2 | Winter Term Year 2 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Course Credit Hours | 16 | 12 | 9 | 9 |
| Field Placement Credit Hours | 0 (no field) | 2 (2 days/week) | 6 (3 days/week) | 6 (3 days/week) |
| Total Credit Hours | 16 | 14 | 15 | 15 |
Social Work Essentials/ MasterTrack™
Eligible students who meet the Social Work Essentials/ MasterTrack™ MSW program requirements will be able to complete the Master of Social Work degree in three to six terms of online enrollment.
Online MSW
The Online MSW Program provides options for students to complete the master of social work degree requirements online.
Part-Time
Part-time options for the MSW Program allow students to complete the master of social work degree requirements through part-time enrollment. The part-time options increase access to the MSW degree for qualified students who cannot enroll full-time.