Student Services FAQ

Students may complete a minor in a Practice Method but not in a Practice Area. Students have the option of selecting a Minor Practice Method in any one of the three Practice Methods in which they do not concentrate. Minor method requirements include two advanced method courses and 171 hours of advanced field work related to the minor method. Selecting a minor may limit field placement options and also limits elective course options.

The Ann Arbor Transit Authority operates many bus routes within the city as well as between Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti. These buses are free for students to use with a valid ID. For more information on bus routes, you can visit the AATA website or by phone at 734-973-6500. U of M also has a bus line, and more info can be found on U-M's Parking and Transportation Services website.

Yes, we encourage prospective students to visit the School of Social Work. Prospective students are invited to attend one of our Prospective Student Group Sessions, which are held once or twice per month from September through April. The School can also arrange an individualized visit for prospective students, which includes attending a class, lunch with a current student, and a meeting with an admissions counselor. Contact the Office of Student Services and Enrollment Management (734-936-0961) to sign up for a Prospective Student Group Session or schedule an individual appointment.

Yes, we strongly encourage applicants to submit an online application and utilize the online recommendation system. In the letters of recommendation section of the online application, you may indicate whether or not you wish each recommender to use the online recommendation system. If you indicate "yes" to use the online recommendation system and click on "submit request to recommender", an email will be sent to the recommender with information and a link that will allow them to submit an online recommendation. You can track the status of your recommendation requests by viewing your application account activity.

Letters of recommendation may also be submitted:

1. Through the mail (be sure the letter is in a sealed envelope with the signature of the recommender over the seal)
2. Via email to [email protected]

Official recommendations must be sent directly to us by the recommender.

Yes, official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended must be submitted.

No, a thesis is not required in the MSW program. There are two research/evaluation courses required (522 & 683) that prepare students to design and implement research projects, and most assignments for these courses will be research papers, but a formal thesis is not required. Students may set up an independent study course to receive credit for completing an optional formal thesis.

No, a BSW is not required for admission to the MSW program. Our students come from a wide variety of backgrounds. The majority of our students hold a bachelor’s degree in a liberal arts discipline (psychology, sociology, etc.), but we also have students with backgrounds in business, engineering, law, etc.

Bringing a car with you is not required, but is strongly encouraged. Having a car significantly enhances your field internship opportunities.

Yes, all Master of Social Work (MSW) students must obtain a personal laptop computer. Laptops are used in some classes, in group projects outside of class, and can serve your other information processing needs. The SSW utilizes virtual lab technology that all students can access anytime, anywhere, making a laptop essential. Please review the School's laptop requirement policy.

Yes. Please feel free to review details on our part-time options.