How do I apply for work-study?
To apply for a work-study award, complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The University Office of Financial Aid will provide you a work-study award if you meet the eligibility requirements and if funds are available at the time that you apply. Students awarded work-study may apply for work-study jobs as listed on the Student Employment Office job posting site. (These jobs are not available to students without work-study.) Students may also post their information and a resume on the SSW temporary employment website. This information is available to SSW faculty and staff who hire work-study employees.
How do I apply to a special program?
If you would like to apply to a special program, then please answer "yes" to the question, "Do you plan to apply to an SSW Special Program?" found on the Financial Assistance page of the MSW online application and then check the special program checkbox of the program to which you wish to apply. The special program application pages will be added to the end of your online MSW application. Call 734-936-0961 if you are unable to submit the application via the online MSW application system.
Application deadlines are December 1 (early application), February 1 (priority), and March 1. Selection of applicants will be made from all dates with priority given to those applicants that meet the December and February deadlines. Your MSW application must be complete by the scholarship application deadline.
How early can I apply?
You can apply as soon as the application is available online, which is usually in September for admission for the following fall semester.
How is financial aid awarded to MSW students?
The School of Social Work Office of Student Services and Enrollment Management provides grant and scholarship assistance. The University Office of Financial Aid provides loans and work study awards. Many scholarships and grants are awarded at the time of admission. To view the full range of financial aid opportunities, visit our MSW Financial Aid webpage.
How long does it take to earn the MSW degree?
Some students can complete the MSW program in 12 months (full-time Advanced Standing, MicroMasters MSW, MasterTrack MSW, U-M Sociology & SW, and UM-Dearborn Human Services & SW). Students in our full-time four-term programs complete the program in either 16 months or 20 months. Part-time students have different options. Please visit our Program Length webpage for details.
How many credit hours will I take every semester?
Our students typically complete about 14 – 17 credit hours per semester. Full time students average 15 credit hours per semester. The number of credit hours students enroll in varies depending on which track you have chosen.
Typical Advanced Standing Schedule:
| Fall Term Year 1 | Winter Term Year 1 | Spring/Summer Term Year 1 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Credit Hours of Courses | 12 | 12 | 9 |
| Credit Hours of Fieldwork | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Total Credit Hours | 16 | 16 | 13 |
Typical 16 Month Schedule:
| Fall Term Year 1 | Winter Term Year 1 | Spring / Summer Term | Fall Term Year 2 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Credit Hours of Courses | 15 | 12 | 6 | 12 |
| Credit Hours of Fieldwork | 0 | 3 | 8 | 4 |
| Total Credit Hours | 15 | 15 | 14 | 16 |
Typical 20 Month Schedule:
| Fall Term Year 1 | Winter Term Year 1 | Fall Term Year 2 | Winter Term Year 2 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Credit Hours of Courses | 12 | 12 | 12 | 9 |
| Credit Hours of Fieldwork | 3 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Total Credit Hours | 15 | 16 | 16 | 13 |
How many of the students are awarded scholarships or financial assistance?
About 90% of the MSW class apply for and receive some form of grant and/or scholarship assistance.
How many students are in the School?
Approximately 415 new students are enrolled each fall term. Total size of the MSW program is about 700 in the fall term, 500 in the winter term and 350 in the spring/summer term.
How much are tuition and fees for the MSW Program?
Tuition and fee expenses are variable depending on your program. Please visit the MSW Tuition & Student Budget webpages for detailed information. Each year, the Regents of the University of Michigan set tuition and fees, which are subject to change.
The School of Social Work offers a wide variety of scholarships and financial aid. Visit the Financial Aid webpages to learn more.
How quickly do University of Michigan Social Work graduates find jobs?
The average graduate finds a position within 3-4 months from the time they begin their search.
For more information about SSW MSW salary and job search information visit the Alumni Employment Data page.