MSW Program

Yes. Each year up to ten students can be admitted through our Non-Baccalaureate Admissions status. The goal of this provision is to provide an opportunity for individuals with extensive, successful experience in social work to obtain the MSW degree without first obtaining a bachelor's degree.

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.

Yes, the University of Michigan has a three term Advanced Standing program, where students typically complete 45 credits in 12 months. All BSW degree requirements must be completed by Fall Orientation at the end of August.

To qualify for the Advanced Standing program students must:

• Have at least a 3.5 GPA over the last 60 – 75 semester credit hours (90 - 105 quarter credit hours) based on their final BSW transcript.
• Have completed a BSW degree from a Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) accredited program.
• Be able to complete the MSW degree requirements within six years of receipt of

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

Yes, the MSW from Michigan will meet the educational requirement to achieve the first level of licensing or certification available in your state. Typically, you must also pass an examination. Our graduates have an excellent record for passing the exams held throughout the country. To attain the highest level of licensing and certification in most states, social workers must complete post-masters work supervised by a fully licensed or certified social worker and pass an advanced examination.

The average incoming student GPA is 3.5. However, we accept a wide range of GPAs, as each application is reviewed individually and evaluated based on a number of factors including:

• Successful completion of a U.S. bachelor’s degree or its equivalent
• An undergraduate record that reflects a liberal arts perspective
• A commitment to keeping social justice at the center of your work  
• Personal qualities considered essential to the practice of social work
• Strong written and oral communication skills

 The GRE is not required for admission to the MSW degree program.

Please review the Transfer Applicants webpage for information and a form to request a review of potential transfer credits.

Transfer students from CSWE accredited MSW programs can transfer up to 30 credit hours as long as they were degree seeking students. Other students may be able to transfer up to 19 credits into the MSW program. Credits which have been applied toward another degree cannot transfer. Most transfer students will need to complete 12 credit hours of advanced fieldwork placement while enrolled at the University of Michigan.

For more information visit the MSW Program Transfer Applicants page.

Admitted students may request deferment for one or two years. The Office of Student Services and Enrollment Management will review and make decisions on all deferment requests. Deferment requests may be submitted via email to [email protected].

Yes, a $300 (U.S. dollars) non-refundable enrollment deposit is required to secure your place in the incoming class. The enrollment deposit is applied to your student account. If paying the enrollment deposit will create a financial hardship, please contact the Office of Student Services and Enrollment Management at [email protected] or (734) 936-0961.