Office of Student Services and Enrollment Management

About half of the MSW course sections have 25 - 30 students and about half have fewer than 25 students. Occasionally, but infrequently, sections are combined into a larger sections (approximately 40-50 students) to provide students with a more rich academic experience.

Exemptions from foundation courses will be granted when students have extensive prior comparable courses (minimum of two), covering essentially all of the content of a foundation course in either an undergraduate or graduate program, completed within the last six years PRIOR to enrollment in the MSW program with a grade of "B" or better. Prior work experience is NOT a basis for exemptions. An exemption does not reduce the total number of hours required for graduation. Exemptions provide an opportunity to take additional electives.

Incoming MSW students are informed by the School of Social

No, proficiency exams are not offered. However, if you have extensive prior coursework in relevant areas you may qualify for an exemption.

Because students choose a practice method concentration, a practice area, and fieldwork that best fits with their career ambitions, students may choose to focus more on theoretical and research coursework or on practice coursework. Many practice courses are offered in Interpersonal Practice, Community Organization, Management of Human Services and Social Welfare Policy and Evaluation. Many students in the MSW program focus primarily on developing skills for social work practice on the clinical or macro levels of intervention. Our faculty and curriculum emphasize evidenced-based practices

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.

Yes, international or out-of-state field placements are possible, but require some extra planning. The School offers special programs such as the Global Activities Scholars Program, Jewish Communal Leadership Program, National Community Scholars Program, and Masters International Volunteer Program which all include field placement experience outside of Michigan. If you are interested in such placements you should apply to these programs early and contact the Office of Global Activities: (734) 936-1964 or [email protected].

Over 500 internship sites, termed field placements, are available. Students are required to submit a goal statement, resume, and a list of top placement choices to the Office of Field Education (OFE). Students are assigned a field educator with whom they will work closely with to set up a field placement. MSW students are required to complete 900 clock hours (672 hours for Advanced Standing students) of fieldwork related to their practice area and practice method concentrations. Please visit the OFE's website for additional information.

The University of Michigan, Ann Arbor does not; however, the University of Michigan Flint offers a BSW program. Undergraduate students enrolled at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor may enroll in MSW courses in their junior and senior years with the permission of the instructor.

The University offers an LSA-approved minor for undergraduate students interested in community action and social change. Please view our website for information on the CASC Undergraduate Minor.

Yes, official dual degree programs offered include:

• MSW/JD (Law School)
• MSW/MPH (School of Public Health, Health Behavior/Education)
• MSW/MPP (School of Public Policy)
• MSW/MBA (School of Business Administration)
• MSW/MUP (College of Architecture and Urban Planning)
• MSW/MSI (School of Information)

Students also may set up specialized student initiated dual degree programs. Student initiated dual degree programs have been set up by MSW students with natural resources, architecture, southeast Asian studies, education etc., in the past several years. Separate application materials are

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:

Typical 16 Month Schedule:

Typical 20 Month Schedule