Program Overview

Master of Social Work

The Master of Social Work (MSW) program at the University of Michigan offers a broad range of specializations, drawing on recent research, new learning innovations, and a strong interdisciplinary focus.

Program Overview

MSW students choose from eight specialized pathways that build on a generalist foundation and provide focused study in key areas of practice. Each pathway helps students develop advanced skills and apply them within specific contexts, policies, and service settings. Students complete 12 credits in their chosen pathway, with the option to pursue a second if eligible.

MSW Program Pathways

The following pathways are available:

• Children, Youth & Families: prepares students to support children, adolescents, and adults through evidence-based and developmentally appropriate interventions and strategies that improve their lives.
• Community Change: engages students in developing a critical and reflexive understanding of the theory, models, and skills needed to promote action and change with diverse communities.
• Global Social Work Practice: for those social work students interested in dedicating themselves to global issues.
• Interpersonal Practice in Integrated Health, Mental Health, & Substance Abuse: focuses on total health and the connection between physical, mental, and behavioral health.
• Management & Leadership: students learn how to effectively manage and lead programs and organizations within a framework of social work values and ethics.
• Policy & Political Social Work: prepares students to use the political system to create social change.
• Program Evaluation & Applied Research: provides students with an opportunity to develop advanced skills in program evaluation, and other qualitative and quantitative methodologies.
• Social Work Practice with Older Adults & Families from a Lifespan Perspective: prepares students to work with older adults and families using evidence-based interventions and a lifespan perspective on psychosocial development.

Curricular Options

Dual Degree

Regularly admitted students in the School of Social Work may pursue a dual degree in another program at the University of Michigan at the same time, provided they have been admitted to the other program as well.

Special Programs

U-M School of Social Work special programs offer specialized academic opportunities, some with significant financial assistance, which can enhance your learning and preparation for a career in social work.

Curriculum Schedules

Advanced Standing

If you have earned your BSW degree from a CSWE or CASWE accredited program, the advanced standing program may allow you to earn your MSW degree in less time by reducing credit-hours from 60 to 45.

MSW Program Length

Earn your MSW through a flexible 60-credit program designed to fit your schedulechoose from full-time or part-time options and multiple curriculum tracks that support your academic and professional goals.

Online MSW Program

Earn your MSW online through a flexible 45-credit program from Michigan Social Workbalance your career and studies while gaining clinical skills and local field experience.

Part-Time

Michigan Social Works part-time MSW programs offer flexible on-campus and online options that fit around work, family, and other commitments. Students access dedicated advising, career services, and field placements while pursuing their degree at a manageable pace.

Social Work Essentials/ MasterTrack Certificate & Online MSW

Whether you're exploring social work or planning to earn your MSW, the Social Work Essentials Certificate offers flexible options to meet your goals. Build foundational skills or take the first step toward an MSWonline or on campus.

University of Michigan School of Social Work MSW Program Mission Statement

Advancing the social work professions vision and values, the University of Michigan School of Social Works MSW program seeks to develop a more equitable, caring, and socially just society. Such a society meets basic human needs, eliminates social and economic inequities, and empowers individuals, their communities, and institutions to reach their aspirations and potential. Drawing on an interdisciplinary faculty within a public university seated in a region of enormous need and promise, the School, enhanced by its research and service, is dedicated to educating new masters-level social workers who will foster progressive change at local, national, and global levels.