The Michigan postsecondary institutions covered in this article offer Master of Social Work (MSW) programs that allow graduate students to choose a concentration or interest within the field. Below, we examine and compare a few of these schools and discuss what makes their MSW programs unique.
Schools in Michigan with Master of Social Work Programs
| School | Location | In-State, Graduate Tuition (2019-2020)* | Degree Available** |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Michigan | Ann Arbor, MI | $23,890 | Master of Social Work |
| Michigan State University | East Lansing, MI | $18,858 | Master of Social Work |
| Wayne State University | Detroit, MI | $16,285 | Master of Social Work |
| Eastern Michigan University | Ypsilanti, MI | $18,912 | Master of Social Work |
| Spring Arbor University | Spring Arbor, MI | $7,886 | Master of Social Work |
Sources: *National Center for Education Statistics, **School Website
Master of Social Work Programs in Michigan
University of Michigan
The University of Michigan offers students a 60-credit MSW program that is offered in 12-month, 16-month, 20-month, and fifth-term options as well as in a extended degree format. Students in the program choose a practice method concentration from interpersonal practice, community organization, management of human services, and social policy and evaluation. They also choose a practice area in either health, mental health, community and social systems, children and youth in families and society, or aging in families and society.
Michigan State University
The curriculum of Michigan State University's MSW program begins by giving students a solid foundation in the field, followed by time focused on a concentration in clinical social work or organization and community leadership. Students participate in extensive field experiences as they work to complete their required 57 credit hours (or 38 credit hours if they hold a Bachelor of Social Work and were accepted with Advanced Standing. The program can be completed in 2 years if taken full time or 3 years if taken part time; day or evening classes also available.
Wayne State University
Wayne State University's MSW program begins with a Core Year, followed by the Advanced Year where students specialize in interpersonal practice or innovation in community, policy and leadership. Field work for the program is concurrent with courses and can be completed in 2 years if taken full time or 3 to 4 years if taken part time. Courses are offered during the day, in the evenings, on Saturdays and online. The regular MSW program requires 60 credits, while those with Advanced Standing are only required to take 38 credits.
Eastern Michigan University
Eastern Michigan University offers a 63-credit program for admitted students not possessing a bachelor's degree in social work and an advanced standing program for those holding an undergraduate degree in social work, which requires 35 credit hours. The full program takes 4 years to complete and the advanced standing program takes 2 years, but courses for both programs are only offered on evenings and Saturdays. Full program students must complete 400 hours of internship time during their foundation courses in addition to the required 500-hour internship at the advanced level. Students can choose to concentrate in family and children's services, mental illness and/or chemical dependency services, or services for the aging.
Spring Arbor University
Spring Arbor University has a 60-credit hour MSW program and a 30-credit hour program for those in advanced standing. Students are required to participate in internships for hands-on learning and can choose to focus their studies through the clinical micro-concentration option. This micro-concentration prepares graduates to work with individuals, families and small groups in a clinical setting. The MSW program is also offered at various satellite campus locations.
Michigan has many MSW programs for potential graduate students to choose from, and many of these programs offer an advanced standing option for students who already hold a bachelor's degree in the field. Most, if not all, of these programs also give students the hands-on learning experiences necessary to succeed in the field through internship and practicum opportunities.
