Michigan State University Master’s in Social Work Program
MSU School of Social Work stands at the vanguard of social work education. The school gives you the knowledge and skills you need to advance social justice and create positive change in a variety of communities. Ranked among the top 25 social work programs at public universities according to U.S. News & World Report, MSU’s reputation shines through its academic excellence and professional preparation.
The school prepares students to improve people’s quality of life and create system-wide change through practice, policy, and research. MSU’s person-in-environment approach emphasizes developing strengths, resources, supports, and skills while working with individuals or systems.
MSU’s School of Social Work’s track record speaks volumes. A remarkable 97% of recent graduates landed their desired jobs. Social work employment opportunities will grow at least 6% by 2034. The school’s network includes over 10,000 alumni who make meaningful contributions throughout Michigan and beyond.
The school boasts a talented faculty of 19 full-time members (8 male and 11 female) who bring their research expertise to the classroom. Recent faculty research expenditures reached $817,051 on its coverage. This shows the program’s steadfast dedication to advancing knowledge. Faculty members focus on deepening their commitment to families and communities while advancing social justice for vulnerable populations.
The student body showcases rich diversity:
- 74% White or Caucasian
- 4% Black or African American
- 19% Hispanic/Latino
- 56% Asian
- 4% American Indian or Alaska Native
The MSW program maintains high standards in admissions. Recent data shows 175 acceptances from 251 applicants, that indicates quality while staying available.
Students benefit from interactive, small-class learning experiences. Upper-level courses typically have fewer than 25 students. This setup lets you enjoy an intimate small school atmosphere while accessing a big university’s resources. Students develop close relationships with faculty who provide customized attention to their educational needs and interests.
The School of Social Work prepares graduates for real-life challenges through extensive field experience. Students get customized field placements through partnerships with over 850 programs across the United States. These placements focus on generalist social work practice, and students don’t need to find their own internships.
Programs offered
MSU’s social work programs are designed to match your career goals and schedule. The substance of these programs is the Master of Social Work (MSW) program, fully accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). Students can choose between two distinct concentrations: Clinical Social Work which focuses on micro-level work with individuals, families, and groups, and Organization and Community Leadership which tackles macro-level changes in communities and organizations.
The Regular Program needs 57 credits if you don’t have a social work background or have an older BSW degree. You can choose from two ways to complete it:
- East Lansing – Complete it full-time in 2 years or part-time in 3 years with daytime classes on MSU’s campus
- Statewide Blended – Take this relaxed part-time option over 3 years with monthly Saturday Zoom classes and online coursework
The Advanced Standing Program lets you finish with just 36 credits if you have a recent CSWE-accredited Bachelor of Social Work degree with a 3.25+ GPA. You can choose between East Lansing and Statewide Blended options, with full-time (1 year) or part-time (2 years) schedules.
MSU’s dual degree opportunities are a great way to get extra credentials. You could combine social work with legal training in a joint MSW/JD program over four years. The MSW/MPH program blends social work knowledge with public health training through online MPH courses.
The Bachelor of Arts in Social Work (BASW) program has CSWE accreditation and meets Michigan’s social work licensing requirements. This program readies you for foundation practice and has specialized certificates in health and aging, child welfare, and nonprofit administration.
The PhD Program in Social Work suits students aiming for research and academic careers. The program helps develop, analyze, and apply social work knowledge. Graduates become educators, researchers, program administrators, and policy analysts.
Working professionals can access Continuing Education through certificate programs. These educational options line up with your professional goals and schedule needs.
About the online program
MSU’s Statewide Blended program offers a flexible online learning experience. The program caters to students who need to balance their professional, personal, and academic responsibilities. Students can get quality education without frequent campus visits through a mix of monthly online sessions and independent coursework.
The hybrid format works in a simple way. Students attend class on one Saturday each month during fall and spring semesters through Zoom. They complete the remaining coursework on their own through online platforms between monthly sessions. This setup creates a perfect learning environment for working professionals who can’t attend traditional on-campus programs.
Students in the Regular MSW Statewide Blended option follow a three-year, part-time schedule that starts in fall semester. Students eligible for Advanced Standing can pick either a full-time one-year option or a part-time two-year format. These courses begin in summer semester. Both paths lead to the same fully accredited MSW degree that the Council on Social Work Education recognizes.
The program has specific geographic requirements. Out-of-state applicants must live within 50 miles of Michigan’s border. They need to verify this before admission decisions. Students who focus on Organization and Community Leadership must take SW 865 and SW 866 with the Weekend program. This means attending four face-to-face Saturday classes each semester at Lansing’s Henry Center.
Students develop practical skills through integrated coursework and field experiences. Graduates become highly skilled practitioners ready to improve their communities’ lives. The job market looks promising, with the Bureau of Labor Statistics projecting a 16% growth rate for social work positions between 2016 and 2026. This rate is more than double the growth expected for all occupations.
Michigan State brings solid experience to online learning. The university has offered online degree programs for over 20 years, creating a mature, high-quality educational experience. Students gain key knowledge in theory, policy, research, and practice methods along with intensive field experience.
The Statewide Blended option delivers the same complete education as on-campus programs but fits around your life commitments. You can pursue micro-level interventions through Clinical Social Work concentration or macro-level skills through Organization and Community Leadership track. The program’s flexibility helps you reach your professional goals.
Accreditation
Accreditation is a significant marker of educational quality for any social work program. The Master of Social Work (MSW) program at Michigan State University stands fully accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). CSWE serves as the only accrediting body for social work education in the United States. Students can earn this credential through the on-campus experience in East Lansing or the flexible Statewide Blended option.
CSWE accreditation confirms that the curriculum meets professional standards in content and delivery. The program undergoes periodic reviews to comply with educational standards. These evaluations provide a full picture of course content, field education practices, faculty qualifications, and program assessment methods.
This accreditation brings several benefits to prospective students. Your degree will be recognized by employers throughout the profession. Most states require graduation from an accredited program for social work licensure. MSU’s accredited program will give a professionally viable degree that’s worth your time and resources.
The School’s Bachelor of Arts in Social Work (BASW) program has also earned full CSWE accreditation. Both BASW and MSW programs have managed to keep continuous accreditation since their inception. This showcases the school’s steadfast dedication to educational excellence.
The Council on Social Work Education lists accredited programs under different statuses. MSU’s program holds “Accredited” status that indicates full accreditation without conditions or planned withdrawal. This achievement places it among select social work programs in Michigan meeting the highest quality standards.
Michigan State University also holds accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission. This multi-level accreditation means whatever MSU social work program you choose, you’ll receive education meeting established standards at both program and institutional levels.
The School of Social Work has authorization from Michigan Licensure Law Administrative Rule 338.2965 to award Michigan social work continuing education contact hours. This extends its recognized credentialing beyond degree programs to professional development.
Admission Requirements
MSU’s social work programs have specific admission requirements based on your education and program choice. The school reviews applications starting September 1 each year for upcoming academic sessions.
The Regular MSW Program requires a Bachelor’s degree from an approved institution. Your degree can be in any field except Bachelor of Applied Science, with a minimum 3.0 GPA in your final 60 undergraduate credits. A social work or social sciences background helps but isn’t required. The school evaluates your personal qualities through your applicant statement and reference letters rather than GRE scores.
Students with a recent CSWE-accredited Bachelor’s in Social Work might qualify for the Advanced Standing Program. This faster track needs a minimum 3.25 GPA. Your BSW must be less than six years old when you start, with no exceptions allowed.
The school reviews applications as they arrive, with these key dates:
- Early bird deadline: December 6
- Advanced Standing deadline: January 10
- Final application deadline: February 7
New students should pick “Fall semester” for Regular MSW or “Summer semester” for Advanced Standing. Your application needs to specify either Clinical Social Work or Organization & Community Leadership concentration. You’ll also choose between East Lansing, Flint, Statewide Blended, or Weekend formats.
A complete application package needs official transcripts, three professional or academic recommendations, an academic statement, and a resume. Advanced Standing applicants should get at least one recommendation from their undergraduate practicum supervisor or field office.
The Statewide Blended option has extra requirements. Out-of-state students must live within 50 miles of Michigan’s border and prove their residence before final admission. Every student needs reliable high-speed internet access.
While most admission rules stay the same across programs, some situations need more explanation. Students with GPAs below 3.0 must explain their circumstances and show they’re ready for graduate work. Advanced Standing applicants who can’t get field supervisor recommendations need to explain why.
Tuition
The cost of your educational trip to graduate school plays a crucial role in planning your studies. MSU School of Social Work keeps its tuition structures clear and straightforward to help you plan your budget for the advanced degree.
The Master of Social Work program at Michigan State University bases its tuition on credit hours. In-state residents pay $937.25 per credit hour. Out-of-state students’ tuition costs $1,773.75 per credit hour. Your total tuition depends on your program choice – the Regular MSW Program needs 57 credits while the Advanced Standing option requires 36 credits.
The base tuition isn’t everything you’ll need to budget. Student services, technology resources, and administrative costs add to your educational expenses. MSU works hard to keep these extra costs reasonable compared to other schools.
The university can adjust tuition rates and fee structures as needed. MSU will give you plenty of notice about any changes in costs. The Office of the Bursar’s website always has the most up-to-date information.
MSW program costs vary by a lot between schools. Top universities might charge up to $90,000 total. State schools often range between $20,000-$30,000. MSU’s program offers competitive pricing among Michigan’s public universities.
Smart financial planning should include textbooks, living costs, and possible income changes if you cut back on work during school. An MSW from Michigan State University is a solid investment that opens doors to better career opportunities and higher earnings in social work.
Additional Information
MSU School of Social Work provides extensive resources beyond the core curriculum to help with your professional development. A Student Support Coordinator teams up with Career Services Network to help you polish your resume, practice interviews, and perfect your cover letters for social work positions.
You’ll have access to detailed field education resources as you progress through your studies. These include application guidelines, learning agreement templates, and competency descriptions for various practice areas. The school provides process recording guidelines and field placement resources for students preparing for clinical practice.
MSU’s School of Social Work received a $498,358 award from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. This funding will provide $30,000 stipends to qualifying MSW students who work in Michigan’s behavioral health sector for at least two years after graduation. MSU plans to award these stipends to 15 Advanced Standing students to strengthen the state’s behavioral health workforce.
Student organizations create valuable support networks. Student Advocates for Essential Needs Security (SAENS) helps address student homelessness and basic needs. They also maintain a detailed resource guide that covers mental health, physical health, food, and shelter resources. The FAME program supports former foster youth with coaching, mentoring, and life skills workshops.
Michigan licensure requirements include roughly 4,000 hours of supervised practice after graduation. Students can easily access professional licensure resources. The library’s specialized social work research guides and Writing Center are great ways to get support for academic assignments.
The school will work together with Career Services Network to host annual social work career fairs. These fairs will connect students with employment opportunities in clinical practice and macro social work settings.