Apr 12, 2025  
2025-2026 Catalog 
  
2025-2026 Catalog

Social Work (MSW)


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https://www.umflint.edu/graduateprograms/social-work-msw/

 

The UM-Flint Master of Social Work (MSW) program is designed to provide students with the necessary knowledge and skills required to promote the well-being of individuals, families, groups and communities across various contexts.  Through a combination of theoretical learning and hands-on practical experiences, students gain an understanding of the complexities of social issues and develop skills needed to address them effectively.

The UM-Flint MSW program is committed to advancing the social work profession’s mission of promoting social and economic justice. Our program offers a specialized curriculum in Mental Health and Behavioral Health Practice, designed to equip students with the skills to deliver competent and ethical mental and behavioral health services for individuals, families, and groups. Furthermore, our optional focus area in Social Work in Health Care Settings prepares students to provide holistic psychosocial support to patients and clients across a variety of healthcare settings, including hospitals and mental health clinics.  Our School Social Work Pathway prepares students for the School Social Work Certificate upon graduation from the MSW program.

The program offers a flexible online curriculum that accommodates both full-time and part-time students.  The curriculum consists of 60 credits for Regular Standing students or 36 credits for Advanced Standing students who hold a Bachelor of Social Work from a CSWE-accredited institution.

Admission Information

The Graduate Programs Office serves as the primary source of information for all prospective graduate students, providing detailed guidance and resources to facilitate the application process.  Up-to-date and comprehensive details regarding admissions procedures, requirements and deadlines can be found on the program page on the Graduate Programs website.

​Program Format

The UM-Flint MSW program is taught in an online format with both asynchronous and synchronous classes. Synchronous courses require students to attend live courses that are taught via Zoom in the evenings during the week. In-person internships are completed at a social service agency in the student’s area of residence. Optional in-person, on-campus touchpoints will provide opportunities to engage in meaningful interactions with faculty and peers.

Transfer of Credit

Up to six (6) graduate credits from an accredited university may be transferred and applied to the MSW program, subject to the approval of the program faculty.  See Transfer of Credit in the Graduate Study section for additional information on University of Michigan-Flint policies regarding the transfer of graduate credit.

Time Limit for Degree Completion

The UM-Flint MSW program must be completed within six (6) years of the date of first admission to the program.  Students may request or petition for an extension of the time limit.  Approval of a time extension will be at the discretion of the MSW program director and program faculty.

Academic Rules and Regulations

See the College of Health Sciences (CHS)  and Graduate Study  sections for rules and regulations pertaining to all CHS graduate programs.

Requirements


Electives (3 or 6 credits)


At least 3 credits for Regular Standing students, at least 6 credits for Advanced Standing students, selected from:

  • (3) , recommended for students pursuing the Social Work in Health Care Setting focus area
  • Other graduate course(s) approved by the Social Work Advisor
  •  

  • Minimum Credits for the Degree: 60 credits with Regular Standing, 36 credits with Advanced Standing

School Social Work Pathway


Completion of SWR 535 SWR 644 , SWR 695 , and a practicum in an approved setting, with a grade of B (3.0) or better in each course, fulfills the requirements for a recommendation of temporary approval as a school social worker in the State of Michigan. Upon conferral of the MSW degree, students who have completed the pathway requirements can apply to have the Temporary Approval for Michigan School Social Workers Recommendation form (SSW-310) to the Michigan Department of Education completed.

Requirements for school social workers differ across states. While completing the pathway may be helpful, it may not meet the school social work certificate requirements in other states.

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