Frequently Asked Questions

What are the basic requirements for admission into the University of Michigan School of Social Work?

Answer:

• Applicants must have completed a bachelor’s degree prior to enrollment in September unless they have been admitted through our non-BA program.
• Applicants must have completed 20 semester hours of social science/liberal arts/language coursework (for example: Anthropology, Economics, History, Political Science, Psychology, Sociology, Social Work, relevant languages etc.) The relevant coursework must be in three or more of the social science areas.
• Applicants must have completed coursework which covered the biological determinants of human behavior (note: this requirement can be met following enrollment). Typically courses in social work, psychology, human biology, human sexuality, human development or anthropology cover the required content. Applicants should list the courses that they believe meet this requirement on their application. Each applicant’s transcript will be thoroughly reviewed for courses by admissions staff as well.

When is the application deadline?

Answer: There are two application deadlines: December 1st and March 1st.

December 1-Early Application Deadline:
The early application deadline is December 1. Applicants complete with their application and supporting documents by December 1 receive notification of their status through the initial review by March 1. For most applicants this will be a final determination. For some applicants, the School will inform them by March 1 that a re-review of their application will be completed in May. Some applicants who have their applications re-reviewed in May will be admitted into the program, some will be denied admission and others will be offered a position on an Alternate List. Some Alternate List members may be offered admission in June, July or August. Those not admitted will be given a final review in September, which could include denial or deferred admission for the next year.

March 1-Priority Deadline:
The Priority deadline is March 1. Applicants submitting completed applications by March 1 will have priority for admission in relationship to those applying after March 1. The School will accept applications following the priority deadline, but we strongly encourage applicants to apply as early as possible. NOTE: International applicants must submit their applications and supporting documents by February 1.

Application after March 1st:
Please contact the Office of Student Services (734.936.0961) if you are considering applying after the March 1 Priority Deadline. Typically applications are accepted following the March 1 deadline.

How early can I apply?

Answer: You can apply as soon as the application opens online (usually September for admission for the following fall semester).

When will I know if I have been admitted?

Answer: Most applicants are informed of a decision between January and June. Typically applicants applying by December 1 will learn their status by February 1. Applicants who have completed their applications in January typically learn of their status in March. Applicants complete with their applications in February typically learn of their status in April. Regardless of the application submission date, the School may either wait to make a final determination until May after a re-review or offer a position on the Alternate List in May. The Alternate List is kept open until the end of August. Applicants accepting an offer of an Alternate List position may be offered admission in June, July or August.

What materials must be submitted to properly file an application?

Answer: Applicants must submit the following*:

• School of Social Work MSW application (online or paper)
• Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended
• Supplementary Statement (maximum 3 pages double-spaced)
• Three recommendation forms and/or letters
• Current resume
• Application fee

*Non-native speakers of English, non-BA, and International applicants must submit additional materials. Additional requirements can be found at: http://ssw.umich.edu/admissions/msw/

What is the application fee?

Answer: The application fee is $50 if you submit the online web application and $75 if you submit a paper application. If you cannot afford the application fee, please contact the Office of Student Services (734.936.0961) for information on obtaining a fee waiver.

Is an interview required for acceptance?

Answer: No, an interview is not required. In some cases, the admissions committee may request to interview an applicant before making their final decision. Additionally, applicants may request an interview to provide further information or clarify areas of their application, such as any gaps in work history, low grades or criminal conduct issues; this should first be discussed with an admissions counselor.

Do I also need to submit an application to the Graduate School?

Answer: No, to apply to the MSW degree program you only need to submit your application to the School of Social Work. You do not need to submit an application to the Rackham School of Graduate Studies unless you are applying to the Doctoral (PhD) Program in Social Work and Social Science.

Do I have to submit a transcript from a school I attended in the past if the classes are listed on my current school transcript?

Answer: Yes, official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended must be submitted.

I’ve never written a resume; do I need to include one with my application? What if my resume isn’t very strong?

Answer: Yes, a current resume is required to complete your application. There is a section of the online application that will allow you to upload your resume. Your resume is an important part of the application and should be well written and highlight your various experiences and skills. You can schedule an appointment with an admissions counselor in the School of Social Work to discuss the information that should be included on your resume. You may also want to consider visiting your university career center if possible for assistance with your resume.

Should I submit academic or professional recommendations?

Answer: Three recommendation forms and/or letters are required. Applicants should attempt to provide at least two recommendations from professional (supervisors or managers for a human service-related paid, volunteer, research or internship position the applicant performed) or academic recommenders (faculty members who taught a class the applicant completed or an applicant’s academic advisor on the college or university level). The third recommendation could be from another academic or professional recommender or from anyone in a good position to evaluate the applicant’s potential for a successful educational or professional social work career.

Can recommendations be completed online?

Answer: Yes, regardless of submitting a paper or an online application, we strongly encourage applicants to have letters of recommendation submitted online. There is a section of the online application that will allow you to add the names of your three recommenders. They will be emailed a link to the form and you will be notified when they complete it. Letters of recommendation may also be submitted through the mail. Please be sure the letter is in a sealed envelope with the signature of the recommender over the seal.

Is the GRE required?

Answer: No, the GRE is not required for admission into the MSW program.

What criteria does the admissions committee utilize in making admission decisions?

Answer: Admissions decisions are based primarily on a review of the following:

• Applicant’s commitment to the mission of the School of Social Work.
• Applicant’s undergraduate GPA over the last 60 – 75 semester credit hours (90 - 105 quarter credit hours) on transcripts provided at the time of application.
• Additional academic work completed by applicant following completion of an undergraduate degree, if applicable.
• Specialized training(s) relevant to social work completed by applicant.
• Applicant’s social work-related or human service-related paid, volunteer, research and internship experience.
• Applicant’s Supplementary Statement.
• Recommendation letters and/forms submitted.

If admission is granted, is an enrollment deposit required?

Answer: Yes, a $200 non-refundable enrollment deposit is required to secure your place in the incoming class. The enrollment deposit is applied to your student account. If paying the enrollment deposit will create a hardship, please contact the Office of Student Services (734.936.0961).

When can I begin the program?

Answer: Students can begin the program as a degree seeking student in the fall term only. Students may apply to be a Non Candidate for Degree student for fall, winter or spring/summer terms. More information can be found at: http://ssw.umich.edu/admissions/msw/unclassified.html.

If I’m admitted but cannot begin the program in the fall, can I defer admission?

Answer: Admitted students may request a one year deferment. The Office of Student Services will review and make decisions on all deferment requests.

Is it possible to transfer into the University of Michigan School of Social Work?

Answer: Transfer students from CSWE accredited MSW programs can transfer up to 30 credit hours as long as they were degree seeking students. Other students may be able to transfer 9 – 15 credit hours. Credits which have been applied toward another degree cannot transfer. Most transfer students will need to complete 12 credit hours of advanced fieldwork placement while enrolled at the University of Michigan. This may require a three day per week placement for two semesters.

How can I find out which credits will transfer to the University of Michigan?

Answer: Possible transfer credits will be reviewed by an Academic Planning Coordinator during the exemption process in the summer. You may contact the Office of Student Services to receive general guidelines.

What is the average GPA for admitted students?

Answer: The average incoming student GPA is 3.5 over the past 60-75 semester credit hours (90 - 105 quarter credit hours) on the undergraduate transcripts provided at the time of application. However, GPA is only one of the criteria utilized for admission and applicants with GPAs lower than 3.5 are often offered admission. There is no minimum GPA.

Will the Master of Social Work degree at the University of Michigan qualify me for certification and/or licensing for social workers in my state?

Answer: Yes, the MSW from Michigan will meet the educational requirement to achieve the first level of licensing or certification available in your state. Typically, you must also pass an examination. Our graduates have an excellent record for passing the exams held throughout the country. To attain the highest level of licensing and certification in most states, social workers must complete post-masters work supervised by a fully licensed or certified social worker.

Do you offer a part-time program at the University of Michigan?

Answer: We offer an Extended Degree program (partial part-time program) which allows students to complete the first half (30 semester hours) of the program on a part-time basis. The remaining 30 semester hours must be completed on a full-time basis (minimum 9 credit hours per semester) over two or three semesters.

I have a BSW does the University of Michigan offer an accelerated program?

Answer: Yes, the University of Michigan has a three term Advanced Standing program, which students typically complete in 12 months. All BSW degree requirements must be completed by Fall Orientation at the end of August.

To qualify for the Advanced Standing program students must:

• Have at least a 3.5 GPA over the last 60 – 75 semester credit hours (90 - 105 quarter credit hours) based on their final BSW transcript.
• Have completed a BSW degree from a Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) accredited program.
• Be able to complete the MSW degree requirements within six years of receipt of their BSW.

Do I need a BSW before I can be admitted to the MSW program?

Answer: No, a BSW is not required for admission to the MSW program. Our students come from a wide variety of backgrounds. The majority of our students hold a bachelor’s degree in a liberal arts discipline (psychology, sociology, etc.), but we also have students with backgrounds in business, engineering, law, etc.

Can I enter the MSW program without completing a bachelor’s degree?

Answer: Yes. Each year up to ten students can be admitted through our Non-Baccalaureate Admissions status. The goal of this provision is to provide an opportunity for individuals with extensive experience as employees and/or volunteers in human service organizations to obtain the MSW degree without first obtaining a bachelor's degree. More information can be found at: http://ssw.umich.edu/admissions/msw/nonbaccalaureate.html.

How many students apply and how many are accepted into the program each year?

Answer: Usually we receive 700 – 900 applications and enroll an incoming class of approximately 320 students.

What courses meet the biological determinants of human behavior requirement?

Answer: Typically courses in social work, psychology, human biology, human sexuality, human development or anthropology cover the required content. Applicants should list the courses that they believe meet this requirement on their application. Each applicant’s transcript will be thoroughly reviewed for courses by admissions staff as well.

If I do not meet the biological determinants of human behavior requirement, can I still be admitted or do I need to take a class?

Answer: Yes, you can be admitted if you have not met the biological determinants of human behavior requirement. Your admission letter will inform you that you have not met the requirement. All students who have not met the requirement will be required to read an assigned textbook and take an examination during their first term in the MSW program. A course is not required to meet this requirement.

Is the TOEFL required for International applicants?

Answer: Yes, the TOEFL, MELAB, or IELTS is required for international applicants from countries where English is not the native language. Students studying in the US for two years or more are exempted from this requirement.

Can I visit the School before I apply?

Answer: Yes, we encourage prospective students to visit the School of Social Work. Prospective students are invited to attend one of our Prospective Student Group Sessions, which are held once or twice per month from September through April. Individual appointments with admissions counselors are also available all year long. Contact the Office of Student Services (734.936.0961) to sign up for a Prospective Student Group Session or schedule an individual appointment.

How long does it take to earn the MSW degree?

Answer: At Michigan, Advanced Standing students complete the program in 12 months. Students in our full time four term programs complete the program in either 16 months or 20 months. For Extended Degree students the maximum time frame is four years.

Which campuses offer the MSW program?

Answer: The MSW program is only available at the University of Michigan School of Social of Social Work on the Ann Arbor, Michigan campus.

What does a “dual concentration” mean?

Answer: All students in the MSW program are required to complete a dual concentration in a Practice Method and Practice Area. A student’s choice of the two concentrations determines what advanced courses are requirements for graduation. The Practice Method concentration focuses on theories and interventions related to practice with individuals, families, groups, organizations, communities and/or society. The Practice Area concentration focuses on selected contexts and domains of practice with particular attention given to specific policies, procedures and practices.

The four Practice Method concentrations are:

• Interpersonal Practice
• Community Organization
• Management of Human Services
• Social Policy and Evaluation

The five Practice Area concentrations are:

• Aging in Families and Society
• Children and Youth in Families and Society
• Community and Social Systems
• Health
• Mental Health

How do I choose a dual concentration?

Answer: Your dual concentration should relate to your career ambitions as a social worker. As the field of social work is quite expansive, the dual concentration enables you to narrow your areas of interest. For example, if your interest is in social policies affecting the elderly population you should probably choose the Social Policy and Evaluation method, and Aging in Families and Society as your practice area. This can be a difficult decision, as some of the methods and areas overlap, if you need assistance in making this decision contact the Office of Student Services (734.936.0961) to schedule an appointment with an admissions counselor.

Can I have a minor?

Answer: Students may complete a minor in a Practice Method but not in a Practice Area. Students have the option of selecting a Minor Practice Method in any one of the three Practice Methods in which they do not concentrate. Minor method requirements include two advanced method courses and 171 hours of advanced field work related to the minor method. Selecting a minor may limit field placement options and also limits elective course options.

Does the University of Michigan offer a clinical social work program?

Answer: Yes, the majority of our MSW students concentrate in Interpersonal Practice. Students interested in clinical social work are encouraged to select the Interpersonal Practice method. Coursework in Interpersonal Practice is focused on improving the skills social workers utilize in providing direct service to individuals, small groups, and families. Interpersonal Practice course offerings include Interpersonal Practice with Individual Adults, Interpersonal Practice with Children and Youth, Interpersonal Practice with Groups and Interpersonal Practice with Families. Other courses of interest to students with a clinical social work focus include:

• Death, Loss and Grief
• Mental Health and Mental Disorders of the Adults and the Elderly
• Mental Health and Mental Disorders of Children and Youth
• Treatment Strategies for Sexual Dysfunction
• Special Topics in Family Violence
• Interpersonal Practice with Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Clients
• Practice Seminar in Child Maltreatment: Assessment and Treatment
• Integrative Seminar on Child Maltreatment
• Interpersonal Practice Mini-Courses (SW 790)

Will I have an advisor? How are they assigned?

Answer: Yes, you will be assigned a faculty advisor whom you will meet at Fall Orientation. Students are paired with faculty advisors based on their dual concentration. Your faculty advisor will assist you in making any changes in your curriculum, curriculum schedule or field placements; your advisor can also provide career guidance and support as you prepare to graduate. You will also have the opportunity to work with an Academic Planning Counselor over the summer prior to registering for courses.

What is the difference between the 16 and 20 month programs? How do I decide which one to choose?

Answer: Both tracks or curriculum schedules are four semesters in length; however 16 month students attend courses and complete fieldwork over the spring/summer semester whereas 20 month students do not.

16 Month Track	20 Month Track
1 field placement for 3 semesters Field work starts in January (of 1st year) and ends in December (of 2nd year) Graduate in December	2 field placements over 4 semesters Field work starts in September Summer semester off (typical college schedule) Graduate in April

You should also keep in mind that some field placement options require a specific track. For example, most public school field placement sites only accept 20 month students. The decision between the two different tracks is a personal one that should be weighed carefully for your own educational needs and preferences. Please contact the Office of Student Services (734.936.0961) to speak with an admissions counselor if you have further questions regarding the selection of a curriculum schedule.

How many credit hours will I take every semester?

Answer: 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:

	Fall Term Year 1	Winter Term Year 1	Spring/Summer Term Year 1
Credit Hours of Courses	12	12	9
Credit Hours of Fieldwork	4	4	4
Total Credit Hours	16	16	13

Typical 16 Month Schedule:

	Fall Term Year 1	Winter Term Year 1	Spring / Summer Term	Fall Term Year 2
Credit Hours of Courses	15	12	6	12
Credit Hours of Fieldwork	0	3	8	4
Total Credit Hours	15	15	14	16

Typical 20 Month Schedule:

	Fall Term Year 1	Winter Term Year 1	Fall Term Year 2	Winter Term Year 2
Credit Hours of Courses	12	12	12	9
Credit Hours of Fieldwork	3	4	4	4
Total Credit Hours	15	16	16	13

Does the University of Michigan offer a dual degree program?

Answer: 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 required by each school/college and are reviewed independently according to their criteria.

Does the University of Michigan have a bachelor of social work program?

Answer: 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.

What does the internship process entail, and how many are available?

Answer: Over 300 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 Instruction (OFI). 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 912 clock hours (684 hours for Advanced Standing students) of fieldwork related to their practice area and practice method concentrations. Please visit the OFI’s website for additional information: http://www.ssw.umich.edu/programs/msw/ofi/.

Are international or out-of-state field placements possible?

Answer: Yes, international or out-of-state field placements are possible, but require some extra planning. If you are interested in such placements you should carefully review the Field Manual and be aware that there are specific curriculum and track requirements. The Field Manual can be found on the OFI’s website: http://www.ssw.umich.edu/programs/msw/ofi/.

What does it take to earn my master of social work from U of M?

Answer: The MSW program is a 60 credit hour program, typically taken over 4 semesters. The 60 credit hours cover the following:

• 18 credit hours of Foundation coursework (pending possible exemptions)
• 1 credit hour in a Foundation Field Seminar
• 2 credit hours in Foundation Fieldwork
• 6 credit hours in your Practice Method
• 9 credit hours in your Practice Area
• 3 credit hours in advanced evaluation
• 12 credit hours are required in Advanced Fieldwork
• 9 credit hours of electives

Advanced Standing students are automatically exempt from 15 credit hours of foundation coursework and fieldwork, and thus are only required to complete 45 credit hours to graduate.

Do I have to write a thesis to graduate from the MSW program?

Answer: 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 a special studies course to receive credit for completing an optional formal thesis.

Is the MSW program more research or clinically oriented?

Answer: Because students choose a dual concentration 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, meaning that our students will not only be able to utilize the best practices, but also design and research them.

Does U of M offer proficiency exams for Foundation Courses?

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

What’s an exemption & how do I get one?

Answer: An exemption means that a student has completed extensive coursework comparable to the material covered in our foundation courses in the past six years prior to enrollment in the MSW program. An exemption does not reduce your overall required credit hours, but rather gives you an opportunity to enroll in more elective courses. Exemption consultants will review your final transcripts for possible exemptions over the summer, and you will be informed of their decisions prior to registering for classes. You need not complete any additional forms to be considered for exemptions.

What is the typical class size?

Answer: About half of the courses have 25 - 32 students and about half have fewer than 25 students. Practice courses are typically capped at 25. The School does not have large lecture courses.

Does the school offer evening or weekend classes?

Answer: The School offers some classes in the evening, but no weekend courses. Students must be able to complete coursework and fieldwork during the day during the week to complete the MSW program at Michigan.

I have many years of human service related experience; can I get any credit for that?

Answer: No, the Council on Social Work Education does not allow accredited MSW programs to provide credit for work experience. However, experience does make it more likely that an applicant will be admitted and some scholarship aid is provided based on extensive experience.

How many students are in the School?

Answer: Approximately 320 new students are enrolled each fall term. Total size of the MSW program is about 575 in the fall term, 425 in the winter term and 225 in the spring/summer term.

Where can I find information about U of M faculty?

Answer: Faculty profiles can be found on the School of Social Work website at: http://ssw.umich.edu/about/faculty_research.html.

Is the MSW program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)?

Answer: Yes, the MSW program has been accredited by the CSWE since 1922.

Does the School of Social Work offer online courses/distance learning?

Answer: No. All courses must be taken at the School of Social Work in Ann Arbor. We do however, allow for students to complete field placements outside of Ann Arbor, so commuter students would only need to travel to the school a few days each week for courses.

Is housing available at the University of Michigan?

Answer: The University of Michigan offers limited on-campus housing for eligible graduate students. Non-University housing includes co-ops, apartments, and houses for rent. Most students live off campus within walking distance of the School of Social Work. For more information on housing check out: http://www.housing.umich.edu.

I live out-of-state, how can I easily find a place to live? Or find a roommate?

Answer: You can easily find a place to live through various websites or online newspaper listings. It is always recommended that you look at your housing arrangements in person before you sign a lease. You can find a roommate also enrolled in the School of Social Work online at https://www.ssw.umich.edu/housing (you will be required to enter your UM uniqname and password to view these listings).

How many of the students are awarded scholarships or financial assistance?

Answer: About 90% of the MSW class apply for and receive some form of grant and/or scholarship assistance.

How is financial aid awarded?

Answer: The School of Social Work Office of Student Services provides grant and scholarship assistance. The University Office of Financial Aid provides loans and work study awards. Many scholarships and grants are awarded at the time of admission:

• Dean's Scholarships
• School of Social Work Scholarships
• Michigan Scholarships
• Opportunity Grants
• Merit Scholarships
• Mission Scholarships
• Child Welfare Scholarship Program
• Geriatric Scholarship Program
• Wheeler Scholarships

Can I have a job while I am at school full time?

Answer: Most students work part time (10-20 hours per week) when enrolled in the full-time program. Many students apply for and receive work-study funds.

How do I apply for work-study?

Answer: To apply for a work-study award, complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The University Office of Financial Aid will provide you a work-study award if you meet the eligibility requirements and if funds are available at the time that you apply.

I have a work-study award, how do I find a job?

Answer: To review a list of work-study positions, go to: www.studentemployment.umich.edu/ When you see a position of interest, contact the hiring department to inquire about hiring procedures.

Are jobs available on the college campus?

Answer: Yes, positions are listed at: www.studentemployment.umich.edu/. You should also fill out the SSW Student Employment Application Form to be placed in a candidate pool for employment in the School of Social Work at: https://www.ssw.umich.edu/about/tempemployment/index.html.

What is the estimated cost of attendance?

Answer: The 2008-2009 student budget for tuition, fees, room, board, books, supplies, and personal expenses is $36,373 for Michigan residents; $48,231 for non residents for two semesters of full-time enrollment. The Regents of the University set tuition and fees in July of each year; so costs are subject to increase each year.

How much are tuition and fees?

Answer: The 2008-2009 tuition expenses are $19,630 for Michigan residents; $31,488 for non-residents for two semesters of full-time enrollment. The Regents of the University set tuition and fees in July of each year; so costs are subject to increase each year. Fees are $94.69 per semester.

How do I apply for financial aid?

Answer: You must do the following:

1. Submit a completed Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) application and include the U-M Code (002325). The FAFSA can be submitted online at: http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/
2. Submit the School of Social Work Financial Aid Form with the online application or mail to:
   
   The University of Michigan
   School of Social Work
   Office of Student Services
   1080 South University Avenue, Room 1748
   Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1106

What scholarship opportunities are available?

Answer: There are numerous scholarship opportunities. The School offers Dean’s Scholarships, which are awarded based on the undergraduate GPA of incoming students (as calculated for admissions review purposes) in addition to a strong commitment to the mission of the School of Social Work. The School also offers Merit Scholarships based on strong academic and/or social work-related experience or based on a strong commitment to the mission of the School. No separate application is necessary for applicants to be reviewed for these awards. Several other named scholarships are also awarded based upon information in applications and supporting documentation.

The School also offers Michigan Scholarships, which are based on a combination of merit and need as well as Opportunity Grants which are based primarily on need. Michigan Scholarships and Opportunity Grants require the submission of the School of Social Work Financial Aid Form and the FAFSA to the University of Michigan (code: 002325).

If a student wants to be considered for the Geriatric Scholarship Program or the Child Welfare Scholarship Program there is a separate application which will be available each year in November.

A complete list of scholarships can be found at: http://www.ssw.umich.edu/finaid/msw/grants-scholarships.html.

Is it possible to be awarded in-state tuition as a form of a scholarship?

Answer: No, residency determinations are made by the Residency Office (734.764.1400). However, the cost of attendance is a factor in the awarding of financial aid.

Where is the School of Social Work located?

Answer: The School of Social Work Building is located at 1080 South University in Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109; this is at the corner of South University and East University.

Where are classes held?

Answer: Most Social Work classes are held in the School of Social Work Building. Some classes are held in the School of Education Building (SEB) which is connected to the School. Classes are also held in the Family Assessment Clinic which is located on South University and is within walking distance of the School.

Do I need a car?

Answer: Bringing a car with you is not required, but is strongly encouraged. Having a car significantly enhances your field internship opportunities.

Can I take the bus? What bus routes are available?

Answer: The Ann Arbor Transit Authority operates many bus routes within the city as well as between Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti. These buses are free for students to use with a valid ID. For more information on bus routes, you can visit the AATA website at http://theride.org/ or by phone at 734.973.6500. U of M also has a bus line, and more info can be found on U of M’s Parking and Transportation Services website: http://pts.umich.edu/.

Where do I park?

Answer: Parking on campus is very limited. If you are considering purchasing a parking pass, please visit http://pts.umich.edu/permit_parking/index.php

The University and the AATA provide several free commuter parking lots that provide service to campus via bus, more info can be found at http://pts.umich.edu/taking_the_bus/routes/commuter.php.

Does the School of Social Work have its own computer lab?

Answer: Yes, we are fortunate to have our own large computer lab that is located in the library in the School of Social Work Building. This lab is open during building hours. Wireless internet connection is also available throughout the building for laptops with wireless cards.

Do I need to purchase a computer for the MSW program?

Answer: The majority of our students do have a personal computer, but it is not a requirement. There are various computer labs located on the University of Michigan campus; located closest to the School of Social Work are the School of Education lab, and the Hatcher Graduate Library lab and the Shapiro Undergraduate Library lab both of which have large computer labs with extended hours. For a complete listing of computer labs and their hours, please visit: http://www.umich.edu/~sites/hours/index.html.

Does the university provide overnight housing for prospective student visits?

Answer: Unfortunately no, but a current student in the MSW program may be willing to host you during your stay. Contact the Office of Student Services (734.936.0961 or ssw.msw.info@umich.edu) to inquire about this possibility. There are also a number of hotels in the area to accommodate you. For more information, see the following web site: http://www.umich.edu/~info/.

What services and accommodations are available for students with disabilities?

Answer: Extensive services are available. For information on these services, please contact Nyshourn Price Reed in the Office of Student Services at the School of Social Work (734.936.0961 or ndp@umich.edu), Warren Clark in the Office of Field Instruction at the School of Social Work (734.764.5331 or clarkw@umich.edu) or the University's Office of Services for Students with Disabilities (734.763.3000 phone/voice/TTY/TDD); website: http://www.umich.edu/~sswd/.

Are career services available to students and alumni of the School of Social Work?

Answer: Yes. The School of Social Work offers career services to both current students and alumni of the MSW program. The Director of Career Services, Michelle Woods offers workshops on job searching, resume writing, interviewing, and licensure preparation each semester. The School also holds alumni networking luncheons to put students in touch with alumni who are working in particular areas of the field. A job bulletin is also emailed to students every two week. Contact the Office of Student Services (734.936.0961) to find out more information about career services.

What is the student of color enrollment?

Answer: The student of color enrollment is approximately 23% and the international enrollment is approximately 2%.

How quickly do University of Michigan Social Work graduates find jobs?

Answer: The average graduate finds a position within 3-4 months from the time they begin their search.

What athletic facilities exist for students to use?

Answer: There are three recreation facilities available to all students. More information can be found at http://www.recsports.umich.edu/facilities.

Where can I find good restaurants and coffee shops?

Answer: A listing of area restaurants and coffee shops can be found on the Ann Arbor Visitors Bureau website at http://www.annarbor.org.