Non-Baccalaureate Degree Applicants

Admission to the MSW degree program is possible for a maximum of ten persons per academic year who do not hold baccalaureate degrees. 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. Prior to submitting an application, persons applying under this provision should review Special Instructions and Forms for Provisions for Non-Baccalaureate Degree Applicants. Applicants applying under this provision are expected to meet requirements three and four under Criteria for Admission as well as the following criteria:

  1. Applicants must demonstrate, in writing, that there are compelling circumstances that prevent them from completing a bachelor's degree. This special opportunity is designed for those individuals with extensive successful work experience in social welfare whose life circumstances make it unlikely that they can afford the requisite time, energy, and money to complete both the BA degree and the MSW in the foreseeable future. The provision is not designed for those currently enrolled in BA programs who could complete their degree in a relatively short time frame.
  2. Applicants must have completed at least 60 semester hours of academic credit from an accredited college with an overall grade average of "B" or better. A total of 14 credits earned by college level examinations may be counted toward the 60-hour requirement. These credit hours must be in academic courses acceptable to the University of Michigan. All credits must have been earned by the end of the fall term preceding anticipated admission.

  3. Applicants must have completed one of the following within the past ten years:

    1. A minimum of five years of at least half-time paid employment in human service organizations
    2. 5,000 documented hours of volunteer work in human service organizations
    3. An equivalent combination
    Recommendation forms and Supplement to Evaluation of Work/Volunteer Experience forms must be submitted from supervisors. Information provided will be reviewed to determine if the work experience meets the criteria and demonstrates potential for a successful social work career.

The following additional materials are required with the application:

  1. A written statement describing the compelling circumstances that prevent applicants from completing a baccalaureate degree
  2. Supplement to Evaluation of Work/Volunteer Experience forms completed by relevant human service-related supervisors
  3. Position forms describing the applicant's human service volunteer and/or paid experiences.

These additional required materials should be submitted together with all other application materials. Potential applicants under this provision must contact the Office of Student Services to schedule a telephone or personal interview prior to application.