Best MSW Programs in Michigan 2025: Online & Campus

Spring Arbor University's Master of Social Work (MSW) program stands out for its flexibility, offering online, virtual, and face-to-face learning formats to suit diverse student needs. Accredited by the CSWE, the program is priced at $664 per credit hour and features a one-year track for BSW graduates, emphasizing practical experience through internships. With a focus on social justice and integrating Christian values, students are prepared for licensure and various career paths. The program requires a personal statement and professional references, ensuring a cohort of dedicated professionals. Multiple start dates throughout the year add to the program's accessibility.

• CSWE-accredited MSW program
• 3 learning format options
• $664 per credit hour
• One-year specialized track
• Multiple semester start dates
• Licensure preparation track
• School social work courses
• Christian values integration
• Multiple career pathway options
• Professional references required
• Personal statement mandatory
• Comprehensive internship opportunities

For those aiming to specialize in School Social Work, Spring Arbor University provides a non-degree, fully online program tailored for Michigan Department of Education certification. This program, consisting of three specific courses offered in 7-week formats twice yearly, is ideal for BSW or MSW holders looking to meet state requirements for working with children and youth. The curriculum includes 500 hours of specialized fieldwork, aligning with CSWE accreditation standards. It's a perfect pathway for professionals seeking post-MSW continuing education credits and a focused career in school social work.

• Fully online 7-week courses
• Courses offered twice yearly
• Requires BSW or MSW
• Three specific school social work courses
• Michigan state certification focused
• 500 hours specialized field work
• CSWE accredited program requirement
• Post-MSW continuing education credits

University of Michigan-Ann Arbor's MSW program in Interpersonal Practice for Integrated Health, Mental Health, & Substance Abuse offers a robust, flexible pathway for social work professionals. Students explore advanced interventions across complex healthcare domains, integrating clinical skills with holistic treatment approaches. The program emphasizes interdisciplinary learning, preparing graduates to address multifaceted health challenges through innovative, evidence-based practices. Advanced standing options and online flexibility enable professionals to advance their careers while maintaining current employment. Cutting-edge curriculum focuses on systemic approaches to mental health, substance abuse treatment, and integrated healthcare solutions.

• Multiple MSW program pathways
• Online and part-time options
• Advanced standing for BSW grads
• Diverse specialization tracks
• Interdisciplinary curriculum

University of Michigan's MSW program in Welfare of Children & Families provides comprehensive training for social work professionals dedicated to child and family welfare. Students develop advanced clinical skills, policy understanding, and intervention strategies addressing complex family dynamics and child development challenges. The curriculum integrates research-driven approaches, emphasizing trauma-informed care, family systems theory, and social justice principles. Graduates emerge prepared to implement transformative interventions in child welfare agencies, family support organizations, and therapeutic settings, with a deep commitment to enhancing child and family well-being.

• Multiple MSW specialization tracks
• Online and part-time options
• Advanced standing for BSW graduates
• Interdisciplinary social justice focus
• Global and local practice opportunities
• Integrated health/mental health concentration
• CSWE-accredited program

University of Michigan's generalist MSW program delivers a comprehensive, socially conscious educational experience preparing professionals for diverse social work practice. Students explore multiple specialization pathways, including health, mental health, child welfare, and community change. The curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, social justice principles, and evidence-based interventions. With flexible learning options and a robust interdisciplinary approach, the program equips graduates to address complex societal challenges through innovative, compassionate practice. Coursework integrates theoretical knowledge with practical skills, ensuring students develop nuanced understanding of social systems and effective intervention strategies.

• Multiple specialization pathways
• Part-time and online options
• Advanced standing for BSW grads
• Interdisciplinary focus
• Strong social justice emphasis

Saginaw Valley State University's Master of Social Work (MSW) program stands out for its flexibility and practical approach to social work education. Catering to both BSW graduates through its Advanced Standing option and those with bachelor's degrees in other fields, the program emphasizes real-world experience with over 200 field placement agencies. Accredited by the CSWE, it boasts a 95% job placement rate, preparing students for careers in clinical and macro social work settings. The program's competitive tuition and comprehensive curriculum, covering everything from mental health to social services, make it a top choice for aspiring social workers in Michigan. No GRE Required.

• CSWE-accredited MSW program
• Two program paths available
• Advanced Standing for BSW grads
• 1-3 years program length
• 200+ field placement agencies
• 95% job placement rate
• Clinical and macro focus
• Flexible learning options
• Competitive tuition rates
• Prepares for licensing exams

Wayne State University's Master of Social Work program, with a concentration in Interpersonal Practice, stands out for its hybrid format, blending online and on-campus learning. Recognized as a Top 50 Social Work School, it offers full and part-time options without requiring the GRE. The program is CSWE accredited, emphasizing social justice and preparing students for licensure with 450 practicum hours. With a focus on Interpersonal Practice, students gain skills for careers in healthcare, mental health, and more. Advanced Standing is available for eligible students, and the program maintains a minimum 2.75 undergraduate GPA requirement.

• Top 50 Social Work School
• No GRE Required
• Full and Part-Time Options
• Online and On-Campus
• Two Concentration Tracks
• CSWE Accredited Program
• Minimum 2.75 Undergraduate GPA
• Advanced Standing Available
• 450 Practicum Hours
• Application Dates: Sept 16 - May 1

The Master of Social Work program at Wayne State University, concentrating on Innovation in Community, Policy and Leadership, is designed for those aiming to lead social change. This hybrid program, ranked among the top 50, requires no GRE and offers flexible study options. It prepares students for licensure and careers advocating for vulnerable populations through a curriculum that includes 450 practicum hours. The program is CSWE accredited, with a minimum 2.75 GPA requirement, and provides Advanced Standing options, making it a versatile choice for aspiring social work leaders.

• Top 50 Social Work School 2024
• No GRE required for admission
• Multiple program formats available
• Full-time and part-time options
• Online and in-person learning
• Two concentration paths
• CSWE fully accredited program
• Minimum 2.75 undergraduate GPA
• Advanced Standing option available
• 450 practicum education hours
• Licensure preparation included
• Application deadline May 1st

Wayne State University offers a campus-based Master of Social Work and Infant Mental Health program, focusing on advanced practice in social justice and community transformation. With options for full-time and part-time study, the program features two concentrations and seven focal areas, including trauma studies. It's CSWE accredited, offering a core and advanced year structure, dual-degree options, and graduate certificates. Students develop clinical intervention skills in an interprofessional environment, preparing them for diverse social work challenges. The program emphasizes practical experience, ensuring graduates are ready to address complex social issues.

• Full-time and part-time study options
• Two distinct concentrations offered
• CSWE-mandated curriculum
• Core and Advanced year structure
• Seven unique focal areas
• Dual-degree options available
• Accelerated Master's Pathway
• Graduate certificates possible
• Advanced clinical intervention skills
• Interprofessional learning environment

Calvin University's MSW program with a Clinical concentration blends faith and social work, offering hybrid learning for flexibility. It equips students with skills in assessment, intervention, and advocacy, grounded in a Christian perspective. The program features both regular (60 credits) and advanced standing (36 credits) options, alongside 900 hours of field education. Highlights include a $500 new program credit, practicum assistance, and a curriculum that integrates social justice with clinical practice. Requires a minimum 3.0 GPA for admission.

• Fully online and hybrid courses
• Clinical and macro tracks
• 60 credits for regular standing
• 36 credits for advanced standing
• Two field placements, 900 hours
• $500 new program credit
• Minimum 3.0 GPA required
• Faith-informed curriculum
• Practicum assistance provided
• Classes on Tuesday/Thursday nights

Focusing on Macro social work, Calvin University's MSW program prepares students for leadership roles in community change through a faith-informed lens. Offering both online and hybrid formats, it covers social justice, trauma-informed practice, and ethical leadership. Students can choose between regular (60 credits) and advanced standing (36 credits), completing 900 hours in field placements. The program is pending CSWE accreditation and provides a new program enrollment discount. A minimum 3.0 GPA is required for entry.

• Fully online with hyflex options
• Regular and Advanced Standing tracks
• Two specialization options: Clinical/Macro
• 60 credits for Regular Standing
• 36 credits for Advanced Standing
• Two field placements, 900 hours
• $720 per credit
• Minimum 3.0 GPA required
• CSWE accreditation pending
• Faith-informed curriculum
• New program enrollment discount