Best Online Master of Social Work Programs in Michigan (MI)
Do you feel a calling to help those in crisis receive the support they need? If so, a career in social work may be the right path for you. Now is the perfect time; according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the social work field is expected to add 54,700 new jobs between 2023 and 2033. Even better, careers for social workers in Michigan are projected to grow by seven percent.
An online Master of Social Work (MSW) program is ideal for both those who have earned a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) and want to advance in their roles or for professionals moving into the social work field. This guide will walk you through the best online MSW programs in Michigan, so continue reading to learn what these programs can do for your career outlook.
Traditional MSW Programs in Michigan
While you can practice as a social worker with a BSW, you’ll open more doors with a master’s degree. Additionally, most traditional MSW programs are open to students with a bachelor’s degree in a different subject but have a strong background in the social sciences.
An MSW prepares you for leadership roles and opportunities to influence policy. You’ll also be able to sit for the licensed master social worker (LMSW) credential.
Ferris State University
Ferris State University’s MSW program allows students to choose the online format that works best for them. Options include weekly classes via Zoom, self-paced classes, or a combination of both. The curriculum is designed to familiarize students with advanced skills and the latest research.
To apply, you’ll need a 3.0 grade point average (GPA), transcripts, a curriculum vitae or resume, a candidate statement, and three professional references. The program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), so you’ll study knowing you’re receiving an education that meets rigorous standards.
Duration: Two years
Mode: Online
Cost: $770/credit hour
Curriculum:
- Policy Analysis and Advocacy
- Diversity and Social Justice
- Policy, Leadership, and Advocacy
- Advanced Clinical Skills and Supervision
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
- Applied Social Work Research
- Clinical Assessment and Diagnosis
Looking at Michigan’s No GRE MSW Program Options
Taking your Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) typically includes 50 to 200 hours of study time, and the fee is $220 each time you take the test. By choosing an MSW that doesn’t require you to take the GRE, you’ll free up both time and money that you can use to focus on the next level of your education.
Michigan State University
The no-GRE MSW program at Michigan State includes courses on theory, policy, research, and practice methods. The regular program is 57 credits, and the advanced standing program is 36 credits. During the second half of the program, you’ll choose a concentration in clinical social work, which focuses on working with individuals, families, and groups, or a concentration in organization and community leadership, which focuses on larger groups and systems.
Hybrid and on-campus options are also available, as are full-time, part-time, and advanced standing options. To apply, you’ll need transcripts, three letters of recommendation, an academic statement, and a resume.
Duration: Two years
Mode: Online, hybrid, and on-campus
Cost: $893/credit hour (residency dependent)
Curriculum:
- Social Welfare Policy and Services
- Social Work Research Methods I & II
- Perspectives in Human Development
- Administration Skills for Social Work Practice
- Clinical Social Work Practice I & II
- Clinical Assessment Diagnosis
Michigan’s Student Options: Advanced Standing MSW Programs
If you already have a BSW, your path to an MSW can be accomplished quickly. By enrolling in an advanced standing program, you’ll have your MSW in about one year of full-time study. That will allow you to get your licensed master social worker (LMSW) credential faster and take advantage of higher pay grades and new job opportunities.
University of Michigan-Flint
The 36-credit advanced standing MSW program at the University of Michigan-Flint focuses on helping those in your community overcome challenges and thrive. For the advanced standing program, you must have received your BSW from a CSWE-accredited school within the last eight years.
Currently, the advanced standing program is part-time, with a full-time option set to roll out in fall 2026. Prospective students must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited school and a 3.0 grade point average (GPA).
Duration: One year
Mode: Online
Cost: $875.25/credit hour (residency dependent)
Curriculum:
- Human Behavior in the Social Environment
- Foundations in Social Welfare Policies, Programs, and Human Services
- Policy Analysis and Practice in Mental Health and Behavioral Health
- Assessment and Diagnosis in Mental Health and Behavioral Health Practice
- Leadership and Management in Social Work Practice
- Social Justice and Diversity in Social Work Practice
- Generalist Social Work Practice Methods: Individuals and Families
- Introduction to Quantitative and Qualitative Data Analysis
Part-Time MSW Programs: Michigan Edition
A part-time MSW program gives you the best of both worlds: You can be working in the social work field, earning an income, and advancing your education at the same time. Part-time programs generally take three years to complete. These programs are demanding, so you’ll need to balance lots of deadlines on top of your job and family responsibilities.
Wayne State University
The MSW at Wayne State University addresses complex human needs through interpersonal practice or knowledge and skills in community, policy, and leadership. Depending on your background, you can choose the 60-credit standard part-time program, which takes three to four years of study, or the 36-credit advanced standing part-time program, which requires two years of study.
Students in this program can also choose between two concentrations: interpersonal practice or innovation in the community. This program is additionally accredited by the CSWE.
Duration: Two to four years
Mode: Online
Cost: $796.84/credit hour (residency dependent)
Curriculum:
- Methods in Social Work Practice
- Foundation Group Theory and Practice
- Human Rights, Social Justice, and Diversity in an Urban Context
- Foundation Macro Theory and Practice
- Social Policy and Advocacy
- Evidence for Social Work Practice
- Community and Organization Measures
Quick Guide: FAQs From Michigan MSW Students
What are the requirements for becoming a licensed social worker in Michigan?
Michigan requires that you graduate from a CSWE-accredited program. For LMSW licensure, you’ll need 4,000 hours of post-degree supervised social work experience over two years. Your license will be designated for clinical or macro work or a combination of both, and your experience must be in the same field as the license you’re going for.
After that, you’ll take either the clinical or advanced generalist exam conducted by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB). The license fee is $99, and the exam fee is $230 to $260. Licenses are good for three years. There are different social work requirements for each state, so if you’re crossing state lines, be sure to look into the details.
Is financial aid available for online MSW programs in Michigan?
Yes, there are plenty of aid options for students enrolled in online MSW programs in Michigan, including financial aid for public service degrees. You can also explore scholarships for public service students and scholarships for social work students.
Colleges offer degree-specific scholarships as well. For example, Wayne State University, Michigan State University, and Ferris State University offer scholarships to students in their social work departments. Also, organizations such as the National Association of Social Workers Foundation (NASW) and the National Association of Black Social Workers (NABSW) provide scholarships for MSW students.
How important is accreditation with MSW programs in Michigan?
Choosing a program accredited by the CSWE is extremely important in Michigan. Without that stamp of approval, you may not meet licensure requirements, leaving you unable to practice as a social worker.
In addition to the programs mentioned above and featured in our rankings below, you’ll find a variety of accredited MSW programs in Michigan. The CSWE directory of accredited programs shows 14 accredited programs in the state, which include a mix of on-campus, online, part-time, full-time, and advanced standing options.
If I don’t have a BSW, can I get an MSW?
Although you will typically need a bachelor’s degree before earning your MSW, students with a different undergraduate degree can pursue MSW programs. The strongest candidates have a solid social science background and may have studied psychology, sociology, or anthropology. Others move into social work with a medical background, such as a degree in healthcare administration.
What is the fastest MSW program in Michigan?
If you have a BSW, the quickest path is to enroll in a full-time advanced standing program. The MSW advanced standing program at Oakland University requires 34 credits, and the program at Northern Michigan University requires 36 credits. In general, full-time advanced standing programs take one to two years to complete.
Salary & Career Comparison: MSW Graduates in Michigan
| Area | Occupation | 10th Percentile | 90th Percentile | Median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| U.S. | Social Workers | $39,580 | $104,580 | $63,770 |
| Michigan | Social Workers | $38,230 | $101,940 | $61,710 |
| Ann Arbor, MI | Social Workers | $45,980 | $106,540 | $78,420 |
| Battle Creek, MI | Social Workers | $65,500 | $107,660 | $94,990 |
| Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI | Social Workers | $38,230 | $103,440 | $62,920 |
| Flint, MI | Social Workers | $36,980 | $82,300 | $42,250 |
| Grand Rapids-Wyoming, MI | Social Workers | $37,920 | $94,990 | $47,840 |
| Kalamazoo-Portage, MI | Social Workers | $36,630 | $60,580 | $48,100 |
| Lansing-East Lansing, MI | Social Workers | $37,990 | $98,180 | $49,630 |
Source: Social Workers, Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2023, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
| Area | Occupation | Curr. Jobs | Proj. Jobs | New Jobs | Growth % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States | Social Workers | 68,400 | 72,900 | 4,500 | 6.60% |
| Michigan | Social Workers | 1,160 | 1,230 | 70 | 6.00% |
Source: Projections Central
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
Michigan Resources for MSW Students & Professionals
Whether you’re currently attending an online MSW program in Michigan or you’ve already graduated and begun working, there’s always more information you can learn about this vast field. The following are some professional and student resources that we’ve curated to help you learn more about social work in Michigan and beyond.
- Beck Scholarship This $1,000 scholarship is available to up to three MSW students each year who plan to use their degrees to improve the lives of low-income Michigan residents. It’s administered through the Michigan League for Public Policy.
- 8 Ways to Make the Most of Your Time as a Social Work Student This article from The New Social Worker magazine provides advice on how students can maximize their time in a social work program and position themselves for success after graduation.
- Master’s Social Work Licensing Guide This guidebook contains information from the State of Michigan on the specific licensing requirements for those who have earned an MSW degree. Reviewing this guide as a student can help you prepare for what you need to do before starting your career in Michigan.
- National Association of Black Social Workers (NABSW) This community of Black social workers uplifts and advocates for communities and social workers in Michigan. You’ll find chapters in Flint, Greater Detroit, and Lansing, plus a student chapter at the University of Michigan. Check out events, a job board, and more.
- National Association of Social Workers (NASW) — Michigan The Michigan chapter of the NASW supports social work professionals around the state and students studying to enter the field. Membership benefits include continuing education, advocacy services, a newsletter, ethics consultations, career and networking resources, and scholarships.
Top Online MSW Programs: Looking at Michigan’s Best Schools
If you have a busy lifestyle but still want to earn an MSW degree, online MSW programs are a great alternative to traditional methods. To help you jumpstart your program search, we developed the following ranking of Michigan’s top choices.
This ranking takes into consideration aspects of the programs that matter most to you: institutional accreditation, online options and rates of participation, career and academic support, financial aid, and more. You can review the “About the Rankings” section below to learn more, then check out this listing to find the best program for you.
Northern Michigan University
Marquette, Michigan
Public
Western Michigan University
Kalamazoo, Michigan
Public
University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor, Michigan
Public
