MSW Programs in Michigan

The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects employment in the field of social work to grow 7% by 2033, 4% higher than the average growth rate of occupations. Michigan is experiencing the same rate of growth in the field as well. The population makeup of the state of Michigan gives insight into the communities that need the support of social workers. According to the Census Bureau, 19.3% of Michigan’s population is over the age of 65. 21% of the population is under the age of 18, and in 2022, approximately 23,500 children were involved in child maltreatment cases. Both senior citizens and children make up vulnerable populations that benefit from resources provided by social workers.  

14.7% of Michigan’s population has a disability, a statistic slightly above the national average. The Census Bureau reports that 13.5% of Michigan’s population lives below the poverty line, a statistic also slightly higher than the national average. Feeding America reports a food insecurity rate in the state of 14.2%. Michigan.gov reports that approximately 32,000 people are incarcerated. NAMI reports that there are almost 9,000 unhoused people in the state of Michigan and that 1 in 7 of the homeless struggle with a serious mental illness. All of these populations could benefit from the various roles social workers play to secure resources like mental health support, job support, healthcare, housing, and legal support.

The mental health struggles within Michigan’s population call for intervention from experienced social workers. In 2021, 39.9 percent of adults in Michigan reported anxiety and depression symptoms. 119,000 youth ages 12 to 17 reported having symptoms of depression. NAMI also reports that approximately 355,000 adults in Michigan reported having a serious mental illness. 319,000 people reported suicidal thoughts in 2021, and unfortunately, 1548 lives were lost to suicide. To provide the best support for Michigan’s population and its mental health challenges, social workers can benefit from advanced training through a Master’s in Social Work.

Issues Facing Social Workers

Social workers in Michigan face challenges in supporting vulnerable communities, such as increasing concerns with the population’s mental health and those struggling with substance use.  SAMHSA’s Health Barometer reports that the rates of depression in youth ages 12 to 17 nearly doubled between 2004 and 2019. NAMI reports that in 2021, half of these youth requiring mental health services were unable to access care. SAMHSA reports an increase in suicidal ideation to 10.9% of young adults aged 18 to 25. SAMHSA also reports an increase in marijuana use in people ages 12 and over. In 2019, 47,072 people in Michigan accessed substance use treatment, and 13,202 of those people accessed Medication-Assisted Therapy (MAT) such as Methadone. Vulnerable populations such as these require dedicated and knowledgeable social workers to assist them in navigating challenging life circumstances and the appropriate resources to support them.

Michigan’s community in Flint also faces the long-term effects of lead and contaminants impacting their drinking water. Since April 2014, the population has been struggling with negative health outcomes as a result. According to the CDC, 51% of households felt at least one family member’s physical health was impacted by the disaster. 54% of households report an increase in behavior concerns observed in their children. Communities impacted in the long-term by factors such as these benefit from an ongoing relationship with social workers to help areas on not just an individual level, but a community level as well.

Meeting the needs of these populations can put a strain on social workers practicing in Michigan. With a growing need for mental health and substance use services, high caseloads and burnout can be a challenge for social workers as they strive to create positive change for the communities they serve. Social workers also face challenges such as limited resources, complex policies, and systemic barriers that impede the ability to provide care and adequate resources to clients.

Michigan Social Work Schools and MSW Programs

There are 14 MSW programs available in the state of Michigan. The programs available span both private and public institutions, including the top-rated MSW program in the country. At all 14 MSW programs, GRE scores are not required for admission, although some schools may request GRE scores for applicants who have a GPA below 3.0. Every school also offers an advanced standing program to accelerate degree completion for applicants who already have a BSW.

Eastern Michigan University

• Ypsilanti, Michigan
• 2-4 years
• Campus

Location: public university in Ypsilanti, Michigan

Modality: on-campus

Length:

• Full-time: 2 years
• Part-time: 4 years
• Advanced Standing: 1 year full-time, 2 years part-time

Cost:

• In-state tuition: $986 to $1128.50, depending on course level
• Non-resident: $1708.75 to $1927, depending on course level

Program Overview:
Eastern Michigan University’s MSW program has an advanced generalist perspective focused on empowerment-oriented practice. Their program offers 3 areas of practice: Families and Children, Health and Aging, and Mental Health and Substance Use Recovery. Their program is comprised of 61 course credits (35 credits for the advanced standing program) and 900 field practice hours. EMU also offers graduate certificates in non-profit management, gerontology, school social work, and dementia.

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Grand Valley State University

• Allendale, Michigan
• 2-3 years
• Campus

Location: public university in Allendale, Michigan

Modality: on-campus

Length:

• Full-time: 2 years
• Part-time: 3 years
• Advanced Standing: 1 year full-time, 2 years part-time

Cost: $789 per course credit

Program Overview:
Grand Valley State University offers an MSW program under an advanced generalist model, comprised of 60 course credits (38 credits for the advanced standing program) and 900 field practice hours. The school reports that over 90% of their MSW students are employed by graduation. GVSU offers a school social work certification, as well as a dual degree option to complete an MSW and MBA simultaneously.

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Oakland University

• Rochester, Michigan
• 2-4 years
• Campus

Location: public university in Rochester, Michigan

Modality: on-campus

Length:

• Full-time: 2 years
• Part-time: 4 years
• Advanced Standing: 1 year full-time, 2 years part-time

Cost:

• In-state tuition: $915 per course credit
• Non-resident tuition: $1027 per course credit

Program Overview:
Oakland University’s MSW program offers an integrated curriculum that includes clinical and macro social work skills. The program is composed of 64 course credits (34 credits for the advanced standing program) and 900 field practice hours. Oakland University offers specializations in integrated health, community and organizational leadership, and school social work.

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Saginaw Valley State University

• University Center, Michigan
• 2-3 years
• Campus

Location: public university in University Center, Michigan

Modality: on-campus

Length:

• Full-time: 2 years
• Part-time: 3 years
• Advanced Standing: 1 year full-time, 2 years part-time

Cost: $765 per course credit

Program Overview:
Saginaw Valley State University’s MSW program boasts an average job placement rate for graduates of 95%. Their advanced generalist program consists of 59 course credits (40 credits for the advanced standing program). Practice hours are completed across 4 field education courses at one of 200 possible field placement locations.

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University of Michigan

• Ann Arbor, Michigan
• 3-4 years
• Online + Campus

Location: public university in Ann Arbor, Michigan

Modality: on-campus and online

Length:

• Full-time: 16 to 20 months
• Part-time: 3 to 4 years
• Advanced Standing: 1 year

Cost: cost-per-credit information is not available, tuition information can be found on University of Michigan’s website, and is program dependent

Program Overview:
The University of Michigan is the top-rated MSW program according to US News. Their MSW program consists of 60 credits (45 credits for the advanced standing and online programs) and 900 field practice hours. MSW students choose from 8 pathway specializations that span across micro and macro curriculums. University of Michigan offers 7 dual degree options, as well as 9 certificate offerings under their social work continuing education programs.

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Western Michigan University

• Multiple Locations
• 2-3 years
• Campus

Location: public university with multiple locations, offers MSW program at Kalamazoo campus and Grand Rapids campus

Modality: on-campus

Length:

• Full-time: 2 years
• Part-time: 3 years
• Advanced Standing: 10 months full-time, 2 years part-time

Program Overview:
Western Michigan University’s MSW program comprises of 60 credits (39 credits for the advanced standing program) and 900 field practice hours. They offer a clinical social work concentration and a policy, planning, and administration concentration, as well as several specializations. Western Michigan University is tied with several schools as US News’s #95 ranked social work program.

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CSWE Accredited Michigan Masters in Social Work Programs

Many social work schools are accredited by the Council of Social Work Education (CSWE). Nearly all states require accreditation to gain licensure, an important step for social workers looking to step into a clinical role. Some employers may require an MSW degree from a CSWE-accredited school to meet professional roles and responsibilities. Accreditation ensures an education aligned with the National Association of Social Work’s Code of Ethics, establishes professional standards, and upholds the integrity of the profession. 13 of the 14 available graduate social work programs in Michigan are CSWE-accredited. University of Michigan Flint is the only exception and is in the process of becoming a candidate for accreditation.

Advanced Standing MSW Programs in Michigan

For social workers who have earned their BSW and are interested in faster career advancement, some social work schools may offer an advanced standing program to complete their MSW at an accelerated pace. Advanced standing programs can be cost-effective as it can decrease the amount of time taken to complete an MSW degree by 1-2 years. Below are some of the MSW programs in Michigan offering advanced standing programs that can be completed in under 2 years.

Andrews University

• Barrien Springs, Michigan
• 2-3 years
• Online + Campus

Location: private university in Barrien Springs, Michigan

Modality: on-campus and online

Length:

• Full-time: 2 years
• Part-time: 3 years
• Advanced Standing: 1 year

Cost: $1318 per course credit

Program Overview:
Andrews University offers a faith-based trauma-informed program affiliated with the Seventh-Day Adventist Church. Their program consists of 56 course credits (33 credits for the advanced standing program) and 900 field practice hours. Andrews University offers six dual degree options, as well as a child welfare certificate. GRE results are not required for admission, but Andrews University offers scholarships based on GRE results, as well as a discount option for their online MSW program.

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Madonna University

• Livonia, Michigan
• 2 years
• Campus

Location: private university in Livonia, Michigan

Modality: on-campus

Length:

• Full-time: 2 years, can be extended for part-time options
• Advanced Standing: 1 year

Cost: $1000 per course credit

Program Overview:
Madonna is a Catholic University offering MSW classes in the afternoons and evenings to accommodate working students. Their MSW program consists of 60 course credits (30 credits for the advanced standing program) and 900 field practice hours. Both macro and micro tracks are offered through the concentrations of Aging, Mental Health Specialization, Children and Youth, and Community Leadership.

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Northern Michigan University

• Marquette, Michigan
• 1-2 years
• Online + Campus

Location: public university in Marquette, Michigan

Modality: on-campus and online

Length:

• Full-time: 2 years, can be extended for part-time options
• Advanced Standing: 1 year, including a summer semester

Cost:

• In-state tuition: $703 per course credit
• Non-resident tuition: $919 per course credit
• Online tuition: $703 per course credit

Program Overview:
Northern Michigan University aims to acknowledge and adapt to the ever-changing concept of social work practice. Their MSW program offers clinical and advanced generalist concentrations completed over 50 course credits (36 credits for the advanced standing program) and 900 field practice hours. Northern Michigan University offers unique electives in areas such as neuroscience and Native American Studies.

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Wayne State University

• Detroit, Michigan
• 3-4 years
• Online + Campus

Location: public university in Detroit, Michigan

Modality: on-campus and online

Length:

• Full-time: 2 years
• Part-time: 3 to 4 years
• Advanced Standing: 10 to 16 months full-time, 2 years part-time

Cost:

• In-state tuition: $796.84 per course credit
• Non-resident tuition: 1725.96 per course credit

Program Overview:
Wayne State University’s MSW program is tied with several schools as the #36 ranked social work program according to US News. Wayne State University’s MSW program offers concentrations in I-CPL (Innovation in Community, Policy, and Leadership) and IP (Interpersonal Practice), with 7 optional focus areas to further specialize practice. The program comprises of 60 credits (36 credits for the advanced standing program) and 900 field practice hours. WSU offers dual degree options to complete an MSW with a Masters of Public Health, as well as an MSW-IMH (Infant Mental Health) dual-degree title and graduate certificate options.

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Online MSW Programs in Michigan

Several MSW programs in Michigan offer an online option to allow further flexibility for social workers working towards their Master’s degree. Below are some social work schools offering MSW programs with the flexibility of an online modality. Please note that while classes may be offered online, field practice hours must be completed at an in-person placement.  Below are some social work master’s programs in Michigan that offer classes that can be completed exclusively online.

Ferris State University

• Multiple Locations
• 2-4 years
• Online + Campus

Location: public university with multiple locations, MSW program is offered at both Traverse City campus and Big Rapids main campus

Modality: on-campus and online

Length:

• Full-time: 2 years
• Part-time: 4 years
• Advanced Standing: 1 year full-time, 2 years part-time

Cost: $770 per course credit

Program Overview:
Ferris State University’s MSW program consists of 65 course credits (38 for the advanced standing program) and 1090 field practice hours. Their graduate program emphasizes trauma-informed care in a clinical curriculum. Ferris State University also offers a school social work certification.

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Michigan State University

• East Lansing, Michigan
• 2-3 years
• Online + Campus

Location: public university in East Lansing, Michigan

Modality: on-campus and online

Length:

• Full-time: 2 years
• Part-time: 3 years
• Online: 3 years part-time 
• Advanced Standing: 1 year full-time, 2 years full-time

Cost:

• In-state tuition: $893 per course credit
• Non-resident tuition: $1729.50 per course credit

Program Overview:
Michigan State University’s social work graduate program consists of 57 course credits (36 for the advanced standing program) and 960 field practice hours. MSU offers a clinical social work and organization concentration and a community leadership concentration. Their MSW program is tied with Wanye State University and several other schools as US News’s #36 ranked social work program. Michigan State University offers 7 graduate certificate options, as well as joint MSW/Juris Doctor and joint MSW/MPH options.

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Spring Arbor University

• Spring Arbor, Michigan
• 2 years
• Online + Campus

Location: private university in Spring Arbor, Michigan

Modality: on-campus and online

Length:

• Full-time: 2 years, can be extended for part-time options
• Advanced Standing: 1 year

Cost: $664 per credit hour

Program Overview:
Spring Arbor University’s advanced generalist MSW program consists of 60 course credits (30 credits for the advanced standing program) and two field placement internships. Spring Arbor University offers multiple start dates each semester to ensure flexibility. They also offer a school social worker specialization.

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University of Michigan Flint

• Flint, Michigan
• 2-3 years
• Online

Location: public university in Flint, Michigan

Modality: online

Length:

• Full-time: 2 years
• Part-time: 3 years
• Advanced Standing: 1 year full-time, 1 and a half years part-time

Cost:

• In-state tuition: $771.75 per course credit
• Non-resident tuition: $1156 per course credit

Program Overview:
The University of Michigan Flint offers a specialized program in mental health and behavioral practice, with an optional focus area in social work in healthcare settings. Classes are taught in the evening via Zoom and consist of 60 credits (36 credits for the advanced standing program) and 900 field practice hours. Please note that the University of Michigan Flint is not CSWE-accredited.

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FAQs for Aspiring Michigan Social Workers

What can I do with an MSW degree in Michigan?

Social workers have diverse opportunities across various settings and with various populations. Examples of settings social workers can work in include outpatient and community mental health settings, healthcare and substance use settings, legal settings, schools, and child welfare. Social workers may specialize in clinical practice, as well as macro settings to focus on policy and social work on the organizational level. The population of Michigan requires services to support them in areas such as clinical mental health, substance use treatment, and connecting impoverished communities with resources. Social workers with an MSW degree in Michigan can work to improve the lives of those in need on a direct care level and a systemic level as well.

Which Michigan school of social work has the best MSW program?

According to US News, Michigan has 4 of the top 100 social work programs in the country. Additionally, Michigan is home to the top-rated MSW program in the country, at the University of Michigan. Michigan State University and Wayne State University are tied with several other schools as the #36 ranked program, and Western Michigan University is tied with several other schools as the #95 ranked program in the country.

How much does an MSW in Michigan cost?

Schools also offer a range of financial support options, such as financial aid and grants. The length of time spent completing an MSW program, as well as the modality of completion (online or on-campus), can also impact the cost of completing a master’s in Social Work. In-state and non-resident tuition are another factor that impacts cost. Cost per credit hour at MSW programs in Michigan range from $664 to $1927. Schools also offer a range of financial support options, such as financial aid and grants.

How much does a social worker in Michigan make?

Salaries for social workers with an MSW degree in Michigan will vary based on licensure, levels of experience, setting, and whether social workers are practicing in an urban or more rural area. According to Ziprecruiter, the average social work salary in Michigan is $66,473. While this salary is below the national average for social workers nationally, it is a great increase from the average salary in Michigan, which is $49,834. According to Rocket Homes, the average social worker’s salary can be a comfortable income based on the cost of living in the state of Michigan.

According to Career One Stop, healthcare social workers in Michigan make a median salary of $62,880. Mental health and substance use social workers in Michigan make a median salary of $57,290, and child, family, and school social workers make a median salary of $57,210. All of these median salaries are on par with the national averages for these roles.

What is the ROI of getting an MSW in Michigan?

The return on investment for getting an MSW in Michigan is contingent on several factors. A master’s in Social Work offers career flexibility to work across various settings with diverse populations. Advancement opportunities in a social work career include obtaining a clinical license, positions in leadership or supervision, private practice, or teaching as a professor. Social work also offers fulfillment for those who want to work in direct care with oppressed and marginalized communities, have a passion for social justice, and make a difference in the community.

A full-time MSW degree in Michigan can range from approximately $47,000 to $100,000, with factors like online and advanced standing programs impacting price. The average social worker salary in Michigan averaged at about $66,473. Using the Investopedia return on investment formula, a lower-cost MSW program provides an excellent return of investment. A more expensive program can still be a good return on investment based on the growing job market and career flexibility, but programs with costs surpassing 100,000 may not be as strong of an investment. Some jobs may offer student loan forgiveness as well.

How long does it take to become a social worker in Michigan?

Social work master’s programs in Michigan offer options to complete an MSW degree in several different timeframes. A traditional full-time track at most social work graduate programs in Michigan can be completed in 2 years. Graduate programs also offer part-time programs that can be completed between 3 to 4 years on average. All MSW programs in Michigan also offer advanced standing programs, where social workers with a BSW degree can accelerate their graduate studies and complete their degree faster, typically within 1 year full-time and 2 years part-time.

Michigan Licensure and Professional Development Resources

1. https://www.aswb.org/licenses/social-work-registry/
2. https://www.aswb.org/licenses/how-to-get-a-license/licensing-requirements-by-state-or-province/
3. https://www.nasw-michigan.org/
4. https://www.michigan.gov/lara/bureau-list/bpl/health/hp-lic-health-prof/social

Links used for references (not included in final word count)

1. https://www.investopedia.com/ask/answers/071415/what-formula-calculating-return-investment-roi-excel.asp
2. https://www.cswe.org/accreditation/about/directory/?pg=&program_level=Master%27s
3. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/community-and-social-service/social-workers.htm#:~:text=in%20May%202023.-,Job%20Outlook,on%20average%2C%20over%20the%20decade.
4. https://www.nami.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/MichiganStateFactSheet.pdf
5. https://data.census.gov/profile/Michigan?g=040XX00US26
6. https://www.samhsa.gov/data/sites/default/files/reports/rpt32839/Michigan-BH-Barometer_Volume6.pdf
7. https://www.careeronestop.org/Toolkit/Wages/find-salary.aspx?keyword=Mental%20Health%20and%20Substance%20Abuse%20Social%20Workers&soccode=211023&location=Michigan&keywordSearched=Mental%20Health%20and%20Substance%20Abuse%20Social%20Workers
8. https://www.careeronestop.org/Toolkit/Wages/find-salary.aspx?keyword=Child,%20Family,%20and%20School%20Social%20Workers&soccode=211021&location=Michigan&keywordSearched=Child,%20Family,%20and%20School%20Social%20Workers
9. https://www.careeronestop.org/Toolkit/Wages/find-salary.aspx?keyword=Child,%20Family,%20and%20School%20Social%20Workers&soccode=211021&location=Michigan&keywordSearched=Child,%20Family,%20and%20School%20Social%20Workers
10. https://map.feedingamerica.org/county/2022/overall/
11. https://www.rockethomes.com/blog/home-buying/cost-of-living-in-michigan
12. http://ziprecruiter.com/Salaries/Social-Worker-Salary–in-Michigan
13. https://www.onetonline.org/link/localtrends/21-1029.00?st=MI
14. https://cwoutcomes.acf.hhs.gov/cwodatasite/byState/michigan/
15. https://www.michigan.gov/corrections/-/media/Project/Websites/corrections/Files/Legislative-Reports/2023/Prison-Population-Projection-Report.pdf
16. https://www.cdc.gov/casper/php/publications-links/flint-water-crisis.html#:~:text=On%20April%2025%2C%202014%2C%20the,contaminants%20into%20municipal%20drinking%20water

MSW Programs in Other States

Minnesota

Wisconsin

Illinois

Indiana

Ohio

Pennsylvania