Jun 29, 2024  
2024-2025 Graduate Catalog 
    
2024-2025 Graduate Catalog

Social Work, M.S.W.


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Admission Requirements

  • Comply with the regular Admission Requirements  of the College of Graduate Studies and Research, which includes an undergraduate grade point average of 3.0, and
  • for Regular Standing admission:
    • SW 100 Exploring Social Work (or at least a 3 credit equivalent course as determined by admissions committee)
    • SW 230 Human Behavior in the Social Environment I (or at least a 3 credit equivalent course as determined by admissions committee)
    • at least 10 credits in some combination of the following content areas
      • Lifespan Development
      • Psychology
      • Sociology
      • Social Work
  • for Advanced Standing admission:
    • a BSW degree from a CSWE-accredited institution, or recognized through its International Social Work Degree Recognition and Evaluation Services, or covered under a memorandum of understanding with international social work accreditors, conferred no more than five years prior to the date of application
    • a cumulative GPA of 3.0 with no BSW courses falling below a B

The graduate admissions committee within the MSW Program will review all applications in their entirety, and will offer full or conditional admission to the program based on each candidate’s comparative strengths and weaknesses. Positions will be offered to a limited number of applicants per year. For GPA requirements, primary consideration will be given to the last 60 credits of undergraduate or graduate study, and to courses determined especially relevant to the field of social work.

All Applicants must submit:

  1. Graduate admission application and fee  (Applications closed for Fall 2024)
  2. Official transcripts from all previously attended post-secondary institutions
  3. A personal statement demonstrating interest in social work, career goals, commitment to values and ethics of the profession and program preferences
  4. Two academic or professional letters of recommendation. (Personal letters of recommendations will not be accepted.)
  5. Current resume

Application Deadlines

Priority Admission Deadline: December 1. We recommend this deadline is for early-decision makers only. Early decision makers are applicants who are already committed to attending NMU for their MSW, whereas regular applicants may be considering and applying to other institutions. 

Regular Admission Deadline: February 28. All applicants must submit their applications no later than February 28.  (Applications closed for Fall 2024)

Master of Social Work Curriculum


Advanced Standing = 36 credits, Regular Standing = 50 credits

For department information or additional degree requirements, go to the Social Work  department page.

Total Credits Required 36 - 50 Credits


REGULAR STANDING 50 Credits


*Elective offerings include:


Graduation Requirements


In order to be retained in the MSW program, students must act within the professional standards outlined in the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) Code of Ethics.

Graduates must meet the requirements  of the College of Graduate Studies as outlined in the Graduate Bulletin in addition to the following:

  • Complete the minimum number of credits for the chosen degree track 
  • Maintain a 3.0 GPA
  • Successfully complete capstone course SW 682 

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