There are many reasons why you might choose to pursue a career in social work. Perhaps you have a strong desire to assist those in distress, are motivated by the challenge of solving complex social issues, or wish to create change based on your personal experiences.
Starting a career in this field should begin with a solid educational foundation, which usually means earning both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in social work. In Michigan, these degrees are available online, enabling you to integrate your studies with your current lifestyle.
This guide provides an overview of some of the popular online social work programs in Michigan at both the undergraduate and graduate levels.
Online Social Work Programs in Michigan
Listed below are some of the popular schools offering online social work programs in Michigan:
- Wayne State University
- Northern Michigan University
- University of Michigan
- University of Michigan-Flint
- Simmons University
- Chamberlain University
- National University
- Arizona State University Online
Wayne State University
Online Bachelor of Social Work (BSW)
Wayne State University offers a fully accredited online Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) program, known as the Where Online Works (WOW!) Program. This cohort-based program provides a flexible schedule for both full-time and part-time students, making it possible to earn your BSW degree online. While all coursework is completed online, the required 460-hour practicum placement must be completed in-person.
This online program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), the sole accrediting body of schools of social work in the United States.
To earn your BSW degree, you must complete a minimum of 120 credits. During your freshman and sophomore years, you will complete 60 credits of prerequisite courses required for admission to the professional component of the program. In your junior and senior years, 51 of the 60 credits will come from field work and field-related courses. Electives are available to help you meet the 120-credit graduation requirement.
The WOW! program is designed for students balancing work or family commitments. Key benefits of this program include:
- All required BSW classes are taught online using the Canvas educational platform.
- Experienced instructors from the traditional classroom also teach in the WOW! program, using interactive tools such as simulations, discussion boards, video lectures, and other Canvas features.
- Courses are asynchronous, allowing you to complete weekly assignments on your own schedule without specific meeting times.
- Support services include BSW advisors, online mentoring, writing support, tutoring, and opportunities for peer interaction through Zoom and campus-based activities.
The BSW curriculum includes approximately two-thirds professional social work core courses and one-third co-requisite and elective courses. Practicum education is an integral part of the curriculum, requiring you to apply coursework in community-based settings under supervision.
The program provides knowledge, values, cognitive and affective processes, and skills essential for entry-level generalist social work practice. It is structured around five curricular areas:
- Human behavior and the social environment
- Research
- Social work practice
- Social welfare policy and services
- Field education
Some of the core courses that you will take include:
- Social Work Practice Method
- Social Work Macro Theory and Practice
- Social Work Group Theory and Practice
- Human Behavior in the Social Environment
- Foundations of Ethics and Values in Social Work
- Diversity, Oppression and Social Justice
- Professional Writing for Social Workers
- Social Welfare and the Social Work Profession
Although all required courses are online, the 460-hour practicum placement cannot be completed online. In your senior year, you will be placed in an organization where you will work directly with clients to apply your classroom learning to real-life social work scenarios.
The Wayne State University School of Social Work arranges practicum placements. You are responsible for arranging reliable transportation to and from the placement site. While your location will be considered, a placement near your area cannot be guaranteed.
Field education places you in diverse social service agencies, working with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities. Emphasis is placed on serving urban areas, marginalized populations, and at-risk communities from varied ethnic, racial, and cultural backgrounds.
To apply to the WOW! program:
- Maintain a minimum 2.50 GPA.
- Complete at least 60 college-level credits (in progress credits must transfer to Wayne State).
- Have regular access to an updated computer system and software for online coursework.
- Complete an online assessment to determine readiness for online learning.
Transfer students apply through the Office of Undergraduate Admissions after completing a minimum of 24 semester credits of undergraduate coursework. Applicants must:
- Maintain a minimum 2.50 GPA.
- Complete specified pre-professional courses.
- Submit an admissions portfolio, including a personal interest statement, transcripts, an educational resume, and documentation of community service hours.
- Attend a required advising session.
Northern Michigan University
Online Bachelor of Social Work (BSW)
Northern Michigan University’s 128-credit online BSW program provides a CSWE-accredited curriculum that prepares you to start a career in social work across various settings. You are also prepared to continue your education and pursue advanced roles in this field.
The program is designed to fit into your life, enabling you to earn your degree with great flexibility without losing quality. You engage in both real-time and self-paced courses, which lets you manage your coursework on your own schedule and still benefit from networking with other students and professors.
Upon graduating, you will have learned skills from theories applicable in various professional contexts and will work in places like schools, hospitals, and non-profit organizations, among other settings where help is needed. As a social worker, you will assist clients in tapping into their potential and connecting them to external resources to create lasting positive changes.
As a student in this program, you will be equipped as a generalist prepared for roles in mental health, healthcare, legal systems, and programs addressing substance and spouse abuse, among other areas.
You’ll study subjects like:
- Human Behavior
- Social Welfare
- Generalist Methods
- Policy Analysis
- Research
- Practice with Diverse Populations
Additionally, you’ll participate in two semester-long seminars and two senior field placements each lasting a semester.
The BSW curriculum is split into two main phases: the pre-admission curriculum and the upper level curriculum. The pre-admission phase generally includes the first two years, focusing on general education requirements, the Human Behavior cluster minor, and the initial eight credits of your major. Many courses in the cluster minor also fulfill general education requirements.
The upper level curriculum begins in the second semester of your junior year and extends through your senior year, featuring advanced courses and a 400-hour field placement in a social service agency. You must apply for this phase, and those accepted continue as a cohort.
Due to the linked nature of courses in the major and the cluster minor, it is crucial that you follow the curriculum in sequence. You are advised to consult with an advisor to ensure proper planning of your studies.
The Social Work major includes a pre-admission set of two courses for eight credits, and a post-admission sequence of 40 credits. Along with these 48 credits, you must complete a Human Behavior Cluster minor, which provides foundational knowledge on the interaction between people and social entities. This minor also offers initial research skills necessary for evaluating practices and learning about social sciences.
Total credits required for graduation are as follows:
- General Education: 30-40 credits
- Credits Required for Major: 48 credits
- Human Behavior Cluster: 28 credits
Applications for the upper level curriculum are due annually around October 1. Your application must include a GPA of at least 2.50 in the the seven courses within the Human Behavior Cluster minor, a personal statement, and a plan for completing remaining courses. The personal statement will assess your understanding of social work practice, your commitment to the profession, readiness for further courses and field placements, and any relevant skills or experiences in human services.
Overall goals of the program include:
- Prepare you for generalist practice with diverse populations in various settings.
- Help you identify with the social work profession and its guiding values and ethics.
- Provide an environment that encourages respect for diversity and commitment to human rights and justice.
- Educate you on human behavior theories and person-in-environment frameworks, enhancing your ability to apply these concepts.
- Train you to use critical thinking and research to inform your practice and promote lifelong learning.
- Develop your leadership skills to create effective services locally and beyond.
Transfer credits for practice methods and field placements are only accepted from CSWE-accredited institutions. NMU’s program does not give credit for life or work experiences.
University of Michigan
Online Master of Social Work (MSW)
You have the opportunity to enroll in the University of Michigan’s CSWE-accredited online Master of Social Work (MSW) program, offered in both full-time and part-time formats. This program is designed to accommodate your studies, work, family, and other responsibilities.
Through this program, you will work toward advancing social justice, equity, and care. The program aims to prepare you to address basic human needs, reduce social and economic inequities, and empower individuals, communities, and institutions to achieve their full potential. You will benefit from an interdisciplinary faculty and the resources of a public university that is committed to research and service at local, national, and global levels.
Your courses will include both live (synchronous) sessions and self-paced (asynchronous) content. For each online course, you should plan for two hours of live sessions and approximately 6.5 hours of self-paced activities, such as assignments, readings, videos, and discussion boards, each week.
You can choose from two pathways in this program:
- The Interpersonal Practice in Integrated Health, Mental Health, & Substance Abuse pathway is designed to prepare you for a career as a licensed clinical social worker.
- The Welfare of Children & Families pathway will equip you to support children, adolescents, and adults.
If you select the Interpersonal Practice pathway, you will focus on addressing the physical, mental, and behavioral health needs of individuals, using an integrated approach. This approach emphasizes collaboration with other professionals and prepares you to work in health care settings like clinics, agencies, and health systems.
The Welfare of Children & Families pathway will help you develop skills to support individuals and families through evidence-based interventions, focusing on areas such as trauma, resilience, and child development. Your training will include practice experiences in settings like schools, clinics, and community programs.
You must enter the Online MSW program through one of the following statuses:
Advanced Standing:
You can complete the MSW online program in less time, reducing credit-hours from 60 to 45. This saves you both time and money. Field placements will be arranged near your community within the United States, excluding U.S. territories.
You must have a bachelor’s degree in social work from a CSWE-accredited program and a GPA of 3.5 or above in the equivalent of the final two years of undergraduate study. You will complete 45 credit hours, including 12 credits of field instruction (672 clock hours) within the United States.
You can balance a career and an MSW degree through the part-time option. Transfer students may be eligible to participate in the online MSW program. Full-time students must be available for primarily day/weekday courses and fieldwork, while part-time students will have evening/weekend courses but must also be available for fieldwork during regular day/weekday hours. You must complete all degree requirements within four years of your first term.
Social Work Essentials:
Once you successfully complete your Social Work Essentials certificate (SWEC) or MasterTrack certificate (MTC) and are admitted to the MSW online program, you will continue your degree requirements online. You can choose either a part-time or full-time schedule.
You must achieve at least 70% on all assignments and exams in the Social Work Essentials or MasterTrack certificate before starting the MSW program. You will complete 45 credit hours, including 14 credits of field instruction (900 clock hours). Field instruction must take place within the United States. Students who are not candidates for degree are not eligible for the MasterTrack MSW Online program.
Online students must reside in the U.S. while completing their field placement. Transfer students may be eligible to participate in the program. Full-time students must be available for day/weekday courses and fieldwork, while part-time students will have evening/weekend courses but must also be available for fieldwork during regular day/weekday hours. You must complete all degree requirements within four years of your first term.
U-M Sociology and Social Work MSW Online:
If you are a U-M undergraduate sociology student, you can transition into the MSW program after completing your bachelor’s degree. You must complete 13 credits of MSW coursework on-campus with a grade of C- or above in your senior year. If your GPA across specific courses (SW505, SW506, SW508, SW509, and your undergraduate research course) is below 3.0, a Student Success Meeting may be required.
You will complete 45 credit hours, including 12 credits of field instruction (684 clock hours). Field instruction must take place within the United States. Full-time students must be available for day/weekday courses and fieldwork, while part-time students will have evening/weekend courses but must also be available for fieldwork during regular day/weekday hours. You must complete all degree requirements within four years of your first term.
UM-Dearborn Human Services and Social Work MSW Online:
If you are a UM-Dearborn undergraduate Human Services student, you can enter the MSW program through a streamlined curriculum. You must complete 13 credits of MSW coursework on-campus with a grade of C- or above in your senior year. If your GPA across specific courses (SW505, SW506, SW508, SW509, and your undergraduate research course) is below 3.0, a Student Success Meeting may be required.
You will complete 45 credit hours, including 12 credits of field instruction (684 clock hours). Field instruction must take place within the United States. Full-time students must be available for day/weekday courses and fieldwork, while part-time students will have evening/weekend courses but must also be available for fieldwork during regular day/weekday hours. You must complete all degree requirements within four years of your first term.
University of Michigan-Flint
Online Master of Social Work (MSW)
The University of Michigan-Flint’s online accredited MSW program offers a flexible learning format designed for working professionals, enabling you to help your community and create positive change.
With 100% online coursework, this program features both asynchronous and synchronous classes, ensuring convenience for your busy schedule. You will also engage in community-based learning and complete extensive internship hours to enhance your practical skills. Both full-time and part-time options are available for regular-standing and advanced-standing students.
This program is structured to provide a solid theoretical foundation through online coursework while offering immersive in-person internships at local social service agencies. Synchronous classes are conducted via Zoom in the evenings, allowing you to continue working while earning your degree.
Program options include:
- Regular Standing (Non-BSW or BSW earned more than eight years ago):
- 60 credits
- 900 hours of internship
- Advanced Standing (BSW earned within the last eight years with a 3.0 GPA or higher):
- 36 credits
- 500 hours of internship
The curriculum consists of a minimum of 60 graduate credits (for regular standing):
- Foundational Coursework: 27 credits focusing on interdisciplinary theory, research, policy, and generalist social work practice methods.
- Specialized Curriculum: 30 credits emphasizing mental and behavioral health practice, advanced social work theory, research, policy, and intervention strategies.
The UM-Flint MSW program is dedicated to advancing the mission of the social work profession by promoting social and economic justice. This program provides a specialized curriculum in Mental Health and Behavioral Health Practice, which equips you with the skills needed to deliver competent and ethical services to individuals, families, and groups.
Additionally, you have the option to focus on Social Work in Health Care Settings, preparing you to provide holistic psychosocial support for patients and clients in diverse healthcare environments, such as hospitals and mental health clinics.
Through Generalist and Advanced practicum, you will refine your social work skills under professional supervision while building meaningful relationships with peers, experienced practitioners, and community members.
You must complete the program within six years of your initial admission. Extensions may be granted upon request and approval by the MSW program director and faculty.
To apply, you need to submit:
- Online application for graduate admission.
- $55 non-refundable application fee.
- Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended.
- Proof of English proficiency (if English is not your native language).
- A Statement of Purpose (3–5 pages, double-spaced) addressing the following:
- A social problem motivating your decision to pursue an MSW.
- Commitment to social work values and ethics.
- Identities and experiences shaping your understanding of social justice.
- Personal, professional, and academic experiences preparing you for the program.
- Reasons for choosing the UM-Flint MSW program.
Additionally, you must include:
- A current resume.
- At least two letters of recommendation (one academic and one professional preferred).
Up to six (6) graduate credits from an accredited university may be transferred and applied to the MSW program, subject to the approval of the program faculty.
The UM-Flint MSW program is currently in pre-candidacy for accreditation by the CSWE. Candidacy is a three-year process. Accreditation is expected to be completed in 2027. If all steps in the process are successfully completed, students admitted from fall 2024 onward will be retroactively recognized as graduates of a CSWE-accredited program once Initial Accreditation is achieved in 2027.
Simmons University
Online Master of Social Work – Traditional
Simmons University’s online MSW program is designed with a focus on social justice and multicultural perspectives, equipping you for direct practice in diverse clinical settings.
You will engage in weekly, interactive classes with no more than 20 students, giving you the opportunity to discuss social work concepts and methods. Live classes facilitate direct interaction with your peers and expert faculty, who are experienced clinicians. Additionally, you have around-the-clock access to various tools, features, and course content.
The program offers full-time, part-time, and accelerated tracks, as well as an advanced standing option for those with a BSW from a CSWE-accredited program, allowing you to tailor your education to your lifestyle.
You can complete the program in as little as 9 months or up to 40 months, depending on the track you choose. This hands-on program helps you build relationships with professors and classmates that extend beyond graduation. You will also have access to faculty during online office hours and can join study groups with your peers.
The online MSW program includes five tracks:
- Advanced Standing: Complete 34 credits and earn your MSW in 9 to 12 months if you already have a BSW.
- Accelerated: A rigorous 65-credit track that lets you earn your MSW in as little as 16 months.
- Full Time: A standard load of 65 credits, completing the degree in about 23 months.
- Extended: Spread your studies over 32 months, taking 65 credits at a slower pace.
- Extended Plus: Take up to 40 months to complete 65 credits, ideal for those balancing personal and professional duties.
During the program, you will explore various theories and practice methods, such as:
- Ecological systems theory
- Human development
- Sociocultural theory
- Psychodynamic theory
- Cognitive behavioral theory
- Solution-focused therapy
- Motivational interviewing
After graduation, you will have a robust foundation in evidence-informed approaches and skills for your practice.
Traditional MSW students in the program gain over 1,000 hours of practical experience in community settings, while advanced standing students complete 672 hours. These experiences allow you to apply classroom learning in real-world scenarios.
The placement team at Simmons University will assist you in securing a practicum placement close to your community, supervised by professional social workers.
To apply, you must hold a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university with a minimum 3.0 GPA. Relevant work or volunteer experience is also necessary. Transfer applications are welcome from those previously enrolled in other CSWE-accredited MSW programs.
How Much Does a Licensed Social Worker Make in Michigan?
As of December 2024, the average annual salary for a licensed social worker working in Michigan is $96,540. More experienced and top earning social workers in Michigan make over $135,000 per year.
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