Individuals interested in the Masters of Social Work Advanced Standing program must have earned a CSWE-accredited Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) within the past 5 years and have a minimum GPA of 3.25 or higher.
Consistent with the mission of the University and requirements of the Council on Social Work Education EPAS (2015), the mission of the Social Work department at SVSU is to promote social welfare and well- being for residents of Great Lakes Bay Region, the state of Michigan, and beyond through generalist education about evidence-based social work practice and advancement of knowledge about social problems. We seek to educate ethical, effective, and diversity-competent generalist social workers who are prepared to provide interprofessional services that promote human rights and social, economic, and environmental justice to the oppressed peoples and institutions that reside in rural, suburban, and urban areas. Graduates from our program will be prepared for leadership in direct and indirect practices that empower individuals, families, groups, and communities.
(Adopted by the faculty on May 9, 2016)
Graduates of the SVSU Master of Social Work program will be prepared as Advanced Generalist social workers. The MSW program aims to:
(Adopted by the faculty on October 30, 2017)
Download the most recent program assessment here: 2019 Assessment of Student Learning Outcomes for the MSW Program (119KB)
Download the current policy manual here: MSW Policy Manual (791KB)
SVSU's Master of Social Work offers working adults a flexible solution for earning a graduate degree in social work from a highly ranked and nationally recognized program. With an MSW degree, you can land a job like.
Graduate Courses (500-699 Level Courses) |
$656.15/cr.hr. |
Graduate Courses (500-699 Level Courses) |
$1,234.25/cr.hr. |
Program Specific Fees:
Social Work LEAD Registration & Transportation (SW483, 520) | $83.00 |
Social Work Hull-House Service Learning Activity (SW500, 510) | $265.00 |
Social Work Detroit Immersion Service Learning Activity (SW550B, 551) | $550.00 |
Financial Aid
Students can apply for FAFSA by October 1 for the following academic year. Visit https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa to get started. Please note each academic year begins with Fall and ends the following summer. For example, students beginning in Spring or Summer 2021 will need to fill out the 2020-2021 FAFSA form to have a financial aid package. Students planning to enroll in Fall 2021 - Summer 2022 will need to complete the 2021-2022 FAFSA form to qualify. By October 1, 2020, both forms will be available.
Students graduating with their degree after a Winter (January) semester and starting our MSW in the same Spring or Summer will need to log in to their FAFSA to update their academic level and other details. This needs to be completed before financial aid can be awarded at the graduate level.
Payment Plan
Graduate Students have the option of enrolling in an interest-free payment plan each Fall and Winter Semester. Visit: https://www.svsu.edu/cfsc/paymentplans/gpp for more information.
Private Scholarships
Apply to SVSU Private Scholarships through https://www.svsu.edu/admissions/scholarships/. Some of the scholarships available include:
Frederick Douglas and Natalia Ruth Horak Memorial Endowed Scholarship
Qualified applicants will be residents of Bay, Midland or Saginaw counties pursuing degrees full-time in pre-medicine, nursing, medical technology, occupational therapy, psychology, social work, or sociology. Applicants must demonstrate a commitment to community service and possess a minimum cumulative G.P.A. of 3.0.
Maynard D. and Goldie Bartha Allyn Scholarship Fund
Candidates must meet the following requirements: be enrolled full- or part-time pursuing a degree in social work or be completing their pre-social work requirements; express a desire to be employed or practice (or be currently employed of practicing in a child welfare position; demonstrate a capacity for continued growth in professional education; show a commitment to the code of ethics for the social work profession; show understanding of the demands of being a public child welfare professional; exhibit a maturing interest in an commitment to the public child welfare profession; and someone that is employed in or will practice in child welfare positions. There is also a preference for the following: employees of Michigan Department of Social Services. Desired but not required: a cumulative 3.0 overall G.P.A. and a 3.25 G.P.A. in required social work curriculum. Financial need will be considered as a tie-breaker only if potential recipients are similarly qualified. If no eligible candidates, may consider students with no child welfare exposure but demonstrate leadership, deep concern, and commitment to work with troubled children and parents.
Award: $1,700
Robert Castro Jaime Endowed Scholarship
This scholarship is awarded to full- or part-time Social Work majors who have a minimum GPA of 2.25 or higher and demonstrate financial need (FAFSA). Candidates must also be residents of Saginaw, Bay, Midland, Huron, Tuscola, Sanilac, Gratiot, or Isabella Counties and demonstrate the ability or potential to make a positive contribution to the field of Social Work.
Award: $1,000
Walter T. James Memorial Scholarship
Candidates must be full-time students who possess a minimum cumulative 3.0 G.P.A. or high school G.P.A. and must maintain a 3.0 GPA during the fall semester of the award in order to be eligible for the winter semester award. Applicants should also demonstrate good character, commitment to community service, involvement in extra-curricular activities, show leadership. There is a preference to sociology, social work, and criminal justice majors.
Award: $1,225
Graduate Admissions
Wickes Hall 230
gradadm@svsu.edu
989-964-6096
Lucy Mercier
MSW Program Coordinator
Health & Human Services 247
mercier@svsu.edu
(989) 964-4077
Financial Aid
Wickes Hall 170
finaid@svsu.edu
989-964-7000