School of Social Work

The MSW program begins in Fall. To take certain electives before or after acceptance to the program, you may request admission for summer term. To take courses before acceptance, you'll need to submit a graduate application as a non-degree student. Keep in mind that taking these courses doesn't guarantee acceptance into the program, and they usually aren't covered by financial aid.

Courses are offered in the evenings and on the weekends.

The MSW program is designed to be part-time; however, in exceptional cases, you may be considered for full-time status, completing the program in two years for the full program or one for advanced standing. You may apply for full-time status after acceptance, but must submit proof of less than 20-hour-weekly employment.

Full Program

EMU offers a full, 63-credit-hour program for students with a bachelor's degree in a field other than social work. The full program students have a plan of study leading to a degree in four years, taking six credits a semester. 

• Advanced Standing Status

  A 35-credit-hour, advanced standing program is available only to students with a BSW degree who have at least a 2.75 GPA overall or 3.0 GPA in their last 60 undergraduate credits. Most advanced standing students have a plan of study leading to a degree in two years, taking about six credits each semester.

• Curriculum

  The foundation curriculum draws from a liberal arts background and prepares you for the advance specialized area of practice of your choice. The curriculum consists of 11 courses covering policy, human behavior in the social environment, practice, research and field practicum. These courses are sequenced and integrated, with increasing levels of knowledge, complexity and critical analysis.

  Building on the foundation, the advanced curriculum addresses one of three areas of specialization (see below) and develops professional skills in depth. Research courses allow you to explore and analyze subjects, and advanced policy courses focus on social justice to populations in need.

• Certificates 

  Supplement your social work education by earning a certificate in:

  • Non-Profit Management
  • Gerontology
  • School Social Work
  • Dementia

• Field Education

  All MSW students complete field placements in affiliated public or non-profit agencies meeting our mission. Find out more on our field placement page.

Get more information

If you are interested in applying to the program it is recommend to attend an information session, for more information email [email protected].