UM-Flint's College of Health Sciences adds online Master of Social Work

This fall, the University of Michigan-Flint's College of Health Sciences will introduce a new Master of Social Work program to its growing roster of graduate offerings. The online program will feature a specialized mental health and behavioral health services curriculum, equipping graduates to become licensed master's level social workers prepared for impactful careers in promoting the well-being of individuals, families and communities. 

The program will offer a foundational curriculum emphasizing interdisciplinary theory, research, policy, and generalist social work practice methods. Coursework in the specialized curriculum will focus on advanced research, policy, and mental and behavioral health treatment and intervention strategies. Students will engage in in-person internships at social service agencies throughout Genesee County or in their local areas as they apply their academic learning to real-world situations. 

The MSW coursework will be offered entirely online and in synchronous and asynchronous modalities. At the same time, internships will be conducted in person, ensuring that students develop a comprehensive skill set to navigate the complexities of contemporary social work. Synchronous courses will be scheduled for weekday evenings to accommodate students' busy schedules. The MSW program will also offer optional in-person events throughout the year to facilitate interactions with faculty and peers. 

The MSW program will offer a regular-standing option – for those students without a bachelor's degree in social work – and an advanced standing pathway for students who have previously earned a BSW. These options will roll out in phases. In fall 2024, students interested in a part-time, regular-standing MSW program will be accepted. In fall 2025, a full-time, regular standing MSW option and a part-time advanced standing option will begin. In fall 2026, a full-time advanced standing option will begin. As a new program, the UM-Flint MSW program is working to achieve pre-candidacy for Council on Social Work Education accreditation by June 1, 2024. Assuming all steps are successful, the program will attain initial accreditation in 2027. 

Julie Ma, associate professor of social work and department director, is excited about the program's potential impact. 

"We are thrilled to announce the launch of our MSW program. Welcoming students to UM-Flint who are passionate about promoting mental health and fostering positive social change is truly exciting," Ma said. "With a growing demand for mental health professionals, our program is well-positioned to prepare competent social work practitioners to meet this critical need." 

The program's early application deadline is May 1, 2024, with a final application deadline of July 1, 2024. Admission requirements for the regular standing MSW program include a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution, a three-page statement of purpose, a current resume, and two letters of recommendation. Prospective students can apply through the program's webpage.