UM-Flint's MSW program granted Pre-Candidacy status on the path to accreditation

The University of Michigan-Flint College of Health Sciences has announced that its Master of Social Work program has been granted Pre-Candidacy status by the Council on Social Work Education, marking a significant milestone toward achieving full accreditation. The MSW program, which welcomed 15 students this fall, is on its path for a full accreditation review during the June 2027 CSWE Board of Accreditation agenda for retroactive accreditation dating back to fall 2024. This ensures that degrees earned that point forward will meet CSWE's rigorous academic standards.

"Achieving Pre-Candidacy status is a testament to the UM-Flint MSW program's commitment to excellence in education. We are dedicated to providing a rigorous and student-centered learning experience," said Julie Ma, associate professor and director of the social work department. "The flexible online courses and practical in-person practicum experiences have been developed to align with the accreditation standards set by the CSWE. Our MSW program is on a strong path and we look forward to continuing to uphold the high standards of the UM-Flint."

Flexible learning with practical experience

The program offers a flexible learning environment, combining online coursework with in-person internships to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and real-world application. Full-time and part-time options are available for regular and advanced standing status, and students can attend synchronous Zoom classes in the evenings. Internships at social work agencies provide practical experience, and optional on-campus events facilitate meaningful interactions with faculty and peers. Students also have the option to pursue a focus area in Social Work in Health Care Settings, which prepares them to provide holistic support to clients in various health care settings, as well as a School Social Work pathway that prepares them for the School Social Work Certificate upon graduation from the MSW program.

Community-centered education and community impact

The MSW program at UM-Flint emphasizes community-based learning, preparing students to become effective social workers. Through internships, students can develop advanced social work skills and engage in positive change within their communities.

"Community involvement is at the heart of social work education and practicum experiences, and our new MSW program is dedicated to maintaining and building strong partnerships with communities in Flint, across Michigan, and nationwide as we support our students' learning no matter where they might live," said Kayla Bueby, clinical assistant professor of social work. "Through these connections, our students gain direct, hands-on experience in their practicum placements, working alongside experienced professionals to help address real community challenges. These partnerships enrich our students' practicum and educational experiences by providing them opportunities to develop diverse perspectives and practical skills, preparing them to make an immediate impact in the social work profession and strengthening the ties between our university and the communities we serve."

Student perspectives

Deja Anderson, an MSW student, highlighted the supportive environment and her journey: "Throughout the years of being a teacher and starting a family, I started connecting with many different resources and realized my new love for social work. This program helps me understand why social work is so important."

Reflecting on the faculty and support systems at UM-Flint, Anderson said: "The University of Michigan has so many different support systems. The instructors are very open to discussion and questions. They make time to be available for students who need extra help."

Anderson also appreciates the practical knowledge she has gained in the MSW program. "Specific skills or knowledge that I have gained that I feel valuable are different theories to solve various conflicts when dealing with clients, such as systems theory. I am developing a relationship with these theories to apply them to different situations to serve clients better."

Shannon Krueger, also part of the inaugural cohort, said: "It's been incredibly rewarding to be a part of the first cohort of the MSW program. We are already building a strong community of peer support. The faculty has been supportive and responsive to our discussions and feedback. They have helped us quickly become familiar with the language of social work and move forward in our initial research."

For more information or to apply, visit UM-Flint's MSW program website.