Michigan MSW Programs
Schools with MSW Programs
Social Work Licensure
Social Work Careers
MSW programs can be found in many different settings throughout Michigan. Popular cities for MSW students include Ann Arbor - home to the University of Michigan's reputable MSW program, Detroit - which houses Wayne State University's MSW program, and Kalamazoo - the home of Western Michigan University's MSW program.
Each of these programs provides innovative MSW programs that include concepts of social work such as Behavioral Health, Assessment and Intervention, Policy Management and Development, and Field Practice. The average MSW program takes around 2 years to complete, but some colleges even offer students the option of engaging in fast-paced degree programs that can be completed in a quicker time frame.
CSWE Accreditation for Social Work Programs
Overall there are 11 Master of Social Work programs in Michigan, and all 11 MSW programs are accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.
The CSWE is the highest form of accreditation a MSW program can get at the program level, and many employers look for CSWE accredited MSW degrees in applicants they consider. You can see all of the CSWE accredited MSW degrees in Michigan below and review online CSWE accredited MSW programs here.
Online MSW Programs in Michigan
With the 100% online Master of Social Work at the University of Kentucky, you can earn a CSWE-accredited MSW that meets all the requirements for licensure in Michigan through a school that’s been preparing social workers for more than 80 years.
Online degree programs are some of the most popular options for MSW students throughout Michigan. These programs include curriculum that focuses on Behavior Development, Social Interactions, and Public Health Services as a primary means for connecting people with the right services for their needs.
Online MSW programs in Michigan can be found at reputable universities such as Michigan State University and Spring Arbor University. These programs are dedicated to the development of skilled social work professionals with the versatility to work with people from varying backgrounds.
Courses offered through online MSW programs include Social and Cultural Diversity, Social Welfare Policy, and Ethics and Christianity.
If You Do Not Yet Have a Bachelors: View BSW programs in Michigan(includes online).
Licensing Requirements for LCSW in Michigan
Licensing requirements in Michigan begin with the acquisition of a Master's level degree (at minimum) in Social Work from a CSWE-accredited degree program. After students have successfully obtained their degree, they can register through the state of Michigan as a training social worker so that they can begin to accumulated their required 4,000 supervised working hours.
Michigan requires that applicants engage in the supervised experience under the supervision of a licensed clinical social worker in the field that they plan to specialize (clinical fields). The Clinical Examination is the next requirement for applicants, which involves a test on knowledge gained throughout educational experiences and field work. Once this is completed, graduates can submit to a thorough background check and be on track for licensure.
Social Work Licensure
Michigan Social Worker Careers with an MSW Degree
Becoming a Social Worker in Michigan can be an exhilarating experience. As you can see in the sections below, you can have access to extremely diverse career opportunities and salaries depending on where you work and the type of clients you work with.
Child, Family, and School Social Workers
$49,240 median salary per year. Social Workers that graduated with a specialization such as Family Social Work Practice program may work as part of a larger team that provides support to children and families in need. Social Workers often advocate for their clients during team meetings regarding progress, arrange therapeutic and medical services when needed, and conduct home visits to ensure that children and families are taking advantage of all provided resources for positive growth.
The division of social services that deals primary with children and their families is the most popular choice for professional social workers in the state of Michigan. There are 13,530 professional social workers that spend their days advocating for child and their families, and helping to ensure that children are getting the right educational services through the school systems throughout the state.
Healthcare Social Workers
$60,870 median salary per year. Healthcare Social Workers may often work with clients that are managing serious health-related diagnoses. The role of this professional can include assisting clients with setting appointments, communicating with the insurance company, and acquiring the services that they need. Patients may also be assigned Social Workers if they are not able to make clinical decisions on their own.
Healthcare social workers may be the primary resource for patients in the healthcare setting that need help communicating with insurance companies, hospitals, and even their own families. These professionals are extremely important to the well-being of the medically fragile, with 5,530 currently working throughout the state of Michigan.
Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers
$49,340 median salary per year. Social Workers in the fields of Mental Health and Substance Abuse can work with a wide array of clients with different needs. Part of the responsibilities of professionals in this field may include arranging group therapy for positive support, developing treatment plans for clients to follow, and working with families to develop a safety net of support for people in need.
With the current drug-use epidemic in the United States, more people may be flocking to rehabilitation centers and seeking out the expertise of mental health and substance abuse social workers. In this field, professionals can be the leading source of information and referral for individuals that have mental illness, or for those that are looking for help in fighting addition. There are 4,070 social workers currently employed in this field.
Social Workers, all other
$61,210 median salary per year. Social Workers can be hired into many diverse fields depending on the needs of the community. Community health centers may employ Social Work professionals to assist with health education for children and adults. Social Workers may also work directly with local court systems to support individuals and families involved in legal proceedings.
Depending on the group of people that you prefer to work with, you may find some diverse areas within social work to call home for your career. Social workers can be a part of nearly any aspect of social services that provides direct support to the public. There are 1,130 professionals working in all other areas of social work in the state of Michigan.
Social Worker Salaries in Michigan’s Metropolitan Areas
- Ann Arbor: $75,420 median salary per year
- Grand Rapids: $48690 median salary per year
- Saginaw: $33,820 median salary per year
- Detroit: $61,210 median salary per year
2021 US Bureau of Labor Statistics salary and employment figures for Child, Family, and School Social Workers; Healthcare Social Workers; Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers; Social Workers, All other, reflect national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed March 2023.
Michigan Social Work Licensure
The Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs outlines specific requirements for licensing within their state.
Individuals interested in pursuing the Licensed Master's Social Worker (LMSW) distinction must graduate from a CSWE-accredited masters program, complete 4,000 hours of post-degree experience under licensed Social Workers, and successfully complete the ASWB examination for masters level graduates. Limited licensing is required for masters graduates that are working through their 4,000 hour supervision requirement.
