Program Overview
The Master's (Master) in Social Work at Wayne State University is a rigorous postgraduate programme delivered on-campus at Wayne State University. Designed for graduates and professionals seeking advanced expertise in social sciences, the programme develops both theoretical foundations and applied skills essential for today's competitive environment.
Spanning 1–2 years, students engage with cutting-edge research, industry-relevant case studies, and practical projects. Instruction is delivered in English by research-active faculty with professional expertise.
The programme culminates in a dissertation or capstone project. Graduates are well-prepared for leadership roles, research careers, and doctoral study in social sciences.
Key Program Features
- Immersive On-Campus Experience: In-person seminars, laboratory sessions, and professional networking at Wayne State University.
- Expert Faculty: Taught by research-active academics and practitioners with deep expertise in Social Sciences.
- Diverse International Cohort: Study alongside students from around the world, broadening your global professional network.
- Research-Informed Curriculum: Content grounded in the latest academic research and real-world industry practice.
- Dissertation / Capstone Project: Culminating independent project applying your expertise to an original research question or industry challenge.
- Dedicated Career Support: Access to career coaching, employer networking events, and job placement assistance.
Career Opportunities
MSW career opportunities
You may be among the many students asking, "What can I do with a master's in social work?" At WSU, you'll encounter the possibilities firsthand through practicum education, close relationships with your professors and mentors, and resources in our Career Services office.
Social work is a rapidly growing field, per the Bureau of Labor Statistics , and social workers earn above-average salaries. The median annual salary for all social workers is $50,390; those with MSW and full licensure credentials tend to earn more than BSW holders. An MSW is required for clinical social work roles, and you can also work in fields like:
- Advocacy and community organizing
- Health care
- Mental health care
- Child welfare
- Public welfare
- Justice and corrections
- Policy and planning
- Research
- Social work administration
Program Curriculum
Learning outcomes
Combine community engagement, research, and theory to actively participate in the populations you serve. The master's degree in social work at Wayne State prepares you to uphold the core values of social work with professional competence and passionate dedication to the individuals, families, groups, and communities you support.
Through immersive student internship experience in your desired area of practice, you'll apply classroom knowledge and invoke community action. The MSW program prepares you for LLMSW or LMSW licensure along with further credentials such as graduate certificates or a dual degree. Here, you'll establish a professional foundation that empowers you to:
- Pursue justice for communities facing social and structural inequity
- Advocate for environmental justice
- Lead as an eager and compassionate social worker
- Advance policies that serve individuals, families, groups, and communities
- Research impactful social work data and narratives
- Collaborate with care teams, communities, and colleagues
Requirements and curriculum
As an MSW Core student, you'll complete a total of 60 graduate credits. If you qualify for Advanced Standing credit, you'll take 36 graduate credits in the Master of Social Work program. You'll need to maintain an overall GPA of at least 3.0 in all MSW courses.
You'll also apply your learning hands-on with at least 450 practicum education clock hours. Between your practicum learning and your coursework, you'll demonstrate social work values and ethics as articulated in the Code of Ethics from the National Association of Social Workers.
Core is for students who have a non-social work undergraduate degree and Advanced Standing is for students who have earned a BSW degree within the last 5 years from a CSWE accredited school.
Courses
Admission Requirements
Admission requirements (no GRE required)
To pursue an MSW degree at Wayne State, you need to hold a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution and have earned a minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.75. You'll also need at least 30 credits in the social and biological sciences and the humanities. You'll apply for either CORE or Advanced Standing placement in the MSW program.
Apply for CORE (fall term start) if you hold an undergraduate degree in a field other than social work OR if you completed your BSW more than five years ago.
Apply for Advanced Standing (spring/summer term start) if you earned a BSW from a Council of Social Work Educationaccredited program within the last five years.
To apply, you will include your official transcripts, resume, two references, and a statement of purpose detailing your passion for positively influencing individuals, families, and communities as a social worker.
Learn more about WSU's Master of Social Work application requirements. Affording your MSW degree - tuition and financial aid Earn your master's degree in social work from Wayne State University and pay affordable MSW tuition . Our MSW program aims to be accessible to as many learners as possible, demonstrating our key values of diversity and economic justice. If you're completing your Bachelor degree in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences or BSW at Wayne State, take advantage of the tuition savings available through the Accelerated Master’s Pathway (AMP) program option. You can also apply for social work scholarships and additional financial aid opportunities. Advocate for social justice with an MSW degree The flexible on-campus or online MSW degree from Wayne State University is one of the best MSW programs in Michigan and in the country. It equips you to support and empower individuals, families, groups, and communities. Here, you'll establish practicum experience and knowledge that can contribute to your full social work licensure and other career advancements. Request information to learn more about Wayne State's Master of Social Work degree program, or apply today !
Tuition & Financial Information
Tuition Fee
Contact university
Affording your MSW degree - tuition and financial aid
Earn your master's degree in social work from Wayne State University and pay affordable MSW tuition . Our MSW program aims to be accessible to as many learners as possible, demonstrating our key values of diversity and economic justice. If you're completing your Bachelor degree in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences or BSW at Wayne State, take advantage of the tuition savings available through the Accelerated Master’s Pathway (AMP) program option. You can also apply for social work scholarships and additional financial aid opportunities.
Advocate for social justice with an MSW degree
The flexible on-campus or online MSW degree from Wayne State University is one of the best MSW programs in Michigan and in the country. It equips you to support and empower individuals, families, groups, and communities.
Here, you'll establish practicum experience and knowledge that can contribute to your full social work licensure and other career advancements. Request information to learn more about Wayne State's Master of Social Work degree program, or apply today !
Financial Aid & Scholarships
Affording your MSW degree - tuition and financial aid
Earn your master's degree in social work from Wayne State University and pay affordable MSW tuition . Our MSW program aims to be accessible to as many learners as possible, demonstrating our key values of diversity and economic justice. If you're completing your Bachelor degree in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences or BSW at Wayne State, take advantage of the tuition savings available through the Accelerated Master’s Pathway (AMP) program option. You can also apply for social work scholarships and additional financial aid opportunities.
Advocate for social justice with an MSW degree
The flexible on-campus or online MSW degree from Wayne State University is one of the best MSW programs in Michigan and in the country. It equips you to support and empower individuals, families, groups, and communities.
Here, you'll establish practicum experience and knowledge that can contribute to your full social work licensure and other career advancements. Request information to learn more about Wayne State's Master of Social Work degree program, or apply today !
About Wayne State University
Wayne State University
Detroit, United States
Wayne State University is a distinguished institution of higher education committed to academic excellence, innovative research, and preparing students for leadership in their chosen fields. The...
University Profile- Language English
- Duration 5 year(s)
- Credits 60–120 ECTS (confirm with the university)