Certificates, Scholars Programs, & Other Academic Opportunities

The Advocacy Scholars Program is designed for MSW students who want to solve social problems in communities, advocate for rights and more just policies, support vulnerable citizens and become more effective advocates for social change.

Advocacy Scholars will:

• Receive a stipend award that may be renewable for a second year of study.
• Complete an Advanced Practice Year field placement or Community Engaged Project focused on policy practice and advocacy skill development.
• Participate in a seminar series led by policy advocacy leaders from diverse backgrounds.
• Develop a poster-presentation display to be featured at the Advocacy Day Event in March.
• Have the opportunity to participate in a two-day boot camp on running for political office.

Scholars may also have opportunities to:

• Take advanced coursework in social activism and policy advocacy skills.
• Interact with social program and governmental officials.
• Learn about legislative decision-making from a professional lobbyist.
• Receive individualized mentoring on education and career development from experienced faculty.

Questions may be directed to Kelley Blanck at kblanck@msu.edu.

The Research Scholars Program is open to BASW and MSW students interested in expanding their understanding of social work research beyond the classroom. It may be especially useful for students considering a PhD, research-intensive employment or a closer look at real-world social work research.

A call for applications is published to students and faculty in late August, with an early September due date. Students are matched with School of Social Work faculty working on a variety of research projects.

Students are expected to work an average of 10 hours per week during the fall and spring semesters. A limited number of stipends are available.

For more information, contact MSW Program Director Dr. Takisha LaShore at lashoret@msu.edu.

2021–2022 Research Scholar projects

The Michigan Title IV-E Child Welfare Fellowship provides additional resources and support to students committed to work in Children’s Protective Services, foster care, licensing and adoption. The program aims to recruit, retain and educate leaders in child welfare.

The fellowship includes required coursework, field education and a stipend. Graduates are contractually obligated to seek and accept approved employment with a public, private or tribal child welfare agency in Michigan for the required payback period.

Specialized coursework and certificate requirements

• Complete the Child Welfare Certificate endorsed by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services.
• Complete SW 471 Child Welfare.
• Complete required human development coursework in SW 811.
• Complete social work practice content in SW 840 and SW 841, including cultural competency and anti-racist practice.
• Complete at least one elective relevant to child welfare practice. View the published course list.
• Participate in at least two workshops addressing child welfare competencies.

Program eligibility and commitments

Fellows may be enrolled full time or part time. Participants must be U.S. citizens, U.S. permanent residents, have DACA status or meet the federal definition of an eligible noncitizen.

• Complete all required coursework and the Child Welfare Certificate.
• Complete field placement at a public, private or tribal child welfare agency in Michigan.
• After graduation, complete the minimum payback period in an approved child welfare position in Michigan.

Fellowship funding

Application and contact

The MSW application must be completed by the School’s deadline. Fellowship admission is contingent upon admission to the School of Social Work.

For more information, contact Child Welfare Program Coordinator Elizabeth Montemayor at 517-432-4092 or montema7@msu.edu.

Students planning to pursue the Certified Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor credential through the Michigan Certification Board for Addiction Professionals may be able to count portions of their MSW education toward required education hours.

• 186 education hours are required: up to 130 online, at least 50 in person and six in behavioral health professional practice ethics or an approved alternative.
• 180 of the 186 hours must be specific to substance use disorders, meaning course titles must include substance-use language.
• MSW coursework and field education may count toward education hours, with one credit equaling 15 hours.
• Qualifying field education may be undergraduate or graduate level if completed within 10 years of applying for the full CAADC.
• Field education counts toward in-person education hours.
• All experience hours must be completed after earning the MSW.

Review complete requirements through the Michigan Certification Board for Addiction Professionals.

International Social Policy and Social Service Delivery

This overseas blended program is designed for graduate students in social work, health science policy or law, and related fields. The seven-week summer experience includes two weeks abroad.

Students examine comparative and applied social policy, practice and international social work through classroom, online and in-country learning. Topics include Finnish history, economy and government; social work education and policy; the European Union; professional organizations; and services supporting physical and mental health across the lifespan.

Introduced in summer 2011, the program has connected students with social service research groups, agencies and professionals in Helsinki and Tampere, along with regional learning experiences in Tallinn, Estonia, and Stockholm, Sweden.