MSW program options
Choose the pathway that fits your background and goals.
Michigan State University offers Regular and Advanced Standing MSW pathways, each with East Lansing and Statewide Blended delivery options. Start with your academic background, then compare the formats available within your pathway.
Pathway 01
Regular MSW Program
Designed for applicants whose undergraduate degree is not in social work, whose BSW is not CSWE-accredited or is more than six years old, or whose undergraduate GPA is below 3.25.
Minimum credits 57 credits
Program start Fall
Pathway 02
Advanced Standing Program
Designed for applicants who earned a Bachelor of Social Work from a CSWE-accredited university within the past six years and have an undergraduate GPA of 3.25 or higher.
Minimum credits 36 credits
Program start Summer
Not sure which pathway applies to you? Review the complete MSW admission criteria before selecting a program option.
Regular MSW Program
A 57-credit pathway with two ways to learn.
Regular MSW students begin in the fall and select either the East Lansing campus experience or the part-time Statewide Blended option. All Regular Program students attend New Student Orientation in August on MSU’s East Lansing campus.
Campus option
East Lansing
Classes meet on MSU’s campus. Most courses are offered during the day, with some evening options available.
View program and curriculum details
Online and blended option
Statewide Blended
Students attend class through Zoom one Saturday each month during the fall and spring semesters. Remaining coursework is completed independently online.
Applicants living outside Michigan must reside within 50 miles of the state border and provide verification before the final admission decision is processed.
Statewide Blended OCL students complete SW 865 and SW 866 with the Weekend program. Each course includes four in-person Saturday classes per semester at the Henry Center in Lansing.
View program and curriculum details
Advanced Standing Program
An accelerated 36-credit pathway for eligible BSW graduates.
Advanced Standing students begin during the summer semester and may select the East Lansing or Statewide Blended format.
Campus option
East Lansing
During the fall and spring semesters, classes meet on MSU’s campus. Most courses are offered during the day, with some evening options available.
View program and curriculum details
Online and blended option
Statewide Blended
Students attend class through Zoom one Saturday each month during the fall and spring semesters. Remaining coursework is completed independently online. For part-time students, Saturday sessions begin during the second year.
Applicants living outside Michigan must reside within 50 miles of the state border and provide verification before the final admission decision is processed.
Statewide Blended OCL students complete SW 865 and SW 866 with the Weekend program. Each course includes four in-person Saturday classes per semester at the Henry Center in Lansing.
View program and curriculum details
