Michigan – Featured Online Programs in Social Work
Explore and compare a list of accredited schools to enroll in your next program.
Michigan faces a shortage of social workers and other behavioral health practitioners. Michigan Healthcare Workforce Index’s 2024 report highlights 8,280 workers needed for occupations requiring an MSW.
Michigan’s online social work schools prepare licensed master social workers who can address the mental health and substance abuse crisis. Aspiring social workers can use this guide to explore some of the best social work programs in Michigan and the employment and salary outlook.
Popular Online Social Work Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Online Master’s in Social Work (MSW) Programs in Michigan
- Andrews University
- Areas of Practice: Trauma, Clinical Practice, Human Services Management
- Enrollment Options: Full-Time, Part-Time
- Ferris State University
- Areas of Practice: Clinical Practice
- Enrollment Options: Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing
- Michigan State University
- Areas of Practice: Clinical Practice, Organization and Community Leadership
- Enrollment Options: Part-Time, Full-Time, Advanced Standing
- Northern Michigan University
- Areas of Practice: Clinical Practice, Advanced Generalist
- Enrollment Options: Full-Time, Advanced Standing
- Spring Arbor University
- Areas of Practice: Clinical or Direct Practice
- Enrollment Options: Full-Time, Advanced Standing
- University of Michigan
- Areas of Practice: Clinical Practice
- Enrollment Options: Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing
- Wayne State University
- Areas of Practice: Interpersonal Practice
- Enrollment Options: Full-Time
Accreditation for Online Social Work Programs in Michigan
The Michigan Board of Social Workers issues full and limited licenses for those who hold bachelor’s or master’s degrees accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). The CSWE is an accrediting agency recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.
CSWE accreditation ensures that an online social work degree meets rigorous standards for academics and field education. Accredited MSW programs can give an advantage in finding field placements because of their partnerships with agencies and local organizations.
Many employers will only hire graduates from CSWE-accredited programs. Furthermore, federal financial aid is only awarded to those who plan to pursue accredited social work degrees. CSWE’s school directory can assist you in finding accredited MSW programs nationwide.
Benefits of Studying Social Work Online in Michigan
Some of the best social work programs in Michigan offer online degrees. Online learning attracts students who work and other busy learners who value flexibility and affordability. The format gives learners access to MSW programs outside of their local area. You may also save on expenses such as transportation and relocation by studying online.
Course Formats in Online Social Work Degrees
Online MSW programs offer a variety of learning formats. Knowing the different options will help you determine the right online MSW program to suit your educational needs.
- 100% Online: Students watch lectures, complete coursework, and engage in discussions entirely in a virtual classroom. MSW students complete activities such as supervised learning requirements in person within their communities.
- Hybrid: This format blends on-campus and online learning components. A hybrid MSW may involve some or most classes delivered online with weekend residencies required to integrate learning and facilitate interactions with faculty and peers.
- Asynchronous: Asynchronous MSW programs feature online learning with no set log-in times. Students watch pre-recorded video lectures and access course materials, assignments, and discussions at their convenience.
- Synchronous: With a synchronous format you have less flexibility. Students attend classes in real time on set schedules. The synchronous classroom features video conferencing and offers the benefit of real-time interaction between students and faculty.
An accredited online MSW does not sacrifice in-person training. Students must still complete supervised work experience to meet social work licensure requirements in Michigan.
Michigan Social Worker Career and Salary Information
Labor experts predict that Michigan’s social workers could see a strong job market in the future. According to the Department of Labor’s Projections Central, many social workers could see a 7%-8% employment growth rate between 2022-2032. Healthcare and mental health social workers are projected to see the fastest job growth, followed by child, family, and school social workers.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Michigan’s social workers can expect to earn between $56,000-$67,000 based on May 2023 data. These wages are lower than the national averages for social work specialties.
A social work career in Michigan requires at least a BSW or MSW for licensure. An online MSW provides the education and training needed for clinical social work or career advancement into administrative roles.
| Occupation | Average Annual Salary | Projected Job Growth (2022-32) |
|---|---|---|
| Child, Family, and School Social Workers | $56,760 | 4.1% |
| Healthcare Social Workers | $63,860 | 8.2% |
| Mental Health and Substance Use Social Workers | $57,340 | 7.4% |
| Social Workers, All Other | $67,240 | 6% |
