We are the Cardinals—the social workers, life-changers, and go-getters. We seek to promote human rights and empower those in need. We see every struggle as a chance to rise together. We are Saginaw Valley State University, and we’re waiting for you to check us out. So bring it on.

Get started now by visiting our application instructions!

Our next MSW application period for both Advanced Standing and Regular Admission applicants will open in October 2018 for programs starting in 2019.

Please see "Application Instructions" for more information about the application requirements.

Review the policy manual here, MSW Policy Manual (791kB)

Why SVSU?

Graduates of the SVSU Master of Social Work program will be prepared as Advanced Generalist social workers. The MSW program will equip students to:

• Work in inter-professional settings utilizing a multi-systemic and diversity-competent approach
• Contribute to the empowerment of individuals, families, groups, organizations and communities through students’ active resistance of societal mechanisms of oppression and discrimination
• Become ethical producers and consumers of practice-informed research, policy development, and evaluation
• Utilize relevant knowledge about human behavior in the social environment to serve and shape policy and practice for the pursuit of a socially just society
• Promote the social welfare and well-being of residents of the Great Lakes Bay Region through experiential and immersive community service, research, and program development

Admission for Master of Social Work Candidates

Regular MSW Candidates

The Regular MSW program is available as a full-time (2 year) or part-time (3 year) option.  Candidates should apply in the Fall and will start classes in the following Summer semester. For more information on admissions requirements, see MSW - Regular Program, Degree more than 5+ years old.

Advanced Standing MSW Candidates

Advanced Standing MSW candidates must have a CSWE-accredited Bachelor of Social Work degree granted in the past 5 years. Classes for Advanced Standing candidates will begin each Spring, with admission to the Advanced Standing track each Fall.  The MSW program may be completed in one academic year if enrolled as a full-time student. For more information on admissions requirements, see MSW - Advanced Standing, BSW Degree from CSCWE-accredited program, 5 years or less old.