University of Michigan - Ann Arbor Reviews of Master's in Social Work

"The pros of the program are the faculty, staff, and overall feeling of the program. The cons are the prices and transportation."

"My program goes above and beyond at being the number one school of social work in the nation. Social Justice is of highest value and its students are prepared to be ambassadors for change in the world."

"CHallenging to get into and heavy, rigorous work load. Grading could be more critical."

"The MSW program at the University of Michigan is rated the #1 program in the field. It is a great program that prepares students through rigorous academic work and intensive hands-on training in the field. I do wish the courses focused more on therapeutic techniques and practical approaches rather than putting so much emphasis on social policy. The school website also reveals their pride in awarding 90% of students with some form of aid, however spreading funds so thin leaves students with very little in the way of financial assistance, which makes affording such an expensive program very difficult!"

"University of Michigan School of Social Work really aspires to develop social workers that are both competent and effective. However, the short amount of time that a student spends there does not allow for much of a community or organizing around curriculum. Furthermore, classes and field together also restricts the amount of time a student has to give to his/her surrounding. Lastly, they need to improve and expand their macro-social work program. Again, while the interpersonal social work classes and field placements are vast, the same cannot be said for social policy and evaluation or community organizating. There are alot of wonderful professors there who truly care about the education of the students there."

"I feel the pros of this program are that U of M is rated the number one school of Social Work for graduate students in the U.S. and the continuing network accessibility and education are amazing. However, the con is the expenses, lack of financial aid assistance, monthly expenses are very high and unaffordable for a college student who does not have outside support or able to work during school."

"The MSW at the University of Michigan is regularly ranked #1 in US News and World Report. The quality of the academics is very high, but the cost of the program is too high compared to what an average social worker can expect to earn, leaving most students with an unmanageable amount of debt. There is inadequate career support, and the office of field instruction (i.e. internships) was obstructionist when I was trying to get the practical experience I really wanted. I believe it is for these reasons (i.e. to increase employability and earning potential) that many alums (including myself) have gone on to pursue a second graduate degree."

"Pro: U of M School of Social of Social is a great program that allows you all opportunities to learn what you are seeking. U of M is supportive of all backgrounds and identities of individuals. U of M challenges you to be innovative and how to create equitability for all. Con: As a non-traditional student building connections is difficult. You must be an extrovert, or force yourself to, in order to build relationships, and access resources that are not advertised."

"U of M-Ann Arbor provided a fantastic MSW program for me and my colleagues. The school is rated #2 in the country for social work programs and I can see why -- the program was demanding and rigorous, but definitely worked to make me competitive in the workforce with other social work professionals. Ann Arbor is also a wonderful town that made my graduate program one that was fun and fulfilling. The only drawback is that the town has a high cost of living. My only critique of U of M's MSW program is that incoming students should be given more information about independent study options and how to truly pursue one's passions. The opportunities are ample, I just had to find them on my own."

"The University of Michigan's MSW program has been ranked #1 in Social Work for many years now. The educational experience and knowledge you gain by attending this school is equivalent to The University of Michigan's reputation, which is well-recognized both nationally and world-wide. The campus itself is beautiful and diverse. People are treated with respect, despite any minority characteristic, and it is an overall welcoming atmosphere. The research done is very impressive and there are always opportunities to become involved with what the professors are doing. I feel genuinely supported by my professors at The University of Michigan School of Social Work. The school has the ability to bring in the absolute best available to teach the students here. Not only are they skilled at and experienced at what they teach, they care about the well being of the students and will spend time outside of the classroom to give advice and support any student who asks. The MSW program also offers valuable hands on learning experience through the field placement program. I am fortunate to have a placement at The University of Michigan Hospital. I have loved every day I have spent, so far, interning in their Addiction Treatment Services. The support I feel there is beyond anything I expected as an intern. Some of the Cons I can talk about at The University of Michigan is general cost. I am forced to commute because the cost to live in Ann Arbor is beyond anything I could ever afford. The cost of tuition is also very pricey. The amount of loans I have been forced to take out to gain this amazing education is money I plan to pay back for years. Also, parking in Ann Arbor is terrible. There are no commuter lot's close to The School of Social Work and even though the busses are simple to use, they are not always the time friendly. Overall, I think the pro's greatly out-weigh the cons. I am proud to say that I am receiving my Master's from The University of Michigan. I would recommend this school to anyone."

"U of M - Ann Arbor provided me with a diverse and a rich experience at the graduate level. I was able to take classes outside my discipline and apply for fellowships during the summer that took me aboard. The faculty are very invested in their students and support student growth and interests. Since I was an out-of-state student the expense became a little overbearing at times, but I was able to make the most of my education there which made it all worthwhile. Also, even though the campus itself is diverse and has a lot to offer, I would recommend everyone to take internship opportunities outside Ann Arbor, and experience the Detroit life and locals which is rich, strong, and thriving. Another plus point for where the university is located."

"Good reputation. Many professors are great; others ok. Theoretical orientation over practical. Tuition is somewhat high - could offer more scholarships/grants. SSW student body is diverse compared with UM overall. Lots of opportunities for organizational involvement."

"Overall I am pleased with the University of Michigan's MSW program. Though the workload can be intense in terms of the amount to do, it's not as challenging as I expected (or perhaps would like it to be). The real strength is in the networking. The students are as much a source of learning as the faculty, the faculty really pushes for excellence and open discourse, and the opportunities through the school, alumni base, and prestige of the program opens a lot of doors. The school has spoken a lot recently about the need for greater diversity in the student population, which is definitely the biggest shortfall I have noticed."

"I thoroughly enjoy the academic environment provided at the University of Michigan. The faculty members that I am able to learn from on a daily basis are experts in their field and truly enjoy imparting their knowledge on young social workers. The workload can be intense at times, but I am able to find value in all of the work that I am doing. I do wish that more financial aid were available, as graduate school is very expensive and the course load leaves for little time to work and earn money."

"MSW is the best programme because its gives you the knowledge and expertise for work in diverse settings. Despite its comprehensiveness and applicability, the programme is least appreciated in many developing countries, which create the need for more graduates in the same programme."

"Social Work is a growing field, with more applicants and enrollments this year than any before. U-M offers a large faculty of diverse backgrounds and concentrations ready to support you at every step in your education. The program is intense, but it's short and you can start your new career in just a year and a half. In lieu of a dissertation, students work in their chosen field most of the time they are attending school. They get experience, networking, and a better education for their ability to be hands-on in what they're studying."

"As a first year grad student, I am still fairly new to the university. From what I've experienced so far, the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor is a very well known institute for it's quality of study and financial support. It attracts students from all over the states and world. The university has a very diverse and large group of faculty that lends academic support. The university is centrally located and has an uncomplicated bus system which makes it easy to get to from all areas of Ann Arbor."

"Since this program is constantly changing, some services and resources don't feel like they're at their best. However, because this program is constantly changing, I can advocate and expect for better. Additionally, I have truly enjoyed studying a subject that I connect with and nearly all of my colleagues are fantastic and top of the line."

"The University of Michigan boasts the best School of Social Work in the country. However, the amount of student loans compared the what i will probably be making after i graduate can feel very discouraging at times."

"It is the #1 school of social work. It is very expensive for out of state."