FAQs
Choosing a career, and the education to get you there, is one of the most important decisions you'll make. You're bound to have questions. Here are some of the ones we're asked most often...
FAQs about the University
Is there really a difference between Wayne State University and Michigan's other research universities?
How does the research designation of Wayne State University influence social work education?
FAQs about the School of Social Work
Why does the School of Social Work describe itself as a practice school?
Where is the School of Social Work located and where are classes held?
Is the campus safe if I select night courses?
FAQs about the Faculty
What are the qualifications of the faculty who teach social work?
Will I just be a "number" at the school?
Will I have the opportunity to work closely with a faculty member?
FAQs about Admissions and Admission Requirements
What are the minimum requirements to apply to the BSW program?
Can I enroll in graduate social work classes prior to admission?
I already have a master's degree in a related field and a number of years of experience. Can I waive some of the requirements of the MSW program or can I apply for the Pre-Candidate Master with Advanced Standing status?
What is the application deadline for the BSW program?
Are reference letters important to the admissions process?
Why do you ask for a personal interest statement?
FAQs about Financial Aid and Costs
Do you offer assistantships or other financial aid?
Is emergency assistance available to students?
FAQs about Field Placements and Field Advisement
Am I responsible for finding my own field placement? Can I do my field placement work at my place of employment?
Do I have much say in the selection of my field placement?
What is the difference between the field instructor and the field adviser?
How much time is required in the field for an MSW student?
How much time is required in the field for a BSW student?
Can I request an evening or weekend placement?
FAQs about Program Requirements and Degree Completion
Does the school offer evening, weekend or online classes?
What is the average class size?
How long will it take to complete the BSW program?
How many credits do students take to fulfill requirements for the MSW degree and how long does it take to complete the MSW?
What kind of classes do students in the MSW program take?
What is a concentration?
FAQs about Research Requirements of the MSW Program
Do I have to take research in the BSW program?
What are the research requirements in the MSW program?
Is a thesis required of students in the MSW program?
FAQs about the University
Is there really a difference between Wayne State University and Michigan's other research universities?
Yes. Wayne State University is located in an urban center that draws its student body from a very diverse population base. The university prides itself in its accessibility to members of diverse communities within the Metropolitan Detroit area and the region. Graduates of the university tend to remain within the region after graduation and many of the graduates of its professional schools, including the School of Social Work, form the service infrastructure of the state within key areas of education, health care, human services, law, business and the arts.
How does the research designation of Wayne State University influence social work education?
Faculty and staff members of the school offer an intimate and rich education that is responsive to the education of our students. We have been successful in combining this attribute with the very rich resources of a research university. For example, the school can offer curriculum options as certificate programs in the areas of infant mental health, gerontology, substance abuse treatment, and developmental disabilities because of the great scope of the university's curriculum and research resources.
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FAQs about the School of Social Work
Why does the School of Social Work describe itself as a practice school?
Wayne State University has great traditions in social work education and research developed over decades of contributions to the profession. These traditions and knowledge have been handed down from one generation of faculty to another so that current faculty members understand the importance of preparing students to enter a world of practice and to work effectively in their chosen area of social work intervention.
Where is the School of Social Work located and where are classes held?
The School of Social Work is at the south end of campus and located in a unique four-story historic building known as the Thompson Home. Here you will find the Office of the Dean, Office of Admissions and Student Services, Office of Field Education, Office of Student Organizations, faculty offices, conference/seminar rooms, computer lab, student mailboxes and lounge. Students often meet in the lounge for lunch or dinner (there is a refrigerator and a microwave available) and for study groups. It is home to the faculty and students. The majority of classes are held across the street in Old Main. Parking is available on the street or in lots next to and across from these facilities.
Is the campus safe if I select night courses?
The Wayne State University Department of Public Safety (DPS) is one of the university's best resources. All officers have a four-year college degree and are sensitive to the needs and concerns of students. We have several evening classes and social work students make every effort to look out for each other and the faculty. They have a sense of security and are able to make good use of the WSU campus facilities during the day, evening, and weekend hours.
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FAQs about the Faculty
What are the qualifications of the faculty who teach social work?
The faculty is composed of full-time and part-time members. The school's full-time faculty are doctorally prepared social work educators and researchers who assign equal importance to teaching and scholarly work. You can access the biographies of full-time faculty members through the Faculty Profiles page.
Faculty members have active research programs that focus on the advancement of social work practice, social services, and the profession. Expertise among faculty members is quite diverse including domestic violence, clinical intervention, school social work, family policy, aging and gerontological services, child welfare and family development. The majority of faculty members have extensive backgrounds as practitioners.
Will I just be a "number" at the School?
No! The school has a reputation for its student-centered educational opportunities. All full-time faculty teach and are recognized for innovations in teaching that help students master basic and advanced aspects of social work practice. Although there is considerable diversity among faculty members in terms of their research interests, the faculty is united around basic educational values that foster the development of each student as social work professionals.
Will I have the opportunity to work closely with a faculty member?
Yes! There are several different options for students to work closely with faculty members on research projects. Students can select directed studies, group research projects, or theses as ways to work individually or in small groups with faculty members.
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FAQs about Admissions and Admission Requirements
What are the minimum requirements to apply to the BSW program?
Completion of prerequisites with a minimum grade point average of 2.50 on a 4-point scale. Students must have completed 60 credit hours at the time of admission.
Can I enroll in graduate social work classes prior to admission?
If you have a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution and have at least a 2.6 GPA (minimum GPA required for graduate admission), you may apply for graduate non-degree status. As a nondegree student you may enroll in a limited number of graduate social work courses, which may be transferred toward your MSW degree once admitted. Contact an academic advisor for more details.
I already have a master's degree in a related field and a number of years of experience. Can I waive some of the requirements of the M.S.W. program or can I apply for the Pre-Candidate Master with Advanced Standing status?
We do not give academic credit for life experience; however, your experience will help to strengthen your application. The Pre-Candidate Master with Advanced Standing is open ONLY to students who hold a BSW degree from an accredited institution. This policy is in compliance with the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) standards and does not allow for any exceptions.
What is the application deadline for the BSW program?
The Priority Processing deadline for fall term admission is February 28 of each year. Applications received by this date will receive an admissions decision within 30 days, unless contacted by the Office of Admissions and Student Services. Applications received after this date will receive a decision in 30-90 days.
Are reference letters important to the admissions process?
You should be thoughtful about your selection of individuals who will prepare your reference forms. At least one academic reference is expected for those students who are recent graduates or are taking courses to prepare for entry into one of the professional degree programs. BSW students are encouraged to ask their field placement instructor. Supervisors at your place of employment or volunteer agency are also good sources of reference. It is important for you to ask each reference to complete the reference form completely (front and back) to detail about your qualifications to become a professional social worker.
Why do you ask for a personal interest statement?
The personal interest statement offers you the opportunity to explain why you have chosen the profession of social work. It offers the professionals who are reading your admissions file to evaluate your rationale, the approach you take to organizing the statement, the quality of your writing, and your background and experiences. These attributes are all vital to evaluating you application. Please give considerable thought to your personal interest statement.
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FAQs about Financial Aid and Costs
Do you offer assistantships or other financial aid?
We do not offer teaching or research assistantships. We do offer some private scholarships for social work students. Applications for these scholarships may be obtained from the School of Social Work Office of Admissions and Student Services. These forms can be accessed on the Application forms page. Students are required to apply for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Note: early application is strongly encouraged.
Is emergency assistance available to students?
Some students experience crises or urgent situations that demand immediate access to financial assistance. The school does sponsor an emergency fund that can be accessed through the Office of Student Services and Admissions. Students who do experience a financial crisis should contact this office.
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FAQs about Field Placements and Field Advisement
Am I responsible for finding my own field placement? Can I do my field placement work at my place of employment?
All field placements are coordinated by the WSU School of Social Work. Students may file a request to do their field placement at their place of employment if that agency is a social service facility. A school committee will review that request to determine its feasibility for placement and whether it meets our guidelines.
Do I have much say in the selection of my field placement?
We have worked to increase the amount of input students have in the selection of their field placement. Students complete forms to identify their backgrounds, preferences and career paths. This information is important to the selection of the student's placement and the assignment of their field advisor.
What is the difference between the field instructor and the field advisor?
The field instructor is a member of the staff at the agency where you serve your placement. The instructor is responsible for your field education and experience at the agency and offers the student regular supervision. The adviser is a faculty member who is responsible for the quality of the placement and for the assignment of the grade for field placement.
How much time is required in the field for an MSW student?
There is a minimum requirement of 225 clock hours per semester, two days a week comprising of an agency day of approximately 7.5 clock hours at a minimum. Core MSW students are required to complete 4 semesters of field and a Pre-Candidate Master student with Advanced Standing status completes 2 semesters.
How much time is required in the field for a BSW student?
Students in their junior year are required to complete 230 hours in one semester. This can be done in either the winter or spring/summer semesters. Students in their senior year will complete 460 hours over the fall and winter semesters.
Can I request an evening or weekend placement?
Students entering the School under (or changing status to) full time student status are required to participate in field placement 16 hours per week. This requirement consists of two (regularly scheduled) eight hour field work days during the Monday through Friday work week extending the designated semester(s).
Students entering the School under (or changing status to) part time student status are required to participate in field placement 16 hours per week. This requirement consists of at least two (regularly scheduled) field work days that can be arranged at a more flexible field placement site during evening and weekends hours, if available. EVENING AND WEEKEND FIELD PLACEMENT OPPORTUNITIES ARE NOT GUARANTEED AND IF ARRANGED MAY RESTRICT OPTIONS.
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FAQs about Program Requirements and Degree Completion
Does the school offer evening, weekend or online classes?
Yes, we offer evening, Saturday, online & hybrid courses primarily for part-time students. Full-time students are expected to enroll in day classes but may register for the evening sections. In the advanced year, some courses offerings available in Macomb, Wayne, and Oakland County
What is the average class size?
Classes may have as few as 15 students to as many as 35 students.
How long will it take to complete the BSW program?
Admission to the BSW program occurs in the fall term only. Full-time studies can be completed over 2 years or four semesters. Part-time studies can be completed over 2.5 years or seven semesters on the Main Campus only.
How many credits do students take to fulfill requirements for the MSW degree and how long does it take to complete the MSW?
Those students who are enrolled in the MSW program full time will complete 60 credit hours over four semesters or two years. MSW part-time students will complete the required 60 credit hours over 10 semesters or four years. Those students coming in with the BSW and enrolled in the Pre-candidate Master with Advanced Standing program will take 38 credit hours over three semesters or 10 months while students enrolled in the part-time program will complete 38 credit hours over six semesters or two years.
What kind of classes do students in the MSW program take?
Students divide their credits among courses in human behavior and the social environment, social policy, research, social work practice, and field practice. In the advanced year, students concentrate in an area of social work practice and take advanced courses in their concentration. During the advanced year, students complete a concentration-specific field placement.
What is a concentration?
The concentration is not a specialization. However, it is an area of focus that offers students an opportunity to build their understanding of social work practice in a specific area. The school sponsors two concentrations for students in the advanced year of the MSW. Concentration Areas:
- Interpersonal Practice Concentration focuses on preparation for direct social work practice in a range of social service settings. Students choose one theory and practice track: Family Systems, Psychodynamic or Cognitive Behavioral. Students can also choose a special interest area: families-at-risk, child welfare, substance abuse, schools, inpatient and outpatient mental health, health care, or aging/gerontology. Courses in this concentration support interventions that enhance the social functioning of client groups and address a range of social problems, including strains in family life, physical illness, life transitions, adjustment reactions and chemical dependency. Examples of field sites include schools, family mediation clinics, family service agencies, hospitals, transitional residences and outpatient mental health clinics.
- Community Practice and Social Action focuses on interventions in social agencies, institutions and neighborhoods of the community and society to enhance the quality of life. Students will be in practicums which relate to urban social planning, community development, comprehensive community mental health planning and development, coordination and planning for the aged, juvenile justice, social change and political internships. Examples of sites for social work employment include community-based organizations, social welfare planning agencies, planning departments in governmental units, advocacy organizations, political offices and human resource departments
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FAQs about Research Requirements of the MSW Program
Do I have to take research in the BSW program?
Two semesters of research are required of all BSW students. The research courses integrate the research process within social work with data analytic approaches. The research courses link together and complement one another. They prepare students for more advanced research study in graduate social work education
What are the research requirements in the MSW program?
All students complete 6 credit hours of research during their core year. One research course is required during the advanced year for students in the Community Practice and Social Action concentration. Students can take waiver examinations for the core research courses and, if they pass, will elect other courses to fulfill the overall credit hour requirement of the MSW degree. There are other options available to students who complete the first two research courses during the core year and want a different research opportunity than what they may get from taking a third course. Students can select a thesis option, essay direction or a group research project.
Is a thesis required of students in the MSW program?
No. The thesis is selected by students as an option in the advanced year of the MSW program. Students selecting the thesis option typically want to investigate something of interest in the area of social work or they want to prepare for more advanced research study perhaps at the level of a Ph.D. Students must register for six hours of thesis credit and they work closely with faculty mentors who lead them through the process of individual research.