Ferris State University

What you'll study

The MSW curriculum combines foundational coursework in social welfare policy, human behaviour and research with advanced practice courses that emphasise clinical intervention, community practice and leadership. Core topics commonly include social work ethics, diversity and cultural competence, advanced clinical assessment and diagnosis, evidence-based therapeutic techniques, programme evaluation and social policy analysis.

Students undertake supervised field education placements that integrate classroom theory with direct practice in settings such as hospitals, community mental health centres, child welfare agencies, schools and corrections. The programme typically offers two pathways: a traditional two-year track for students holding a bachelors degree in any field, and an advanced-standing option for students with an accredited Bachelor of Social Work (BSW), which reduces the time in residence by recognising prior professional coursework and practicum.

• Foundations of social work practice
• Human behaviour in the social environment
• Social welfare policy and services
• Research methods for social work
• Clinical practice with individuals and families
• Group and community practice
• Field practicum with seminar
• Electives in specialised areas such as substance use, trauma-informed care, geriatrics or school social work

Entry requirements

Applicants should hold a bachelors degree from an accredited institution. Candidates with a BSW from a Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) accredited programme may be eligible for the advanced-standing option. Typical application materials include academic transcripts, a personal statement or statement of purpose outlining professional goals, a current résumé, and references who can speak to academic or practice potential.

Admission may also require background checks and documentation of health requirements for field placements. Some applicants may be asked to attend an interview as part of the selection process. While some programmes historically requested standardised test scores, requirement of the GRE or other tests varies; consult the department for current testing policy.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for licensure-eligible clinical and non-clinical roles depending on programme route and state licensing requirements. Common career paths include clinical social worker or therapist in mental health settings, medical social worker in hospitals, child welfare practitioner, school social worker, case manager, programme coordinator, community organiser and policy or advocacy roles in government or non-profit organisations.

Those pursuing clinical practice typically complete required supervised post‑graduate hours to qualify for independent licensure. The MSW also provides a foundation for leadership positions in human services, programme evaluation and social service administration.

Why study at Ferris State University

Ferris State combines applied, practice-oriented teaching with extensive field placement networks across Michigan, helping students gain hands-on experience in a variety of service settings. The social work faculty bring a mix of academic and practice backgrounds, and classes are designed to be interactive and connected to community needs.

The programme is delivered with attention to small cohort learning, allowing personalised mentoring and strong faculty supervision in practicum placements. Ferris maintains commitment to professional accreditation standards and prepares graduates for licensure pathways and community-focused careers. Students benefit from partnerships with local health systems, schools and social service agencies that support placement diversity and employment connections on graduation.