university of michigan social work phd acceptance rate

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University of Michigan School of Social Work

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• Social Work

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School of Social Work / School of Social Work is located in Ann Arbor, MI, in an urban setting.

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College Info

Arguably one of the most prestigious public universities in the US, the University of Michigan is a fantastic choice for college, especially if you’re from Michigan. But what specifically should you know about UMich before applying here?

In this article, we go over the most important facts to know about UMich, from where it’s located and how selective it is to its student life and financial aid policy.

University of Michigan Overview

Hailed as one of the best public research universities in the US , the University of Michigan is a large institution with top-quality academics, accomplished faculty, and numerous research opportunities for students.

As a whole, U of M aims to help students become citizens and leaders who will challenge the world and what we know about it. The institution is known for its innovative research, diversity, hospitals, and athletic program.

So where is the University of Michigan located? There are a couple of answers to this.

As a statewide public university system, UMich is located in the cities of Ann Arbor, Flint, and Dearborn ; however, we’re talking specifically about the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor here — that's the flagship campus of the system (and by far the most popular and prestigious).

Ann Arbor is a small city of around 120,000 people, located about 45 minutes from Detroit. The Ann Arbor, Michigan, campus is divided into a Central Campus and a North Campus. Whereas the former lies in the center of Ann Arbor, the latter sits 2 miles northeast (don’t worry if you've got classes on both campuses — free buses connect the two!). Altogether, the University of Michigan campus in Ann Arbor takes up 3,207 acres of space .

Ann Arbor is a relaxed college town, offering plenty of restaurants, independent bookstores, and museums, all within an easy walking distance from the university.

• A. Alfred Taubman College of Architecture and Urban Planning
• Penny W. Stamps School of Art & Design
• Stephen M. Ross School of Business
• School of Dentistry
• School of Education
• College of Engineering
• School for Environment and Sustainability
• School of Information
• School of Kinesiology
• College of Literature, Science, and the Arts
• Medical School
• School of Music, Theatre & Dance
• School of Nursing
• College of Pharmacy
• School of Public Health
• Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy
• Rackham Graduate School
• School of Social Work

UMich is a large research university, with more than 30,000 undergraduates and 16,000 graduate students in attendance. Approximately 6,200 faculty members teach here as well.

An elite public institution, U of M is fairly tough to get into: the current University of Michigan acceptance rate is just 18% , indicating that only about one in five applicants gets admitted. Due to its prestige, the University of Michigan ranking is usually in the top 25 on most national college ranking lists.

Here’s a recap of what we’ve discussed about U of Michigan so far:

Student Outlook at UMich

The overall outlook is very good for students of the University of Michigan.

In terms of the graduation rate, 93% of UMich students earn their bachelor’s degrees within six years . This is a high percentage, indicating that most students who start a program here will finish it within a reasonable time frame. That said, about 8% of undergrads will either take more than six years to get their degrees or will leave without completing their programs.

Now, what happens after graduation? Fortunately, more good things!

According to PayScale , University of Michigan graduates make a median early career salary of $89,000 . These salaries are fairly high compared with those of graduates of other universities.

Student Life at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor

As such a large institution, the University of Michigan never seems to run out of things for students to do, which is why students are generally very happy with their time here.

A whopping 97% of freshmen continue on at U of M for their sophomore year , showing that students are, generally speaking, extremely satisfied with their academic and social lives.

Part of this is likely due to the fact that most freshmen live on campus: according to the University of Michigan , although undergraduates are not required to live on campus, about 97% of freshmen do. After freshman year, most students choose to live off-campus.

In terms of undergraduate academic programs, there are 275 University of Michigan majors to choose from . When applying to UMich, you must first choose one of the 14 schools/colleges that give out undergraduate degrees before specifying your major (if known). As you can imagine, these majors span a huge array of fields, from art and math to cultural studies and public health. Popular majors include engineering, social sciences, computer science, biology, and psychology.

A big promoter of research, U of M Ann Arbor also offers an Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program to help students find partnerships with researchers.

Despite the enormous size of the university, the student-faculty ratio is a solid 15:1 , meaning that there are 15 students for every professor.

How is student life outside academics at UMich, though? Students can choose from among more than 1,600 clubs and organizations on campus . Whether you want to join a hobby club, a sports team, or a music ensemble, there’s something for everyone. Greek life is also very active, with about 6,000 students in sororities and fraternities.

Furthermore, sports as a whole are incredibly popular, especially football. Each year, the Michigan Wolverines compete at the NCAA Division I level in the Big Ten Conference. Ann Arbor is home to Michigan Stadium (nicknamed "The Big House") — the biggest football stadium in the country. U of M's biggest rival is Ohio State.

U of M Tuition and Financial Aid

Because the University of Michigan is a public university, what you must pay in tuition and fees will vary depending on whether you’re an in-state or out-of-state student. Current U of M tuition and fees are $17,977 for in-state students and $59,775 for out-of-state students. (Note that these costs are for freshmen and sophomores only; the cost for juniors and seniors will be about $2,000 more per year.)

That’s a huge difference in tuition for in-state and out-of-state students — around $40,000! But how do these prices compare to the averages for four-year public universities?

According to the College Board , the average tuition and fees for a public college is $10,662 for in-state students and $23,630 for out-of-state students. As you can see, U of M costs a lot more, especially for out-of-state students . In fact, UMich is one of the most expensive universities in the country for out-of-state students.

But for in-state students, costs can get super low as a result of the University of Michigan's special "Go Blue Guarantee," which aims to keep tuition affordable for Michigan residents. Per this policy, anyone whose family makes $65,000 or less per year is eligible for free tuition for four years . Even if your family makes more than $65,000, this policy can still cut costs dramatically.

Here's an overview of how much and what type of aid you can expect to get from the University of Michigan based on your family’s income (if you are a Michigan resident):

Source: University of Michigan Official Website

University of Michigan History and Alumni

Established in 1817 in Detroit, the University of Michigan is one of the oldest public universities in the US . But it didn’t stay in Detroit for long: just 20 years later, the institution was moved to Ann Arbor (the current University of Michigan location), a small farm town of 2,000 people (now it's far bigger!).

In U of M's first year in Ann Arbor, there were just seven students and two professors. During these early years, much of the campus consisted of farmland. A fence had even been erected to separate the university cows from the city cows!

Over time, though, the number of students and faculty members began to grow. By 1866, UMich had become the biggest university in the country , with a total enrollment of 1,205 students. Four years later, women were officially allowed to enroll at the University of Michigan.

Many well-known figures have attended UMich. Here are some University of Michigan notable alumni you might recognize:

• Gerald Ford, former US president
• Arthur Miller, playwright
• Jim Buckmaster, CEO of Craigslist
• Edgar N. Gott, co-founder of Boeing
• Larry Page, co-founder of Google
• Lucy Liu, actress
• James Earl Jones, actor
• Ann Coulter, conservative political commentator
• Tom Brady, professional football player
• Richelle Mead, author
• Madonna, singer and entertainer (did not complete degree)

Resources for University of Michigan Applicants

If you plan to apply to the University of Michigan, then it's important that you know exactly what to do to raise your chances of getting accepted to this prestigious Public Ivy .

First, check out our University of Michigan admission requirements page to learn what GPA and SAT/ACT scores you'll need to get in order to be on par with other applicants. I also suggest looking at our guide to the top 20 public universities to get a sense of how UMich compares with other similarly esteemed institutions.

Then, as you get going on your application, refer to our tips on how to write stellar University of Michigan supplemental essays . These essays are very important to your application, so give yourself plenty of time to work on them and proofread!

Hannah received her MA in Japanese Studies from the University of Michigan and holds a bachelor's degree from the University of Southern California. From 2013 to 2015, she taught English in Japan via the JET Program. She is passionate about education, writing, and travel.

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University of Michigan - Ann Arbor: Statistics

Updated: February 29, 2024

Quick Review

University of michigan - ann arbor acceptance rate and admissions statistics.

University of Michigan - Ann Arbor has an acceptance rate of 18% and is among the top 5% of the most difficult universities to gain admission to in the United States. The university reports the admission statistics without distinguishing between local and international students.

5,411 students enrolled in some distance education courses.

1,525 enrolled exclusively in distance education.

Among admitted applicants 3,829 or 54% submitted SAT

25% of them had 1350 or below

75% of them had 1530 or below

Typical SAT scores of first-years in the University of Michigan - Ann Arbor are 1350-1530 (middle 50% range).

Among admitted applicants 1,692 or 24% submitted ACT

25% of them had 31 or below

75% of them had 34 or below

Typical ACT scores of first-years in the University of Michigan - Ann Arbor are 31-34 (middle 50% range).

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Enrollment demographics by race or ethnicity, costs per year: tuition, housing, fees.

The final cost of attendance varies for each student based on household income, residency, program, and other factors.

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Room and board costs, university of michigan - ann arbor majors.

University of Michigan - Ann Arbor has granted 8,021 bachelor's degrees across 104 programs, 4,731 master's across 121 programs, and 1,630 doctorate degrees across 98 programs. Below is a table with majors that lead to degrees at University of Michigan - Ann Arbor.

University of Michigan - Ann Arbor has a graduation rate of 93%, which is among the 3% highest for universities in the US.

Publications & Citations

University of Michigan - Ann Arbor is a world-class research university with 416,700 scientific papers published and 16,178,905 citations received. The research profile covers a range of fields, including Biology, Medicine, Chemistry, Computer Science, Liberal Arts & Social Sciences, Engineering, Physics, Genetics, Environmental Science, and Biochemistry.

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Thomas Edward Patrick Brady Jr. is an American former football quarterback who played in the National Football League (NFL) for 23 seasons. He spent his first 20 seasons with the New England Patriots and was a central contributor to the franchise's dynasty from 2001 to 2019. In his final three seasons, he was a member of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Brady is widely regarded as the greatest quarterback of all time.

Michael Phelps

Michael Fred Phelps II is an American former competitive swimmer. He is the most successful and most decorated Olympian of all time with a total of 28 medals. Phelps also holds the all-time records for Olympic gold medals (23), Olympic gold medals in individual events (13), and Olympic medals in individual events (16). At the 2004 Summer Olympics in Athens, Phelps tied the record of eight medals of any color at a single Games, held by gymnast Alexander Dityatin, by winning six gold and two bronze medals. Four years later, when he won eight gold medals at the 2008 Beijing Games, he broke fellow American swimmer Mark Spitz's 1972 record of seven first-place finishes at any single Olympic Games. At the 2012 Summer Olympics in London, Phelps won four gold and two silver medals, and at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, he won five gold medals and one silver. This made him the most successful athlete of the Games for the fourth Olympics in a row.

Gerald Ford

Gerald Rudolph Ford Jr. was an American politician who served as the 38th president of the United States from 1974 to 1977. He previously served as the leader of the Republican Party in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1965 to 1973, and as the 40th vice president under President Richard Nixon from 1973 to 1974. Ford succeeded to the presidency when Nixon resigned in 1974, but was defeated for election to a full term in 1976. Ford is the only person to become U.S. president without winning an election for president or vice president.

Lawrence Edward Page is an American businessman, computer scientist and internet entrepreneur best known for co-founding Google with Sergey Brin.

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Gre prep online guides and tips, graduate school acceptance rates: can you get in.

Even the most qualified and confident applicants worry about getting into grad school. But don’t panic! Graduate school acceptance rates, which give the percentage of applicants that were admitted to a particular school or program in an academic year, can help you determine how likely you are to get into a given program.  But where can you find grad school admissions statistics?

In this article, we’ll first investigate the trends and factors associated with graduate school acceptance rates. Then, we’ll take a look at some of the current acceptance rates and give you expert tips on how to find acceptance rates for your programs. Finally, we’ll show you how to determine your odds of getting into grad school.

Graduate School Acceptance Rates: Factors and Trends

Grad school acceptance rates are the same as any other acceptance rate: the lower the acceptance rate, the more selective the school or program is. Similarly, the higher the acceptance rate, the less selective the school or program is. As with undergrad acceptance rates, grad school acceptance rates vary widely, from extraordinarily selective (less than 5 percent) to incredibly lenient (nearly 100 percent).

Unlike undergrad rates, though, grad school acceptance rates are usually calculated for specific programs or departments and  not for entire universities. This is because with grad school, you are essentially applying to an individual program rather than an overall institution (as you did for undergrad).

Now that we’ve covered all of the basics, let’s look at a few key trends. Our research indicates there are three major factors that help determine grad school acceptance rates:

• School or program prestige
• Degree type
• Amount of funding

Let’s look at how each of these factors influences grad school acceptance rates.

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#1: School or Program Prestige

How prestigious a particular grad school or program is can affect its overall competitiveness and selectivity. In general, the more prestigious a program is, the more competitive it’ll be and thus the lower acceptance rate it’ll have.

An easy way to determine school or program prestige is to consult official rankings, such as those listed on  U.S. News . (Grad schools are typically ranked by field or program and   not by overall institution.)

For example, a 2017  U.S. News  list of the best political science grad programs  ranked Duke’s political science program at #7 and Northwestern’s at #23. Because both of the programs have fairly high rankings, it’s safe to assume they’re probably quite selective.

And this is true: in 2016,  Duke  reported a mere 10 percent acceptance rate to its political science doctoral program, while  Northwestern  reported a 12 percent acceptance rate.

#2: Degree Type

Another major factor is degree type. Generally,  doctoral programs tend to be more selective than master’s programs (though this isn’t always the case as I’ll explain in a moment). This trend is likely due to the fact that doctoral programs often look for higher-quality applicants with proven academic track records and more relevant experience in their fields.

For example, in 2016  University of Michigan’s math doctoral program  had a 17.2 percent acceptance rate, whereas its master’s program  had a much higher 31.8 percent rate. In this case, the doctoral program is clearly tougher to get into than the master’s program.

Still,   master’s programs can have lower acceptance rates than doctoral programs. If we were to take the University of Michigan’s grad programs in computer science and engineering, we’d find that the doctoral program has  a 15 percent acceptance rate  and the master’s  an even lower 8 percent acceptance rate .

Additionally, M.F.A. programs are particularly cutthroat. In 2015, the creative writing M.F.A. program at UT Austin’s James A. Michener Center for Writers only admitted 12 out of 678 applicants — that’s a mere 1.8 percent acceptance rate !

#3: Amount of Funding

Funding, too, plays a big role in how selective a grad program is.

Well-funded  programs typically receive more applications than those offering little to no aid, thereby raising their selectivity. Competition is especially fierce for fully funded programs — possibly because fewer people are willing to go into debt for grad school.

Compared to fully funded doctoral programs, fully funded master’s programs are somewhat rare and thus pretty competitive. UT Austin’s Creative Writing M.F.A. program, for instance, is not only a prestigious program but also one of the most well-funded Creative Writing M.F.A. programs in the country: it  offers full tuition remission and a $27,500 stipend per academic year . It’s no wonder, then, that its acceptance rate is below 2 percent!

What Are the Current Graduate School Acceptance Rates?

For this section, we’ve scoured the internet to bring you a robust assortment of acceptance rates for popular U.S. grad schools.

Before we dive in, note that not all institutions calculate grad school acceptance rates using the same methodologies. Some offer only a single acceptance rate for all of their grad schools put together, while others offer individual rates by school, field, or program.

Now, let’s see how selective these schools really are!

*Statistics for NYU are based on the number of enrolled students and not the number of admitted students. Therefore, expect actual acceptance rates to be slightly higher.

How to Find Graduate School Acceptance Rates: 4 Methods

Unfortunately, grad school admissions statistics tend to be more difficult to find than undergrad acceptance rates.  But there are ways to search for them — you just have to do a lot of digging and possibly a little reaching out.

Below are our top four methods for finding grad school acceptance rates for the programs you’re applying to.

#1: Consult School Websites

By far the most reliable resources for grad school admissions statistics are  school websites.

Start your search by consulting program and departmental pages, particularly admissions and FAQ pages. Look out for any statistics-related keywords or phrases, such as “admission(s) rates,” “acceptance rates,” “enrollment,” “facts and figures,” etc. Use ctrl+F to move swiftly through large chunks of text.

Not all schools publish grad admissions information online, and those that do don’t always report it in the same way as others. For example, Princeton offers a handy PDF  containing acceptance rates for all academic fields of study. On the other hand,  Notre Dame  gives separate admissions charts for each of its grad programs (which you can access by selecting a program and then clicking “Admissions Statistics”).

Additionally, many schools release admissions statistics without explicitly publishing acceptance rates.  In this case, it’s your job to take the statistics provided and use them to calculate an acceptance rate. To find the acceptance rate of a school or program, you’ll need the following information:

• The total number of applicants in a year
• The total number of applicants granted admission  that year

The acceptance rate equals the total number of applicants offered admission divided by the total number of applicants and then multiplied by 100, or:

$$\acceptance \rate = {\number \of \applicants \offered \admission}/{\total \number \of \applicants}100$$

Be sure to  avoid conflating the number of students who were  offered admission   with the number of students who accepted their offers of admission. These two concepts sound alike but are actually different. What you’re looking for is the first statistic — that is, the number of admitted students (regardless of whether they decided to enroll).

If you’re having trouble finding admissions statistics by browsing school websites, search on Google for “[Your School] graduate acceptance rate” and see if any relevant school pages appear. While searching for acceptance rates to use in the table above, I consistently swapped “acceptance rate” with similar phrases, such as “admission(s) rate,” “facts and figures,” “student statistics,” “admittance rates,” and “admission(s) statistics.”

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Don’t be afraid to get creative! You can also use phrases like “Ph.D. admissions statistics” or “master’s admissions statistics” to narrow your search even further. Try to think outside the box as you do your research. What are other ways people talk about acceptance rates?

#2: Check  U.S. News

If your school or program doesn’t offer any admissions statistics on its website, go to  U.S. News . This website offers official rankings of grad programs as well as lists of the most (and least) selective programs in various fields.

For example, I found a 2016 list of the most competitive online M.B.A. programs  and a 2015 list of the most competitive online graduate engineering programs .

If U.S. News doesn’t offer any relevant lists for you to use, try skimming the current grad school rankings to gauge how competitive your program is compared with others in the same field.

#3: Search Other Websites

One less reliable method for looking up grad school admissions statistics is to  look for (unofficial) websites discussing acceptance rates for your school or program.

The Grad Cafe’s  admissions results  section is a solid place to start. Here, applicants post whether they’ve been accepted, rejected, or waitlisted for grad programs.

Search for your program to get a rough feel for how many acceptances and rejections go out each year. You might notice that certain types of applicants are more active than others. Creative Writing M.F.A. applicants, for example, are prolific posters in winter and spring (during admissions season).

Occasionally, Google itself will provide you with grad school acceptance rates, but this only appears to work consistently for well-known law schools, medical schools, and business schools.

Additionally, while using Google, don’t assume that any acceptance rates that pop up are directly connected to your search terms. For example, when I searched “stanford graduate acceptance rate,” Google gave me this result:

This 4.8 percent acceptance rate is  not  the acceptance rate for Stanford’s grad programs (what I searched for) but rather the acceptance rate for undergrads. So always cross-check any statistics Google gives you.

You can also consult grad school data websites such as  Peterson’s and StartClass . Take their grad school acceptance rates with a grain of salt, though — their data isn’t always verifiable online. If possible, try to compare any data you find on these types of websites with the school websites themselves or U.S. News .

#4: Contact Schools

If the internet isn’t giving you the help you need, call or email your schools. Be polite but upfront: ask whether the school calculates acceptance rates for grad programs and where you can find this information online (if available).

If a school refuses to divulge admissions statistics or simply doesn’t report acceptance rates, see if they can give you estimates for how many applications they receive each year, or for how many acceptances they usually extend to applicants in your program.

Graduate School Acceptance: What Are Your Odds?

By this point, you might be wondering how likely it is you’ll actually get into the grad program you wish to attend. After all, acceptance rates are pretty broad — they tell you what everyone’s odds are but not your odds specifically.

Below are three easy steps for determining your odds of getting into grad school, including advice on when it’s better to go for it or choose another program.

Step 1: Check Program Requirements

First, go to your program’s website and pinpoint the admissions requirements page. Now, ask yourself:  do you meet all of the program’s basic requirements? If not, you’ll likely wind up with a rejection (and might not even be able to apply).

However, if you’re still interested in applying, contact the program and ask if they’ll make an exception for you. Your chance of getting accepted is still low, but you’ll at least have your application considered.

If your program strongly recommends qualities you lack, don’t interpret this as an automatic rejection. Sometimes, applicants can make up for deficiencies in other ways. For example, if your undergrad GPA is 3.1 and your program recommends applicants have a minimum 3.2, don’t write off the program — you might still have a shot at getting in as long as the rest of your application is solid.

On the other hand, even if you meet all of a program’s requirements, you’re not necessarily a shoo-in. Remember, all other applicants have met these requirements, too, so you’ll need to find a unique way to make your application stand out.

Step 2: Find Average GRE Scores and GPAs

Your next step is to look up your program’s average GRE scores and GPA  to see how your own scores and GPA compare with those of previously admitted applicants.

You can usually find GRE score information on admissions requirements or FAQ pages. You can also search on Google for “[Your School] [Your Program] average GRE scores.” For step-by-step instructions on how to find average GRE scores, check out  my article on average GRE scores by school .

For GPAs, you can use the same basic methodology. Check admissions requirements and FAQ pages and use ctrl+F to search for “GPA.” If GPA information is available, you’ll most likely come across minimum GPAs or average GPAs (or both). For more tips on how to find GPA information for your grad schools, read our guide .

Now, compare your own GRE scores and GPA with the averages you’ve found. Below are all possible scenarios and what they mean for you and your odds of getting into the program:

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• Your GRE scores and GPA are both  higher than your program’s averages:  Congratulations! You have an excellent chance of getting accepted, especially if the rest of your application is equally impressive. Keep up the great work!
• Your GRE scores and GPA are both  about the same as your program’s averages:  You’re doing pretty well! You are just the type of applicant your program is looking for. The only drawback is that you probably won’t stand out as much from other applicants who have similar GRE scores and GPAs. So take time to make your application sparkle (I’m looking at you, statement of purpose).
• Your GRE scores and GPA are both lower than your program’s averages (or just one of the two is lower):  It ain’t over ’til it’s over! You can still make up for your deficiencies in other ways. While you can’t change your GPA, you can retake the GRE . If your GPA is low, a great strategy for combating this is to discuss it in your statement of purpose, taking care to highlight any external factors that contributed to the low GPA as well as any attributes of yours that prove you’re indeed ready for grad school.

Step 3: Decide Whether to Apply

Now, we get to the final question: do you apply to the program or not?  This is a vague question that’s difficult to answer as is. The real questions you should be asking yourself are as follows:

• Do I meet all of the program’s basic requirements?
• Do I meet most or all of the program’s expectations of applicants (in terms of GRE scores, GPA, etc.)?
• Is the program’s acceptance rate extremely low?
• Do I really like this program?

Although acceptance rates and GRE/GPA comparisons are helpful, don’t base your decision to apply solely on how difficult the program is to get into. We can’t know for sure what kind of applicant a grad program is looking for or who they’re willing to make an exception for.

Take a moment to think deeply about how interested you are in this particular program. Be realistic about your chances of getting in — but don’t cross the line into pessimism. If you don’t meet most or all of a program’s expectations and you’re not super invested in it, consider applying elsewhere.

But if you meet some, most, or all of a program’s expectations and you’re extremely interested in enrolling, give the application a go. Remember, it’s totally normal (and even encouraged) to have a few reach schools. Plus, you’ll never get in if you don’t apply!

Key Takeaways: Graduate School Acceptance Rates

Grad school acceptance rates quantify for us the selectivity of grad schools and programs. More specifically, acceptance rates tell us  what percentage of applicants were offered admission to a particular grad school or program. 

With grad school, acceptance rates are often reported for individual schools or programs,  not  entire universities. Acceptance rates can vary widely depending on program prestige, the type of degree you’re seeking, and how much (or how little) funding a program offers.

Unlike undergrad acceptance rates, grad school acceptance rates are somewhat difficult to locate online. You can look for them using any of the following four methods:

• Peruse school websites
• Check grad school facts and lists on  U.S. News
• Browse other websites and forums such as The Grad Cafe
• Call or email your schools

When trying to determine your  odds of getting into a program, look at your program’s requirements as well as the average GPA and GRE scores of previously admitted applicants to your program. If your GRE scores and GPA are comparable to those of your program, you have a decent shot at getting accepted. If one or both are lower than your program’s averages, however, you can always try to  raise your GRE score  with a retake or address your GPA in your statement of purpose.

At the end of the day, what ultimately matters isn’t that you get accepted to a highly competitive grad program but that you make the right decision for you and you alone!

What’s Next?

Need help with your grad school application?  Learn about the most common grad school requirements  and get tips on how to write a grad school CV or resume !

Is your GPA good enough for grad school ?  Read our in-depth guide to learn how you can make up for a less-than-stellar GPA and ultimately raise your chances of getting into the school of your dreams.

Do you have to take the GRE for grad school ? When are grad school deadlines ?  Check out our guides for answers to these questions and more.

Ready to improve your GRE score by 7 points?

Author: Hannah Muniz

Hannah graduated summa cum laude from the University of Southern California with a bachelor’s degree in English and East Asian languages and cultures. After graduation, she taught English in Japan for two years via the JET Program. She is passionate about education, writing, and travel. View all posts by Hannah Muniz

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Master’s in Social Work: Ultimate Guide

A master’s in social work  (MSW) opens up opportunities for a wide range of jobs across various fields. This advanced degree will help you to secure senior positions in the rewarding social work sector. The best part? You can even complete your master’s in social work online!

Social work professionals are in high demand and industry experts expect future growth in the sector. Are you considering a career in social work? Curious about the best online social work programs? Read on for everything you need to know about the best master’s in social work programs, including the best online MSW programs, top universities, job prospects, alternative career paths, and more.

Table of Contents

Best Master’s in Social Work Programs

Here are some of the best social work master’s programs in the US.

Michigan State University, School of Social Work

Master of Social Work

Acceptance rate: 76%

Michigan State University, founded in 1855 and situated in East Lansing, Michigan, is a landmark public research university. It has one of the largest enrollments in the United States, with an acceptance rate of 76%. The university’s MSW program is designed to provide students with in-depth knowledge on the theory, practice, policy, and research aspects of social work, and includes fieldwork.

While the first half of the program creates a foundation, the second half equips students for advanced practice in one of two concentrations: Clinical Social Work and Organization & Community Leadership. The program can be completed two years full-time, or three years part-time. Tuition costs $27,792  and eligible students can access loans, scholarships, and emergency funds.

The University of Texas at Austin, Steve Hicks School of Social Work

Master of Science in Social Work  (MSSW)

Acceptance rate: 32%

Founded in 1883, the University of Texas at Austin is a public university committed to affordable education for its diverse and talented student population. The university is known for quality research in technology and social sciences, with an acceptance rate of 32%.

This MSW (Master of Science) program includes a large amount of practical study through fieldwork. Students can develop their practical skills through a 1,020-hour internship in the community and choose between two concentrations: Clinical Social Work and Administration & Policy Practice (APP). The tuition is $10,710  and students have options  to support their education with financial aid, fellowships, awards, and student employment.

The University of Maryland, School of Social Work

Acceptance rate: 69.5%

The University of Maryland  is a public university located in Baltimore and founded in 1807. It encompasses many schools across disciplines such as law, pharmacy, social sciences, and nursing, including some of the oldest in the US and with an overall acceptance rate of 69.5%. The university also offers students the option to complete the MSW completely online.

The university’s MSW program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education. The program aims to prepare students to tackle the social issues of the future, with clinical and macro concentrations offered. The full-time program tuition  is $15,132 for in-state students and $32,971 for those out of state. Eligible students can take advantage of financial aid and scholarships .

The University of Pennsylvania, School of Social Policy & Practice

Acceptance rate: 9%

The University of Pennsylvania was founded in 1740 as one of nine colonial colleges chartered before the Declaration of Independence. The private Ivy League  research university is situated in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and has an acceptance rate of 9%. Their MSW program is one of the oldest of its kind in the US and is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education .

The program follows an innovative approach to prepare students to handle social issues at the individual, group, and community levels. The full-time program lasts two years and offers two concentrations: Clinical and Macro. A three-year part-time program is also available. The tuition for the full-time program is $50,048  with loans, scholarships, and Federal work-study options  available for students to support their education.

Fordham University, Graduate School of Social Service

Acceptance rate: 53%

Founded in 1841, Fordham University is a private Jesuit research university located in New York City. It has an acceptance rate of 53%, and an MSW program rooted in ethics and theory. The program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education and offers flexible study options: students can study online, on-campus, or as a hybrid program.

Students must complete a total of 66 credits to complete the program, 18 of which are fieldwork. The tuition per credit is $963 , making the total program cost $63,558. Financial aid  options are available for eligible students.

What Jobs Can You Get with a Master’s in Social Work?

An MSW prepares you with various skills related to social work, allowing you to work in many different settings and with all kinds of people. You can work at the individual, family, organization, or community levels. With this valuable qualification, you become a social leader that can make a positive difference in people’s lives.

Here are some of the jobs you can pursue with a master’s degree in social work and median annual salary:

Social/Community Service Manager ( $69,600 )

This is an administrative role that involves managing staff as well as working with community leaders to identify issues and deliver programs that benefit the community.

Licensed Clinical Social Worker ( $59,548 )

These professionals help people with mental health disorders or addiction through coordinating interventions such as counseling, clinical referrals, and family support. They typically hold a license as well as practical experience in a clinical setting.

Medical Social Worker ( $56,825 )

Medical social workers help healthcare professionals understand their patient’s emotional needs and facilitate easy access to medical services for vulnerable people.

Mental Health Social Worker ( $48,720 )

Mental health social workers are involved in interventions to assist people struggling with mental disorders and emotional issues.

Child / Family / School Social Worker ( $43,057 )

These professionals work with children at risk and support families in crisis. They can provide a range of interventions on an individual or group level.

Substance Abuse Counselor ( $40,673 )

These counselors typically work in a healthcare facility, detention center, or rehabilitation center. Their work focuses on assessing and treating people with substance abuse issues and alcohol addiction.

Master’s in Social Work Program Requirements

Exact program requirements vary from university to university. However, many schools share certain common requirements for MSW programs, including for online MSW programs, such as:

• A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution         
• Academic resume
• Post-secondary transcripts         
• Personal statement
• Two or more recommendation letters
• GRE or GMAT scores
• Application fees

Pros and Cons of Having a Master’s in Social Work

Like every program or career, an MSW and the social work sector in general have their positive and negative aspects.

Good Job Prospects

Social workers are in high demand in the job market. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the number of social workers is expected to grow by 12%  between 2020 and 2030. This growth gives you a good chance of landing a job after graduation .

Job Satisfaction

Working in a field like social work is rewarding in ways that go far beyond the salary. Social workers work with individuals and communities to make positive changes in people’s lives, giving them a different level of job satisfaction.

Wide Range of Career Opportunities

A social worker can offer their services in diverse areas. These professionals don’t just work with families and children, but can also work with fields such as corrections and substance abuse.

The high demand for social workers combined with underfunding in some parts of the sector means that many organizations are facing labor shortages. Consequently, social workers often have to handle significant workloads.

Challenging Work Environment

Although this kind of work is incredibly rewarding, it can also be very challenging emotionally. Social workers deal with tough issues such as mental disorders and substance abuse, and their work involves many highs and lows.

Irregular or Long Working Hours

A social worker may have to work irregular and/or long hours, as they often work shifts or may be on call at times.

Alternative Career Paths

An MSW can equip you for a range of roles outside of traditional social work positions. This qualification can open up a number of career opportunities such as:

• Health Educator
• Mental Health Counselor
• Legal Mediator
• Sociologist
• Entrepreneur in the community sector

Social Work Master’s Degree FAQs

Is a master’s in social work essential.

Without a master’s degree, your career options in the social work sector are limited. If you want to pursue a successful career in the field and secure senior positions, a master’s degree is highly advantageous and essential for some roles.

What Social Work Job Pays the Most?

Social workers in ambulatory health services have a median annual salary of $83,050 , making them the highest-paid social workers in the sector. MSW graduates can pursue even better-paid opportunities in other sectors, such as related roles with insurance companies or federal agencies.

Can I Work as a School Counselor with a Master’s in Social Work?

Yes and no. An MSW can provide the foundation for this kind of work, but you’ll need additional certification to become qualified as a school counselor.

Will an MSW Lead to a Government Job?

Not necessarily. With an MSW degree, you can find employment in both the government and private sectors.

Final Thoughts

Like any other program, a social work master’s degree has its positives and negatives. There is a range of well-paid jobs in the field, but above all else, this work allows you to contribute to society and can be very fulfilling. Although not essential to work in the sector, a master’s in social work will help you secure an exciting and rewarding position.

If you’re not sure which master’s program is right for you, take a look at our ultimate guides to Master’s in Nursing , Master’s in Political Science , and the highest paying master’s degrees .

Lisa Marlin

Lisa is a full-time writer specializing in career advice, further education, and personal development. She works from all over the world, and when not writing you'll find her hiking, practicing yoga, or enjoying a glass of Malbec.

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MSW acceptance rates

By tikababy January 5, 2014 in Social Workers Forum

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Hey everyone!

I'm currently a junior majoring in psychology at the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor. I want to go to graduate school for social work but don't know if I'm competitive enough or not. The schools I'm looking to apply to in Fall 2014 is U of M, Michigan State, Wayne State, UIUC, USC, Boston U., Rutgers, NYU, and Columbia. U of M is my first choice. I'm pretty sure I will have a 3.5 cumulative GPA by the end of this year, and my major GPA will be a 3.7 and last 60 credits is 3.94. Is this GPA competitive enough for these schools? Also, I'm not sure if I have enough experience. I had a psychology practicum at a preschool for 4 months and then I worked at a day care as a teacher assistant for the summer (May-August 2013). I'm pretty sure I'm going to be volunteering at the VA hospital this semester and I'm going to intern/volunteer under a BSW at a nursing home this summer. Is this enough experience? I've also worked as a cashier at a grocery store since I was a senior in high school.I work there every summer i come back from college, can that be used as human service experience? I'm just concerned that my stats aren't competitive for these schools. what do you guys think? Also, I'm interested in working in the Va after graduation, does anyone know how hard it is to get a job in the VA? Also, I heard social workers in the VA are paid really well, is this true? I appreciate the feedback! 

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• ImagineLennon

Your GPA looks great, I would focus more on your experience. From what I've heard, is that social work programs care a lot about your experience. If you want to work in the VA, I would say definitely volunteer at the VA hospital. Perhaps you could make a connection with a social worker there and they could answer your questions about it.

I'm not sure if the grocery store is human service experience, but you could somehow relate it in your personal statement. Maybe it helped you develop communication and "people skills" and both those are valuable in the social work field.

I don't think there is any set number for "enough experience" but it sounds like you have a good start. Contact the schools that you want to apply at and ask them how much experience they are looking for in their applicants.

U-M_Detroiter

I recently got into U-M and Wayne States MSW program for fall 2014. I am a psychology/biology major at Eastern and my gpa is a 3.5. I think knowing what you want to do, and having good experiences will definitely help you get in more than a good GPA. For example, I will be concentrating in social policy and evaluation in health, and the experience I have that relates to that is working on the Obama campaign in 2012, volunteered for the American cancer society, and fit kids 360. If you have any questions feel free to pm me.

nightwolf1129

tikababy, I'm currently working at the VA and I also volunteer here at the VA too so I might be able to answer some of your questions.  First, gaining employment in the VA is not necessarily easy but it's not impossible either.  If you served in the military then you'll be able to receive preference over most applicants (especially if you're receiving service-connected disability ratings).  Otherwise, you're going to be competing with potential Veterans for those positions.  The VA prefers to hire Veterans over non-Veterans as some of their positions posted online are limited to either former/current federal employees or disabled Veterans.  Here's a good place to start looking for jobs at the VA:  www.usajobs.gov   With that said, I would definitely look into networking at the VA both for volunteering/internship opportunities as well as potential paid job opportunities.  There are many areas to volunteer within the social work field here at the VA.  Some examples include working with assisting homeless Veterans, substance abuse treatment, suicide prevention, and helping returning OEF/OIF Veterans.  In addition, if you're able to gain some volunteering experience (whether at the VA or elsewhere), you could potentially use that volunteering supervisor (or whoever is overseeing you) as a letter of recommendation.  The benefits of working at the VA are incredible--especially the health insurance and paid time off.  The salary overall is also good (I believe you'd start as a GS-9 upon graduation from MSW and once you obtain your licensure, you'll be promoted to GS-11).  Here is a link to the GS pay scale:  https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/pay-leave/salaries-wages/2014/general-schedule/     The "General Schedule" pdf will show your base pay and certain areas around the country have what they call "locality pay".  For example, I'm currently working as a GS-7 and my base pay is around $34,000 but since I work in Boston I receive an additional 24.8% pay increase.

Something to also consider is possibly working at the VA as a Psychology Research Assistant.  You could find these positions at the www.usajobs.gov website and search for the term "Psychology Research Technician".  Most of these jobs are term based (as they're often paid via a research grant) so you're only commiting yourself for 1-2 years; however, working at the VA before applying to graduate school can help you get back into the VA system as a LICSW (licensed clinical social worker).  That's what I did when I graduated college in 2012.  I got offered a job as a research assistant and that's what I've been doing for the past 2 years.  It's been great experience and as long as you have a strong academic background (which you clearly have) along with good research & statistical training (e.g., Psychology Statistics, Research Methods), then you should meet the minimum requirements to apply.  Most of those positions start at the GS-7 level or thereabouts.

In closing, volunteering/iinterning at the VA is definitely a great way to "get your foot in the door" which could potentially lead to a paid job within the VA.  Once you're working at the VA you'll be considered a federal employee which means you're eligible to apply for jobs posted within the VA system before they're made available to the general public.  Let me know if you have any other questions and I wish you the best of luck! 

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School of Social Work College of Social Science

BASW Upper-Level Admissions

Learn more about the program and application from our Student Support Coordinator, Emily Langhart, by watching the video below.

Enrollment for the MSU BASW Program is limited and competitive. Social Work students are enrolled in the University at two levels:

• As social work preference students (new freshmen, transfer students, and those who change their major preferences during the freshman and sophomore years prior to earning 56 credits).
• As social work major admits (students who have completed all SW prerequisites and have applied and been accepted into the School of Social Work as juniors). Acceptance into the major as juniors entitles students to enroll in upper-level social work courses required for the BASW degree.

Admission to the upper-level program is competitive, and enrollment as a social work preference student offers no guarantee of admission to the BASW program as a social work major.

Please be aware that you will not be able to enroll in upper-level Social Work classes (300-level and 400-level) until you have been accepted into the program.

If on a four-year plan, students typically apply for admission to the upper level program in the spring of their sophomore year. The goal is to have the upper level program be your last two years at MSU. This means you would want to start the program with around 60 credits and Junior standing. Not sure when you should apply based on the courses you have taken? Please contact BASW Academic Advisor Jamie Griggs (link to [email protected]) to review your course plan.

Academic Requirements for the BASW degree and the 7 courses you need to complete to begin the program can be found on the Office of the Registrar website .

NOTE: Course requirements in 3a must be completed by the start of the program (fall) not at the time of admission application. However, you must have a clear path to be able to complete all of the 7 prerequisite courses by the end of summer session b.

Admission Questions?

Visit our BASW FAQs .

Having issues with forms or submission? Contact [email protected] .

Have questions about admission? Would like support with writing your essay or resume? Want to talk about social work careers and professional development?

Contact our BASW Student Support Coordinator Emily Langhart at [email protected] or make a Zoom appointment here.

Transfer Students – You must apply to MSU PRIOR to applying to the BASW Program. To apply to MSU as a transfer student, first visit the Admissions office . Please contact Monaca Eaton, [email protected] if you have questions.

Application Dates and Process

Admissions applications are reviewed once per month January – May, for a fall start. Applications received after May are reviewed on an as needed basis until our cohort is full. Admission review dates for our FALL 2022 Cohort are below.

We offer 4 application due dates. Students can expect to receive a decision on their application via confidential message from the Registrar's Office within 3 weeks of the application due date.

Admission Review Dates:

• February 4, 2022
• March 4, 2022
• March 18, 2022
• April 8, 2022
• April 29, 2022
• May 13, 2022

Admission slots are limited for our Fall 24 cohort. We review applications as they are submitted. Please note, once we hit our cohort capacity, we will not be able to accept applications for this cohort. If space in the cohort remains, additional dates may be posted. The earlier you submit your application, the stronger your chance of there being space in the cohort. Admission slots are reserved for transfer students and their applications for our FS24 cohort will be reviewed through August 20, 2024.

Please note you will not be able to enroll in SW310, 320, or 340 until your admissions application has been approved.

Review Dates:

• February 2, 2024
• Feb 23, 2024
• March 8, 2024
• March 22, 2024
• April 12, 2024
• May 3, 2024
• May 24, 2024
• Admission slots are reserved for transfer students and their applications for our FS24 cohort will be reviewed through August 20, 2024

Application Drop-In Sessions

Join our Student Support Coordinator, Emily Langhart, for a drop-in Zoom session for answers to all of your admissions and application questions! Before attending the session, be sure to watch the recording of the  BASW Upper-Level Admissions and Application Information Session  (embedded above).

Dates for sessions:

1/22- 12pm-1pm

1/30- 3pm-4pm

2/12- 4pm-5pm

2/22- 10am-11am

3/08 - 2pm-3pm

3/11- 12pm-1pm

 Zoom Information: 

https://msu.zoom.us/j/99836675847

• Meeting ID: 998 3667 5847

Application Materials

****************************************************** As noted below, you must fill in these documents and save them using Adobe Acrobat . Using Preview on a Mac (and possibly others) will result in incomplete data and we will be unable to process your application. ******************************************************

To be considered for admission you will need to complete five admission documents.

• Academic Readiness Check Sheet
• Admission Essay Directions
• Social Work Professionalism and Ethics Agreement
• Criminal Background Statement of Understanding
• Application Resume Instructions

The pdf files above must be downloaded (right click and select "Save Link As") and opened with Adobe Acrobat (other software may not allow you to fill in the fields electronically) to fill them in electronically. You can also download all the files in a zip file . Double click the zip file to extract and then double click each file to open in Adobe Acrobat.

How to Submit your Application

We are currently accepting applications for our 24-25 cohort. Please submit your 5 completed admission documents here:  https://msu.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_9ZxVl1tGdux1kuW

Professional Licensure and Certification : Federal regulations require MSU to publicly disclose, for each educational program designed to meet the educational requirements for a specific professional license or certification required for employment in an occupation (or advertised as meeting those requirements), information about whether program completion would meet those requirements in a state. These public disclosure requirements apply to all programs, regardless of their modality (i.e., on-ground, online, and hybrid programs). MSU discloses the required information for its Bachelors and Masters Programs in Social Work on pages 74-77 of this table. All current and prospective students are encouraged to contact the applicable professional licensure/certification boards in their respective states for additional information regarding professional licensure/certification requirements, including, without limitation, information regarding any non-educational requirements (such as post-doctoral supervision, licensing examination). The information in the table should not be construed as guaranteeing that any particular professional licensure/certification authority will approve a student’s application; nor should the information in the table be read to imply that other requirements for professional licensure/certification do not exist or that other requirements for professional licensure/certification have been determined to have been met by MSU’s program/course, or that any necessary approvals for clinical or other experiential learning placements are secured by virtue of a student’s enrollment at MSU. State professional licensure/certification requirements are subject to change at any time. If you need assistance or have any questions, please contact your academic advisor.

Admission Information for Transfer Students

A number of upper-division transfer students will be admitted into Social Work on a competitive basis. Students enrolled in other colleges or universities normally transfer at the end of their sophomore year. Transfer students must apply for admission to Michigan State University before they can apply to the School of Social Work. Applications for admission to the University should be submitted in the spring semester of their sophomore year.

You will work with the MSU Admissions Office to apply as a transfer student to MSU. Information on transferring to MSU can be found on the Admissions website . You are strongly encouraged to visit campus for a transfer student program prior to applying for admission. Transfer student programs are conducted daily, M-F and will include information about the admissions process, transferring credit, academic programs, student life, university housing, and career services and placement. You can reserve a seat for this program on the Admissions website .

Once a transfer student has been accepted by MSU, the University Admissions Office will send the supplemental application for the School of Social Work. Admitted students should plan to begin their Social Work studies in the Fall semester. If you are applying to MSU as a transfer student interested in social work, please email Monaca Eaton at [email protected]  for assistance.

Michigan State University's Master of Social Work (MSW) programs and its Bachelor of Arts in Social Work (BASW) program are fully accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) and designed to meet the State of Michigan's social work licensing criteria. However, MSU cannot confirm whether these programs meet licensure requirements in states other than Michigan. Students who may be seeking professional licensure elsewhere will need to check with the appropriate licensing board in that state to verify that the program meets the requirement for licensure. Each state's social work licensing requirements can be found HERE .

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Achieve Your Full Potential.

The Michigan Ross PhD Program empowers you to shape the world of business through your discoveries and insights. Immerse yourself in your academic field of interest and generate impactful research that explores complex business issues. A community of support surrounds your experience.

The application deadline for the ‘24/’25 academic year has passed. 

Applications for the ‘25/’26 academic year will open by September 2024.

Learn about our application process, including which supporting documents are required, and all important dates.

Meet the Class

Learn from, and be inspired by, a doctoral community of engaged and motivated leaders with diverse backgrounds and perspectives.

Michigan Ross PhD students receive five years of full funding, including tuition waiver, health insurance, and a generous stipend package that combines both fellowship funding and a graduate assistantship. 

Your Bridge to a PhD

Explore predoctoral work in the Michigan Ross Bridges to Doctoral Fellows Program. The 12-month, full-time certificate provides the necessary competencies and experiences that prepare you for success in doctoral studies.

Bridges Program

Find answers to the questions we commonly receive about applying to the PhD Program.

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Ph.D. Admissions

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The application window for Fall 2024 is closed.

The Mathematics Department offers two programs to obtain a Ph.D. Applicants can pursue a Ph.D. in  Applied & Interdisciplinary Mathematics or Mathematics.  Please use the "Programs" link at the left to explore our offerings.

• Three Letters of Recommendation  (May submit up to 5 letters, but only 3 are required.)
• Curriculum Vitae or Resume
• Academic Statement of Purpose (concise - no limit)
• Personal Statement (500 word limit)
• TOEFL iBT Special Home Edition and IELTS Indicator online test are accepted.
• Exemption rules:   https://rackham.umich.edu/admissions/applying/tests/
• List of  International English Exclusive Institutions  approved by Rackham

GRE General Test scores are no longer included in the admission process in accordance with a  policy of the Rackham Graduate School .

GRE Mathematics Subject Test scores are strictly optional. However, if an applicant chooses so, they may submit them as a combined pdf file with their transcript or personal statement.

Application Timeline

The Mathematics Department's graduate programs only accept applications for Fall semesters. 

General Requirements for Admission

A student must have completed a bachelor's degree at an accredited college or university by the time of entry in order to be considered for admission.

Applied & Interdisciplinary Mathematics (AIM) Ph.D. Admissions Requirements

Successful AIM Ph.D. applicants will demonstrate an interest in an interdisciplinary area of applied mathematics in addition to substantial mathematical ability. Two types of students are generally considered for admission to the AIM Ph.D. program:

• Mathematics majors with excellent grades in mathematics courses and excellent letters of recommendation. The admissions committee will also take into account other scholarly activities such as summer research experience, published papers, or courses in other fields.
• Non-mathematics majors from the physical, life, or engineering sciences, or from other appropriate areas of study. Such students are expected to have completed at least two upper division mathematics courses, and/or have substantial exposure to mathematics in other courses, and may submit a GRE mathematics subject test score. Other experience in working with mathematics (for instance, summer research positions) will also be taken into account, as well as grade point average and letters of recommendation.

Mathematics Ph.D.  Admission Requirements The undergraduate major need not be mathematics, but a student should have mastered material roughly equivalent to the undergraduate mathematics major at The University of Michigan including:

• three semesters of calculus
• one or two semesters of differential equations
• one semester courses in modern algebra, linear algebra, geometry or topology
• advanced calculus of one and several variables

In addition, a student should have completed at least three additional mathematics courses and at least two courses in related fields such as statistics, computer science, or the physical sciences. Students with strong records in less comprehensive programs will be considered for admission but if admitted should expect to spend the first one or two semesters in graduate school completing their undergraduate preparation in mathematics. Based on historical data, we expect that successful applicants to the Ph.D. program will have an overall GPA of at least 3.3 on a 4.0 scale.

Application Requirement Details

GRE, TOEFL, and IELTS Tests

• GRE General test scores are not required. 
• GRE Mathematics Subject Test scores may be submitted as a combined pdf file with your transcript or personal statement. (Optional)
• TOEFL or IELTS exam is required for students whose native language is not English
• TOEFL and IELTS exams should not be older than two years as of the Admission Deadline.
• Minimum TOEFL and IELTS scores must meet Rackham's requirements here .
• TOEFL or IELTS Exemptions are only given per Rackham's rules here .
• ETS school code for the University of Michigan Rackham Graduate School is 1839

Letters of Recommendation

Letters of recommendation play an especially crucial role in the admission process. At least three letters are required, and up to five may be submitted. Applicants should choose as recommenders people who know their strengths and weaknesses relevant to graduate study in mathematics. The most useful letters are those which list in some detail the accomplishments of the student and make direct comparisons with other students who have succeeded at major U.S. graduate schools. International students already in the U.S. should submit letters from their U.S. institution, whenever possible.  Please register your recommenders for the electronic Letters of Recommendation when using the Online Application.  Letters received after the application deadline will be accepted, but should be received within 1 week of that deadline.

Those students who will have completed a Master's degree in Mathematics by the time they begin studies at the University of Michigan must apply to the Ph.D. program. Others may apply to either program. 

Academic Statement of Purpose

Focus your academic statement on your mathematical interests, research experience, published papers, math camps, teaching & tutoring experience etc. Be sure to mention any specific faculty with whom you wish to work.

Personal Statement:

Focus your personal statement on what makes you unique, any struggles you have experienced and overcome, and why you feel U-M Math is the right place for you.  Be sure to include any hardships you have experiencedand how you overcame them. These could be financial, familial, or personal.

Transcript Submission:

The Mathematics Admissions Committee will review uploaded transcripts with university logos during the application process.  While these are considered "unofficial" transcripts because they have been opened from their original sealed envelopes, they are acceptable.  If an applicant receives an offer of admission, an official transcript in a sealed envelope will need to be mailed from the institution directly to the Rackham Graduate School.

Please submit your most current transcript with your online application by the due date.  If you would like the Admissions Committee to see your Fall term scores, you may email them to [email protected] after the due date, and they will be included with your application.

Additonal Application Materials: If you have additional materials you would like to submit with your application, you may email them to [email protected].  Be sure to include your name and umid number in the email and attach files in pdf format.

Note:  All credentials submitted for admission consideration become the property of the University of Michigan and will not be returned in original or copy form.

Additional Information:  Please visit the admissions page of the Rackham Graduate School for additional information regarding admission including: minimum graduate school requirements, residency, and application fees.    Unfortunately, application fee waivers are not available for international students.

Financial Support for Ph.D. Students

Ph.D. Programs

Most students enrolled in the Ph.D. program in Mathematics are granted full financial support including an annual stipend, tuition waiver, and health insurance for a period of five years, subject to satisfactory progress. The Department offers aid in the form of Graduate Student Instructorships, Research Assistantships, and Fellowships.

All entering Ph.D. students will be considered for Graduate Student Instructorships, which normally require four classroom hours of teaching per week plus additional office hours during the Fall and Winter terms. The stipend for such an appointment in 2021-2022 is $11,598 per term. In addition, Graduate Student Instructors receive a full tuition waiver. Teaching duties may involve teaching a section of a first-year calculus or pre-calculus course or serving as an instructor for recitation sections attached to a faculty lecture in multivariable calculus or elementary differential equations. The Department of Mathematics has many fellowship opportunities, including the Copeland, Glover, Rainich, and Shields Fellowships which may provide a stipend, tuition waiver and in some cases a reduced teaching load. Other fellowships administered by the Rackham Graduate School can be found at their  Fellowships office .  The University of Michigan is part of the CIC consortium, which also awards fellowships to outstanding underrepresented applicants. Also available are prestigious Rackham Science Award’s given out by the Rackham Graduate School.

After Admission

All new Graduate Student Instructors are required to attend an orientation and training program which is held the week before classes begin. New Graduate Student Instructors whose Undergraduate Degree is not from an English speaking University must pass an English Evaluation which tests the specific oral skills needed for classroom teaching and are required to attend a three-week cultural orientation program starting in July.

Research Assistantships are awarded mainly to senior Ph.D. students to relieve them of teaching duties during the final part of their dissertation research. Students at this point may also compete for Rackham Dissertation Fellowships, which provide full support for one year, or Research Partnerships. A small number of positions as paper-graders for the larger advanced courses is available each term.

Some additional funds are often available for support during the summer. More advanced students who are actively involved in research may be supported from NSF grants awarded to faculty members. For other students there is a limited number of Departmental fellowships and a few teaching positions are available. No advanced graduate courses are offered in either the Spring or Summer half-terms and students are encouraged to spend some of their summers attending workshops, doing research, working in government, or seeking internships in industry.

Marjorie Lee Browne (MLB) Scholars Program - an MS bridge to PhD program for diverse students

The Department of Mathematics at the University of Michigan is pleased to offer the Marjorie Lee Browne (MLB) Scholars Program. The program is named for Dr. Marjorie Lee Browne, who in 1949 became the first African-American woman to earn a Ph.D. in Mathematics at the University of Michigan. The MLB Scholars Program is an enhanced option for the M.S. degree in either Mathematics or Applied and Interdisciplinary Mathematics that is designed to give students professional knowledge of pure or applied mathematics in order to prepare them for continuing toward a Ph.D.  Please see this Marjorie Lee Brown Scholars webpage for eligibility and details.

If you have any questions regarding the application process, please contact the Department of Mathematics at [email protected].

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School of Social Work Named #1 Social Work School in U.S.

April 9, 2024.

The School of Social Work has again been named the nation’s top social work school in U.S. News & World Report’s 2024 Best Graduate School rankings. Since 2012, our School has had the honor to be ranked # 1 in the nation. The rankings reflect the School’s steadfast role as a national leader in developing innovative knowledge, collaborating with communities, and educating the next generation of social workers who will shape practice and policy of the future. To know that the dedication and hard work of our faculty, staff, students and alumni are recognized by our peers is incredibly gratifying.

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