Why you should consider this program

Returned Peace Corps Volunteers interested in earning a Master in Social Work (MSW) at the University of Michigan School of Social Work have the opportunity to apply to the Coverdell Fellows Program. Qualified incoming Returned Peace Corps Volunteers are able to pursue the Coverdell Fellows Scholarship while pursuing the On Campus MSW Program or Part Time Online MSW Program.

Join a profession that helps individuals, groups, and families by advancing positive change at the community, state, and national levels to create a more socially just society. Additionally, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects faster-than-average growth in social worker jobs over the next decade.

Please refer to the U-M School of Social Work Coverdell website here.

Benefits for Coverdell Fellows

	Tuition/fees for Complete Program	Value of Coverdell Fellowship	Net cost *
In state	$ 63,919	$ 20,000	$ 43,919
Out of state	$ 101,821	$ 44,000	$ 57,821

* Net cost is equal to tuition/fees minus fellowship value. For some universities, the fellowship value includes non-tuition/fee benefits such as health insurance or housing—see the first point below for more details.

Where the cost savings value of the Coverdell Fellowship comes from

Applicants for the Coverdell Fellowship have their MSW application fee waved. Cost savings also comes from the associated scholarship, which is applied to tuition.

Fellowships awarded per year (average)

4

Other benefits or opportunities

For those interested in continuing global work, the U-M School of Social Work offers a concentration in Global Social Work Practice and has an Office of Global Activities that offers students opportunities to travel abroad.

Annual cost of living (estimated)

$ 36,810

Application fee waived?

Yes

Internship

All MSW students complete between 684-912 hours in their social work internship (or field placement). Students will serve a variety of individuals and communities under the supervision of a licensed social worker. The U-M School of Social Work’s Office of Field Education has over 550 fieldwork sites primarily in Southeast Michigan, but also in locations across the country and around the world with 750 licensed professional social workers who mentor and prepare students for a career in the social work field.

Jobs for program alumni

U-M School of Social Work alumni work in jobs that span the areas of micro, mezzo, and macro work. Alums are employed as case managers, school social workers, community organizers, medical social workers, mental health providers, policymakers, substance abuse counselor, data management specialists, behavioral health clinicians, executive directors, private practice practitioners, program planners, evaluators, and much more. More info here

Other details

Program length

The on-campus programs offers a 16-month and 20-month program for students who do not have a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree. Students with a BSW can complete the program in 12-months. Additionally, there is a part-time online program for students interested in studying Interpersonal Practice in Integrated Health, Mental Health, & Substance Abuse.

Application requirements

• Completion of a bachelor's degree or its equivalent, with competitive grades, from an accredited institution
• An academic transcript is required from each college/university you have attended
• Written supplementary statement
• Three letters of recommendations
• Resume Financial aid application for grants/scholarships
• Please note admissions tests (e.g., GRE, GMAT) are NOT required for admission

For more information, please refer to the U-M School of Social Work Coverdell website here.

Admissions process

RPCVs applying to the Coverdell Fellows Scholarship are eligible for an application fee waiver. To apply for the Coverdell Fellows Scholarship, please answer “yes” to the question, “Do you plan to apply to an SSW Special Program?” found on the Financial Assistance page of the online MSW application and then select the Coverdell Fellows Scholarship checkbox. The Coverdell Fellows Scholarship application page will be added to the end of your MSW application. You will need to enter in your dates of service and upload your Description of Service on the Coverdell Fellows Scholarship application page. If you do not have a DOS because you are currently serving in the Peace Corps, please ask your country director or program manager for a brief letter verifying your status as a Peace Corps Volunteer. This letter may be uploaded in place of the DOS.

Program begins

In late August

Non-traditional options

• Online degree program

Year Coverdell Fellows partnership started

2013

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Contact

Greta Kaempf, Global Opportunities Coordinator, School of Social Work Office of Global Activities