Master of Social Work (Global Social Work Practice) in Ann Arbor United States | University of Michigan Ann Arbor

The Global Social Work Pathway is designed for social work students passionate about tackling worldwide challenges. This program explores subjects like migration, poverty, climate change, indigenous rights, and displacement through a lens that acknowledges power disparities and cultural diversity on a global scale.

Participants will interact with diverse communities both locally and internationally, joining a network of social workers committed to applying their expertise, abilities, and principles to foster social transformation, empowerment, and human liberation. Learners will critically assess how their personal beliefs, biases, and identities (including gender, age, race/ethnicity, etc.) influence their approach to international social work. The curriculum delves into power dynamics, privilege, systemic oppression, social equity, and the effects of global capitalism—including warfare, colonization, resource exploitation, international aid, and democratization efforts.

Through policy analysis, collaborative training initiatives with global organizations, community advocacy, and hands-on projects, students will investigate how these concepts shape global social work. Opportunities include fieldwork, independent international studies, and specialized courses led by experts, practitioners, and community leaders from around the world.