Overview

The Policy, Planning and Administration programme at Western Michigan University prepares graduate students for influential leadership roles within government, community, and non-profit sectors. Students develop the expertise required to facilitate structural changes in organisations and society to ensure a just distribution of resources. This curriculum empowers practitioners to respond effectively to the human condition through ethical, reflective, and evidence-based practice.

This concentration is specifically designed for those who wish to work at the macro level of social work, focusing on the processes that govern institutions and communities. By leveraging theoretical models, participants learn to understand complex human behaviour within diverse social, cultural, and economic contexts.

Why Policy, Planning and Administration at Western Michigan University?

Western Michigan University offers a unique signature pedagogy through its intensive focus on field education, providing practical experience under the supervision of seasoned professionals. The College of Health and Human Services boasts impressive outcomes, with 98% of graduates working full-time in roles related to their degree. Students also have access to specialised certificates and collaborative specialisations, such as Holistic Health and Trauma Across the Lifespan, to further tailor their expertise.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 15620 per year
National fee: USD 15620 per year
Local fee: USD 10414 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum begins with a foundation in social welfare and human behaviour before moving into the specialised concentration. Modules may include:

Human Behaviour
Social Policy
Culture and Ethnicity
Research
Social Work Practice
Leadership in Human Service Organisations
Administration in Human Service Organisations
Core Concepts of Child and Adolescent Trauma
Integrative Child Welfare Seminar

Careers with Policy, Planning and Administration

Graduates are prepared for high-level leadership and direct-service positions across the field of social welfare. Common career paths include roles in government agencies, non-profit management, and community organisation leadership. The programme equips professionals to work within institutions to enhance service delivery and advocate for policy changes that support vulnerable and marginalised populations. Many alumni find success in administrative roles where they manage human service organisations and influence social legislation.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Leadership and Management in Human Services
Administration in Human Services Organizations
Advanced Seminar in Planning and Administration
Field Education in Social Policy, Planning and Administration
Advanced Field Education in Social Policy, Planning and Administration

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 24 months
Part-time
- 36 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-08-28 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-03-01 00:00:00 , International
- Apply before 2027-02-15 00:00:00 , National

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

115

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IELTS

6.5

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Credits

60 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Kalamazoo, United States

Disciplines

Social Work Leadership View 815 other Masters in Leadership in United States

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Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

115

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

6.5

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

Copy of passport identification page.
$100 non-refundable application fee.
Proof of sufficient funds for the first academic year of study according to estimated cost of attendance.
A completed application form (including a resume/curriculum vitae, written statement, and contact information for letters of recommendation).

Official transcript from the institution(s) from which you received your bachelor degree is required, as well as a transcript from the institution where any additional graduate level courses or degrees have been taken/completed. Applicants are not required to submit an official transcript of courses taken/completed at WMU.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

15620 USD / year

≈ 15620 USD / year
Out-of-State

15620 USD / year

≈ 15620 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

10414 USD / year

≈ 10414 USD / year

Additional Details

Local Summer: 2,386 International Summer: 3,579

Living costs

Kalamazoo

United States

1000 - 1500 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Financing

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Funding

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Master's scholarship opportunities for Policy, Planning and Administration.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

On this page

About

Overview

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Additional Details

Living costs

Kalamazoo

Financing

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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