As home to several institutions of higher learning, The Wolverine State offers students education in many different social sciences including many well-regarded social work degrees in Michigan. Following is all of the CSWE accredited social work degree programs in the state of Michigan.
Featured Social Work Programs
Adrian College
Bachelor of Social Work
Adrian College recognizes that there is a great need for social workers across the United States and within Michigan and cites statistics from the Bureau of Labor Statistics on its official website which suggest impressive growth is expected of the profession over the next decade. The college offers skilled faculty members who have worked outside of academia and can offer real-world experience as part of a classroom experience. Graduation from the program requires a student to craft a written analysis of experiences and knowledge gained while at school at Adrian.
Accreditations
- Council on Social Work Education Office of Social Work Accreditation (CSWE)
- North Central Association of Colleges and Schools
Contact
110 S Madison St.
Adrian, MI 49221
Phone: 800.877.2246
[email protected]
Program Website
Andrews University
Bachelor of Social Work Program
The undergraduate degree in social work at Andrews University is designed to prepare students to work in the public or private sector as social workers. In addition, students have the opportunity to move into the master's program after time spent in undergraduate study. The program is given on the campus of Andrews University as well as at Washington Adventist University, which is in Takoma Park, Maryland. The university demands that its students learn several core competencies during school including Values and Ethics, Professionalism, Social Welfare Policy and Services, and Critical Thinking. The university teaches students the value of diversity and how to recognize social issues like oppression, injustice, and at-risk groups.
Master of Social Work Program
Students who wish to enter the workforce at a higher level of competency may want to consider enrolling in the Master of Social Work program at Andrews. Individuals who already have work experience may benefit from the advanced concepts presented during study at the graduate level. Students who have earned a bachelor's degree may also benefit from graduate work. Like the undergraduate program, Andrews University expects its students to master the 12 core competencies, which include Global World View, Critical Thinking, and Research. Upon graduation from this program, students will be well-prepared to take on a variety of interpersonal clinical or administration-level jobs.
Accreditations
- Council on Social Work Education Office of Social Work Accreditation (CSWE)
- North Central Association Higher Learning Commission (NCAHLC)
- The Accrediting Association of Seventh-day Adventist Schools, Colleges and Universities
Contact
Department of Behavioral Sciences
Buller Hall #211
Berrien Springs, MI 49104
Phone: 269.471.6196
Fax: 269-471.3108
[email protected]
Program Website
Calvin College
Bachelor of Social Work Program
There are twelve courses required of students in the BSW program as well as several general courses within the area of social sciences. Courses featured within the major include those on practice skills, policy analyses, research, and theory. Students are expected to understand advanced social science concepts as well as participate in field experience at a working agency. The school suggests that students will have access to several different types of employment upon graduation including working as a social worker, counselor, or aide to different types of at-risk people. The university suggests that if a student wishes to specialize in a certain area of social work that continuation into graduate school is a recommended path.
Accreditations
- Council on Social Work Education Office of Social Work Accreditation (CSWE)
- North Central Association Higher Learning Commission (NCAHLC)
Contact
3201 Burton SE
Grand Rapids, MI 49546
Phone: 616.526.6000
Fax: 269.471.3108
[email protected]
Program Website
Central Michigan University
Bachelor in Social Work (BSW) Degree
Central Michigan University's social work program is an accredited 4-year degree, and after graduation, graduates are eligible to obtain a professional license for work in Michigan. The school works hard to keep class sizes small for this program so as to facilitate healthy discussion between faculty and amongst students. The university ensures that each of its students is able to develop critical thinking skills necessary to function in the professional world as well as the ability to conduct valuable research on important topics. The university seeks to send students into the world who are sought by employers and provide value to any workplace.
Accreditations
- Council on Social Work Education Office of Social Work Accreditation (CSWE)
- North Central Association Higher Learning Commission (NCAHLC)
Contact
Social Work Program
Anspach 034
Mount Pleasant, MI 48859
Phone: 989.774.2690
[email protected]
Program Website
Cornerstone University
Social Work Program
Cornerstone describes its social work program as a degree that's appropriate for students who want their work in the community to make a positive difference on human lives. The university says that graduates may find work by providing valuable support services to families, as well as work with at-risk populations. The college says that social work is a highly appropriate endeavor for Christians who want to live a meaningful and full life serving the community. The program is designed to ensure that students graduate with full knowledge of ethical and professional considerations for employment as a social worker. Graduates may apply for licensure in the state of Michigan.
Accreditations
- Council on Social Work Education Office of Social Work Accreditation (CSWE)
- North Central Association Higher Learning Commission (NCAHLC)
Contact
1001 East Beltline Avenue NE
Grand Rapids, MI 49525
Phone: 616.949.5300
[email protected]
Program Website
Eastern Michigan University
Bachelor of Social Work (BSW)
Students enrolled in Eastern Michigan University's social work program must complete 124 hours to graduate; however, many students come to the college with classes already taken from local community colleges. The university has several partnerships with community colleges to make transferring classes easy. Some of the classes students are expected to take include Human Diversity and Social Justice, Social Welfare Policies and Services, and Self Assessment and Development for Social Work. In addition, the program requires students to complete a significant essay designed to confirm whether a student is a good fit for the social work program at Eastern Michigan University.
Master of Social Work Program
One of the interesting features of the graduate program in social work at Eastern Michigan University is its dedication to students who currently work full-time. The program gained accreditation in 1992 and has a few different tracts for different types of students. For example, there's a complete program that's designed for students who have a bachelor's degree in another field from social work. In addition, a different program is offered for students who have obtained their degree in social work and know more about the industry. The full program requires 63 credit hours for completion while the advanced program requires 35 hours of coursework.
Accreditations
- Council on Social Work Education Office of Social Work Accreditation (CSWE)
- North Central Association Higher Learning Commission (NCAHLC)
Contact
School of Social Work
317 Everett L. Marshall Building
Ypsilanti, MI 48197
Phone: 734.487.0393
Fax: 734.487.6832
[email protected]
Program Website
Ferris State University
Bachelor of Social Work
Ferris State University prides itself on ushering learned individuals into the world who are highly sought-after by employers. The college boasts a diverse faculty with experience in many different social work environments and the program has been accredited by the CSWE since 1989. Ferris's program covers many different areas of social work such as gerontology, child welfare, and mental health. Students are encouraged to become involved in local community agencies during their time spent at the university. Students are expected to complete two different internships during undergraduates study with one occurring during the freshman year and another during the senior year.
Accreditations
- Council on Social Work Education Office of Social Work Accreditation (CSWE)
- North Central Association Higher Learning Commission (NCAHLC)
Contact
Social Work Program
820 Campus Dr., ASC 2108
Big Rapids, MI 49307
Phone: 231.591.2737
[email protected]
Program Website
Grand Valley State University
Bachelor of Social Work
The Bachelor of Social Work program at GVSU is designed to provide an education to students that creates a perfect base for continuing social work education. Students will also have an opportunity to apply what they've learned in the program's broad curriculum to entry level work in social work employment. Students are taught to meet the demands of diverse populations as well as provide services in several different types of environments such as private and public institutions. Graduates of the program have entered into a variety of different professions after graduation.
Master of Social Work
Many students choose to move onto a graduate level degree after obtaining a bachelor's in social work so as to enhance advanced knowledge of social issues. The program was recently revised in 2009 in an effort to meet the 2008 Educational Policies and Standards. Some of the new features included in the program were observable professional competencies as well as professional practice behaviors. These inclusions were designed to enhance a student's ability to engage in evidence-based practice. The program requires rigorous study of its students and enrollees must also demonstrate mastery of essential social work concepts.
Accreditations
- Council on Social Work Education Office of Social Work Accreditation (CSWE)
- North Central Association Higher Learning Commission (NCAHLC)
Contact
401 West Fulton Street
DeVos Center, 391C
Grand Rapids, MI 49504
Phone: 616.331.6550
Fax: 616.331.6570
[email protected]
Program Website
Hope College
Baccalaureate Social Work Major
Hope College approaches the social work major with the idea that social work is a service industry and "life satisfaction" is possible through the interactions granted by working in jobs commonly available to social workers. The program teaches students about a variety of practice methods including community work, social welfare planning, and direct intervention. Students are meant to learn that oppressed people and vulnerable populations are in need of help and that social workers can provide a bridge to a better life. Graduates of the program are eligible for licensing in Michigan as well as several other states.
Accreditations
- Council on Social Work Education Office of Social Work Accreditation (CSWE)
- North Central Association Higher Learning Commission (NCAHLC)
Contact
41 Graves Place
Holland, MI 49422
Phone: 616.395.7555
Fax: 616.395.7617
[email protected]
Program Website
Kuyper College
Bachelor of Social Work
Kuyper College suggests that social workers have a significant responsibility to help others by improving capacity for functioning normally in society, fighting against social injustices, and improving societal conditions for oppressed people. The college's Christian worldview comes into play in this major by infusing a biblical approach to education. The college calls its program a holistic, multi-level program based upon a variety of professional factors. Social work students will learn about the skills, values, and strategies used by social workers in today's society. The college says social workers can help unite families, repair relationships, and empower communities.
Accreditations
- Council on Social Work Education Office of Social Work Accreditation (CSWE)
- North Central Association Higher Learning Commission (NCAHLC)
Contact
3333 East Beltline N.E.
Grand Rapids, MI 49525
Phone: 616.222.3000
[email protected]
Program Website
Madonna University
Bachelor of Social Work
Madonna University's social work program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education and students are prepared for entry-level positions in social work upon graduation. The college offers a number of interesting, interactive features for students including distance learning classes, off-campus locations, and small student to teacher ratios. There are opportunities to practice internationally as well as evening and weekend classes offered to accommodate students with non-traditional schedules. Students may also choose to enter a graduate program after completing a bachelor's degree and will be sufficiently prepared by Madonna's program for graduate level work.
Accreditations
- Council on Social Work Education Office of Social Work Accreditation (CSWE)
- North Central Association Higher Learning Commission (NCAHLC)
Contact
36600 Schoolcraft Road
Livonia, MI 48150
Phone: 800.852.4951
Fax: 734.432.5393
[email protected]
Program Website
Michigan State University
Bachelor of Arts in Social Work
The Bachelor of Social Work at Michigan State University is the first of its kind ever created in the country, and the university boasts that its students are challenged by the program and routinely find employment just a short time after graduation. Students who graduate from MSU's program also find it easy to get accepted into graduate school. The program places an emphasis on diversity by providing instruction on strengthening families, fighting against social injustice, and dealing with oppression of at-risk populations. The purpose of the program is to ensure students can work immediately upon graduation with a solid background in the industry.
Master of Social Work (MSW)
The Master of Social Work program requires students to master the 10 core competencies mandated by the Council on Social Work Education. Graduates are given the skills and information they need to enter the workforce at an advanced level. The program ensures students participate in a field experience that will help when it comes time to leave college and find employment outside the university. There are two concentrations available in the program which include Clinical Social Work and Organization and Community Leadership.
PhD in Social Work Degree Program
For students who wish to work as educators in social work, research social issues, or work as administrators in the field, work toward a PhD might be the best option. The program is designed to help students make an impact on the education of others as well as in the field for practicing social workers. Students are required to complete a research internship as well as a statistics sequence. In addition, students must pass a comprehensive examination and defend a doctoral dissertation. The Group for the Advancement of Doctoral Education in Social Work (GADE) counts MSU's program as a member.
Accreditations
- Council on Social Work Education Office of Social Work Accreditation (CSWE)
- North Central Association Higher Learning Commission (NCAHLC)
Contact
School of Social Work
655 Auditorium Road
Baker Hall Room 254
East Lansing, MI 48824
Phone: 517.355.6640
[email protected]
Program Website
Northern Michigan University
Bachelor of Social Work
The Bachelor of Social Work program at Northern Michigan is to prepare students to enter the social work field and work with a diverse population. The program has a generalist focus, which allows students to work in a variety of settings upon graduation. Students learn to identify themselves as professionals, develop and apply ethics necessary in the industry, advance human rights, promote social and economic justice, as well as apply knowledge in human behavior in the social environment.
The program includes classroom training as well as field placement during the student's senior year. In order to be admitted to the Social Work program, students must have completed or be in the process of completing what the university calls a "Human Behavior Cluster Minor," with a 2.5 grade point average or higher. The cluster minor includes classes such as social and economic justice, diversity, biology, sociology, psychology and research methods.
Contact Information
Northern Michigan University
1401 Presque Isle Avenue
Marquette, MI 49855-5301
Email: [email protected]
Telephone: 906-227-2706
Program Website
Oakland University
Social Work, B.S.W.
At Oakland, a bachelor of social work is designed to prepare students for a career helping others while challenging them to become advocates for social change. Graduates work with all facets of the public, from counselors to case managers to offering assistance to the disabled. Students take a range of classes and are also required to fulfill seminar and internship requirements. Alumni with a degree in social work from Oakland currently work in organizations that handle child welfare, developmental disabilities, mental health and substance abuse, as well as many other positions throughout the social work industry.
Contact Information
Office of Undergraduate Admissions
101 North Foundation Hall
2200 N. Squirrel Road
Rochester, MI 48309-4401
Phone: 248-370-3360
Email: [email protected]
Program Website
Saginaw Valley State University
Bachelor of Social Work (B.S.W.)
The Bachelor of Social Work at Saginaw Valley is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education. Students are prepared for positions as generalist social workers and are able to recognize social work values and develop strong commitments to the ethics of the profession. The program teaches students to influence social policies that relate to reducing poverty, eliminating oppression, stopping social injustice and be an advocate for human rights. These qualities are developed through courses in social work practice, social welfare policy, and human behavior. In addition, students are taught research methods and must perform an internship in order to graduate.
Contact Information
Saginaw Valley State University
7400 Bay Road
University Center, MI 48710
Telephone: 989-964-4077
Email: [email protected]
Program Website
Siena Heights University
Bachelor of Social Work
For those who enjoy helping others, a Bachelor of Social Work at Siena Heights may be the perfect choice. The program has earned national recognition with a faculty that is dedicated to the success of students. Curriculum includes courses in:
• Social Science Research
• Populations-at-Risk
• Social Justice
• Social Welfare Services and Policies
• Human and Cultural Diversity
• Ethics
• Social Environment
Students also perform field practice in order to get a hands-on education in the field of social work. All field practice is supervised and students are placed in a variety of organizations, such as the Boys and Girls Club, Catholic Charities, mental health agencies, school districts and many others in the area.
Contact Information
Trudy Mohre
Director of Undergraduate Admissions
Siena Heights University Main Campus
1247 E. Siena Heights Drive
Adrian, MI 49221
Springfield, MA 01109-3797
Telephone: 517-264-7185
Email: [email protected]
Program Website
Spring Arbor University
Social Work
The Bachelor of Social Work at Spring Arbor trains students to provide social services in communities using values of service, social and economic justice, a person's worth and the importance of human relationships. The program offers a traditional on-campus bachelor of social work that allows graduates to work in substance abuse, mental health or juvenile justice centers, among other organizations that deal with social issues. The program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education, which requires that the university engage in gatekeeping to ensure that graduates are mature, knowledgeable and have the values necessary to work in the social work field. Therefore, students must take two modules, passing the first with at least a 2.5 or better and a 2.0 or better for the second prior to being accepted into the program.
Master of Social Work
At Spring Arbor, the Master of Social Work prepares students to advance in their social work career. The program teaches students how to navigate the complex interactions and conflicts common in the industry. It is a 60-hour program that can be completed in two years, although the college does offer a 30-credit Advanced Standing Program to qualified students. The Master of Social Work degree is offered at the Battle Creek, Grand Rapids, Petoskey and Toledo campuses. Students learn through traditional classroom training during the first year, and a concentration-tailored curriculum the second year, with a focus on clinical orientation. To qualify for the Advanced Standing program, students must have completed their bachelor's degree in social work within five years of enrollment in the program.
Contact Information
Spring Arbor University
Office of Admissions
106 E. Main Street
Spring Arbor, MI 49283
Phone: 800-968-0011
Email: [email protected]
Program Website
University of Detroit Mercy
Bachelor of Social Work (B.S.W.)
In order to be admitted to the Bachelor of Social Work at the University of Detroit Mercy, students must provide a written application confirming that prerequisite courses have been completed with a grade of 2.0 or higher. Students must maintain a grade of "C" or better in all classes during the program, and must maintain a GPA of 2.0. Students develop ability in human relations and professionalism related to the social work profession. During a student's senior year, they must perform a field internship for a minimum of 400 hours, or 16 hours per week for two semesters. All applications to the program are reviewed by the Social Work Admissions and Continuation Committee. In order to remain in the program, students must adhere to professional values consistent with the National Association of Social Workers Code of Ethics.
Graduate Degree Social Work
Westfield began offering a Master's Degree in Social Work in 2010 and has a single concentration in Clinical Practice with a primary focus, preparing graduates to work as clinical case managers, advanced positions in child protective services or other child and family related positions. Classes are available in an online format or in a hybrid version with some online and some in-class lectures. Applicants must have an undergraduate degree in any major, but must have some social science and biology credits included. The program is fully accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.
Contact Information
Aloha Van Camp, Ph.D.
Chairperson
Brigs 318
McNichols Campus
4001 W. McNichols Road
Detroit, MI 48221-3038
Phone: 313-993-2010
Email: [email protected]
Program Website
University of Michigan
MSW Program
At the University of Michigan, the master of social work offers many specializations based on the most recent research and learning innovations, with a strong focus on interdisciplinary factors. The program is based on the fact that social work is an ever-evolving profession, and that delivery methods must adjust as changes occur. Students focus on theories and interventions designed for all facets of a community, wether the student will deal with individuals, groups, or organizations. Students complete six hours in their concentration and nine credit hours of coursework in their practice area. All students must complete Evaluation in Social Work. Practice method concentrations include:
• Interpersonal
• Community Organization
• Management of Human Services
• Social Policy and Evaluation
Practice method areas include:
• Aging in Families and Society
• Children and Youth in Society
• Community and Social Systems
• Health
• Mental Health
Contact Information
School of Social Work
University of Michigan
1080 South University Avenue
Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1106
Telephone: 734-764-3309
Email: [email protected]
Program Website
University of Michigan-Flint
Social Work Honors Program (BSW)
The BSW program at University of Michigan-Flint prepares students for a professional generalist degree, preparing students for state licensure and advanced standing for those who seek a graduate level degree. The program is four-years and is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education. Students must meet course objectives and any student who violates the Code of Ethics could be dismissed from the program. The 124 credits included 60 credits of coursework that include both social work and related classes. The college strongly recommends that electives at the 300-level be in substance abuse and criminal justice in the junior year, and that 400-level course be taken in the senior year.
Contact Information
Social Work Department
303 East Kearsley Street
454 David M. French Hall
Flint, MI 48502-1950
Telephone: 810-762-3390
Program Website
Wayne State University
Bachelor of Social Work
The Gourman Report ranked the Bachelor of Social Work Program at Wayne State University as the best in the country in 1995, and the program has remained number one since that ranking. The program continues to remain at the top of the scale due to the strong curriculum and in-field instruction students must undergo to receive their degree. Unlike some universities, Wayne requires field education to occur concurrently with classwork. The only exception is for the first semester of the junior year for full and part-time students. The program offers flexible classes with day, evening and Saturday classes, and all faculty is doctorate level. There are opportunities available for students to be active in the community, develop leadership, and participate in school government.
Master of Social Work
During the first year of a student's master of social work program, called the "Core Year," a foundation of basic social work knowledge and skills are the focus for the curriculum. The Core Year focuses on the fundamentals of social work, and theory is translated into practice during field education in that year. The second year of the program is called the "Advanced Year." Students select a concentration at the end of the Core Year, and the advanced curriculum focuses on that selected concentration. Students are encouraged to attend an informational meeting that reviews the requirements for the master of social work program at Wayne.
Contact Information
The School of Social Work
Thompson Home
4756 Cass Avenue
Detroit, MI 48202
Telephone: 866-978-7975
Program Website
Western Michigan University
Social Work
Western Michigan University has been preparing leaders in social work for more than 30 years, and their undergraduate program provides a generalist social work degree encompassing a wide range of skills. Students critically examine discriminatory and oppressive social constructs, as well as the assumptions and attitudes related to those who are suffering. Students are expected to be an advocate for social and economic justice. Two semesters of the program are spent in field education with a human service agency, providing students with opportunities to apply what they have learned in the classroom setting.
Contact Information
Western Michigan University
Kalamazoo, MI 49008-5211
Telephone: 269-387-2000
Program Website
Social work degree programs in Michigan can help fill a growing need in a state where unemployment has grown due to the reduction in automotive production in the state; many of these programs are ranked highly in national standards in the area of social work at colleges that offer benefits for all students.