• Student with child

    School social worker training

    Now offering a post-MSW school social worker training series to prepare professionals for state approval. CEUs available.

  • Graduate students

    Student engagement

    Student organizations are just one way we are engaged.

  • CHHS building exterior

    We're hiring!

    Now accepting applications for associate or assistant professor in the School of Social Work.

Links

The School of Social Work at WMU is home to high-quality bachelor's and master's degrees in social work. Focused on social justice and rooted in evidence-based practice, social work courses are offered in three locations - Kalamazoo, Grand Rapids and Benton Harbor.

We educate social workers to advocate for social and economic justice and personal well-being for all people. Our faculty provides leadership on a local, national and international level through research, scholarship, community service and partnerships, and other creative activities relevant to the profession.

The MSW program was first accredited by the Council on Social Work Education in 1969 and is currently accredited through 2024. The BSW program was first accredited in 1975 and is also accredited through 2024.

Videos

  • Video of Cannabis and Opioid Use Disorder Assessment
  • Video of #FacultyFeature with Dr. Dee Sherwood, WMU School of Social Work

COVID-19 Updates

The WMU School of Social Work is working diligently to help students, faculty, instructors and staff adapt to the University's response to COVID-19. Visit wmich.edu/covid19 for all university-wide decisions and updates.

COVID-19 has added stress to daily life for many of us. If you need extra support of any kind during this time, email jennifer.harrison@wmich.edu. Dr. Harrison can help you find relief with resources at the school, college, University or community level.

Graduate Program

Master of Social Work

The graduate professional program in social work at Western Michigan University prepares you for direct-service and leadership positions in the field of social welfare. Multiple concentrations and specializations allow you to customize your program to meet your needs.

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Undergraduate programs

Bachelor of Social Work

Western Michigan University's undergraduate professional program is designed to prepare you for beginning generalist social work practice and to prepare for graduate programs in social work and related professions.

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Minor in Social Work

WMU students with other majors can obtain a 15-hour minor in social work. This minor allows you to learn about the profession, about social justice, and some basic interpersonal skills that will be helpful in any profession.

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News and Updates

CE recordings

Human Trafficking: Awareness, Assessment and Response

WMU School of Social Work instructors Rosemary Andrews, LMSW, and Jennifer Klauth, LMSW, provided a one hour webinar on the topic of Human Trafficking Awareness, Assessment, and Response on June 3, 2022, as part of our Child Welfare Inservice Series. This recording is available for community awareness and education to enhance knowledge about human trafficking in social work practice.  However, CEs are not available for watching the recording alone.

Video of Human Trafficking Awareness, Assessment, and Response CE training June 3, 2022

International Partnerships

Study at our partner universities around the world during your BSW or MSW program and pay only WMU tuition. Consider studying for a semester or year at:

  • HU Applied Sciences in Utretch, Netherlands in their International Development work minor
  • Rajagiri College of Social Sciences in Kerala, India in Social Work and engage with social entrepreneurship and non-governmental organizations
  • University Autonomo de Nuevo Leon in Monterrey, Mexico to study refugee and human rights in social work practice

Part-time instructors

For information on part-time instructor opportunities, contact the Associate Director of the School of Social Work, Melinda McCormick, at melinda.m.mccormick@wmich.edu. To learn how to advertise your job opening with our alumni and community, check out our jobs page.