The School of Social Work at WMU is home to high-quality bachelor's and master's degrees in social work. The curriculum is focused on social, economic, and environmental justice and is rooted in evidence-based practice. Courses are offered in two locations - Kalamazoo and Grand Rapids.
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.
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.
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.
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.
News and Updates
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.
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.