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COVID Updates
Department specific updates and field accommodations.
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School social worker training
Now offering a post-MSW school social worker training series to prepare professionals for state approval. CEU's available!
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Student engagement
Student organizations are just one way we are engaged.
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.
Western Michigan University's School of Social Work educates social workers to advocate for social and economic justice and personal well-being for all people. The 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.
COVID-19 Updates
The WMU School of Social Work is working diligently to assist our students, faculty, instructors, and staff adapt to the current university changes in response to COVID-19. For all university-wide decisions and updates, please continue to check wmich.edu/covid19. For department specific updates, including field accommodations, visit wmich.edu/socialwork/covid.
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 students for beginning generalist social work practice and to provide preparation for graduate training 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 students the opportunity to learn about the profession, about social justice, and some basic interpersonal skills that will be helpful in any profession.
News and Updates
Mary Ellen Sartoris, a strong social worker and faculty member in the School of Social Work for the last 15 years, died at her home after a brief fight with cancer on Friday, October 9. There will be a virtual ceremony to mourn her loss and celebrate her life on Thursday, October 29 at 5:30 p.m.
Social Justice Dialogue
Dr. Don Cooney and 75 members of the School of Social Work community discuss racism, white supremacy and the impacts it has on social policies and practice, and on social work practice at the micro and macro level.