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School social worker training
Now offering a post-MSW school social worker training series to prepare professionals for state approval. CEUs available.
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Student engagement
Student organizations are just one way we are engaged.
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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.
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.
Videos
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Video of Cannabis and Opioid Use Disorder Assessment
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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.
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.
International Partnerships
Study at partner universities around the world while in your BSW or MSW program, and pay only Western Michigan University 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 entrepeneurship and non-governmental organizations
- University Autonomo de Nuevo Leon in Monterrey, Mexico to study refugee and human rights in social work practice
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
News and Updates
Social work alum recognized by WMU
The School of Social Work was very pleased to be able to celebrate with Diana Sieger, one of Western Michigan University's 2021 Distinguished Alumni. Ms. Sieger has been a leader in macro practice social work before, during, and after her MSW from Western Michigan University in 1978, and is the current Executive Director of the Grand Rapids Community Foundation. More information about her social work career is available on the WMU Alumni website.
Thanks to the members of Students In Action (SIA) student organization and Dr. Donna Weinreich, for speaking with Diana as she was honored as a WMU Distinguished Alum.
We are also pleased to share that the Diana Sieger Social Work Scholarship has been added to our available scholarships, beginning with applications due February 15 for BSW scholarships and March 15 for MSW scholarships. Learn more.
Part-time instructors
For information on part-time instructor opportunities, contact the School of Social Work Director, Jennifer Harrison, at jennifer.harrison@wmich.edu. To learn how to advertise your job opening with our alumni and community, check out our jobs page.