The Western Michigan University School of Social Work offers research-driven professional programs that work closely with students and the community, focusing on social change, social justice and service transformation. Its graduate and undergraduate programs stress the need to:
- Recognize and fight discrimination in its many forms.
- Speak out against injustice.
- Promote human rights and a more equitable distribution of resources and power.
The school seeks to create a learning environment that is responsive to students' professional development, promoting community and a sense of individual and collective responsibility among and between students. Meaningful interaction among students, faculty and field instructors supports self-examination, expression and innovation.
News and announcements
MSW Internships with Social Workers in Small and Rural Libraries Program
"Not the Usual Information, Libraries hosting social workers" article in The Herald-Palladium
"Cassopolis District Library offers onsite social workers" article in Cassopolis Vigilant
MSW Intern Jonathan Anthony, Niles District Library Social Worker Tiffany Russel and MSW intern Traci Rudi
Learn about I-PEER
The Interprofessional Peer Education and Evidence for Recovery program provides enhanced interdisciplinary education for social workers, occupational therapists and peer specialists in evidence-based practices in behavioral health. Learn about this innovative workforce development project from WMU's Department of Occupational Therapy and School of Social Work.
Learn more
Study Abroad course course offered Spring 2019 in Guatemala with Jennifer Harrison
Travel to Lake Atitlan, Guatemala and create transformational connections in Meso-America.
Printable Flyer
Congratulations, Dr. Jennifer Harrison! Celebrating global engagement
Congratulations to our very own Dr. Jennifer Harrison, Assistant Professor in the School of Social Work. Dr. Harrison was a 2018 recipient of the WMU Global Engagement Award.
Congratulations to School of Social Work Scholarship Recipients.
2018 Scholarship Recognition Dinner was October 9, 2018. Recipients were presented with award certificates for BSW and MSW awards.
Robert Barstow Scholarship awarded to Morgan Rooy and Da'chelle Burnett
2018 scholarship recipients
Rebecca Ann Binkowski Memorial Scholarship awarded to Koby Gillespie and Haley Trimmers
Charlene Cove Russel Endowed Scholarship awarded to Dana Scott
Nathaniel McCaslin Scholarship awarded to Jonathon Anthony
John P. Mellein Endowed Scholarship award to Jayla Smith
Victoria and Willie H. Pickard Endowed Scholarship awarded to Jazmine Marsh
Deloris J. Phillips Memorial Scholarship awarded to Timothy Liggins and Gerson Reyes
Gale Strutz Memorial Endowed Scholarship Amal Mohamed
Elena Thomas Scholarship awarded to Mary Crawford and Tracy Rudi
WMU alum named NASW Social Worker of the Year
Thom McNally, a 1978 graduate of Western Michigan University's Master of Social Work program, was awarded Social Worker of the Year by the National Association of Social Workers. WMU School of Social Work Students met with Thom at the NASW's annual LEAD Day Conference in Lansing.
NEW licensing requirements
Changes to the Michigan Social Work General Rules - January 2017
Information sessions
Join us to learn more about the Master of Social Work (MSW) and Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) programs at Western Michigan University. For both programs, attendees will receive relevant information about our programs, our faculty research, and the unique qualities of WMU.
Benton Harbor and Grand Rapids
Extended University Programs Info Sessions
Kalamazoo
MSW Info Sessions BSW Info Sessions