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An M.S.W. student on Grand Valley's Robert C. Pew campus in downtown Grand Rapids.

Social Work, M.S.W.

The Master of Social Work (M.S.W.) program prepares you for advanced professional practice in social work, and in the development and implementation of social welfare policies and programs. The M.S.W. lays the foundation for you to assume leadership roles in society's institutions, organizations, and communities.

Visit the program website for more information.

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Program Overview

The M.S.W. 60 credit hour program is available on a full or part time basis, including 12 credit hours of field education. The curriculum incorporates a focus on CSWE core competencies. Advanced standing status, a 38 credit program with 8 field education hours, is for those who successfully completed a B.S.W. degree at a CSWE accredited program and meet other admission criteria. You may apply for the hybrid advanced standing program if eligible. Course requirements are available online.

Application Deadlines

  • February 1 (spring/summer: advanced standing full time; weekend hybrid part time)
  • March 15 (fall: advanced standing part time, regular standing full or part time, weekend hybrid part time)
  • October 15 (winter: regular standing part time; weekend hybrid part time)

The $30 nonrefundable application fee is waived if you previously applied to GVSU. Please email [email protected] if you have any questions regarding application deadlines.

Why Study Social Work at Grand Valley?

Students will:

  • become a culturally competent practitioner in a complex society through field education and practice;
  • be prepared to engage in grassroots, political, and community organizing, as well as electoral politics;
  • become a skilled practitioner capable of assuming leadership and scholarly professional roles in regional, state, national, and global communities;
  • contribute to the ongoing development of professional social work knowledge and practice through research and scholarly inquiry that employs state-of-the-art technology; and
  • earn a degree that is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.

Career Insights

This tool shows an overview of potential career opportunities for this major. Actual salaries, employment opportunities, and job titles may change over time.

Accreditation

The M.S.W. degree at Grand Valley State University is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.

Location & Format

Classes for graduate students in this major meet downtown on the Robert C. Pew Grand Rapids Campus.

Format:
  • Face To Face

Coursework

  • Substance abuse
  • Human behavior
  • Community-based learning, including global and domestic service learning
  • Clinical diagnosis
  • Social research and policy
  • Practice with individuals, groups, families, organizations and communities

Admission Requirements

There are several paths to admission into the social work program. Click here for more information. 

For More Information

School of Social Work

gvsu.edu/ssw
391C DeVos Center
(616) 331-6550

Graduate Admissions Office

gvsu.edu/gradapply

Program Director

Paola Leon, Ph.D. 
(616) 331-6550

 

“The M.S.W. program at GVSU prepares students to practice at multiple levels as they meet the needs of a diverse society.”

DIANNE GREEN-SMITH, PH.D., LMSW, ACSW
FACULTY
 

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