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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 therapist and leadership positions 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 CSWE accredited program is available on a full or part-time basis, including a year-long internship. The curriculum incorporates nine core competencies. Advanced standing status, a 38-credit program with an accelerated nine-month internship, for those who successfully completed a B.S.W within the past eight years and meet other admission criteria.

Application Deadlines

  • February 1 (spring/summer start: advanced standing full time)
  • March 15 (fall start: advanced standing part time, regular standing full or part time)
  • October 15 (winter start: regular standing 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 practicum 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 this major are a combination of online and in-seat 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

For general requirements for graduate admission, visit Grand Valley State University’s admission section of the online catalog.

Admission into the social work program has additional requirements, which are available on this page.

If you have additional questions, please contact our graduate admissions office.

For More Information

School of Social Work

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

Graduate Admissions and Recruitment Office

gvsu.edu/gradapply

Program Director

Robin Smith-Colton, Ph.D.
(616) 331-6595

 

“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