Overview

The Social Work programme at Western Michigan University provides a robust generalist education designed to equip students with essential helping skills for modern society. This curriculum focuses on identifying and correcting social causes of inequality while promoting effective interaction between people and their environments. Students develop a professional foundation rooted in advocacy and the critical examination of discriminatory policies.

Why Social Work at Western Michigan University?

Western Michigan University has been a leader in social work education for over 30 years, offering a curriculum accredited by the Council on Social Work Education. The School of Social Work is home to the prestigious Journal of Sociology and Social Welfare, providing students with access to high-level academic discourse and research. Students benefit from a learning environment that emphasises both interpersonal practice and policy administration.

Practical experience is a cornerstone of the student journey, featuring two consecutive semesters of field education within human service agencies. These placements allow for the application of entry-level skills in real-world settings, working directly with families, groups, and organisations. Additionally, students can engage with professional networks through student organisations such as the Phi Alpha Social Work Honor Society and the Social Welfare Action Alliance.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 20525 per year
National fee: USD 20525 per year
Local fee: USD 16449 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Careers with Social Work

Graduates are prepared for entry-level and mid-level roles across a diverse range of sectors dedicated to human welfare and public service. The programme provides the necessary academic background to pursue the Bachelor's of Social Work License required by regulatory boards. Many alumni also choose to progress directly into advanced graduate studies to further specialise their practice.

Employment opportunities for graduates are found in various settings, including:

Child welfare departments and adoption agencies
Community mental health and family service agencies
Corrections and public safety departments
Human rights and advocacy organisations
International aid and refugee relief organisations
Schools and senior services
Local, state, and federal government offices

Syllabus

Modules may include:

Social Work Practice
Social Welfare Policy
Human Behaviour and the Social Environment
Field Education
Social Justice and Advocacy
Research Methods in Social Work
Interpersonal Practice
Community and Organisational Leadership

Programme Structure

Courses included:

Human Behavior and the Social Environment

Social Work Concepts in Group, Community and Organizational Behavior

Social Work Practice with Individuals and Families

The Problem Solving Process with Task Groups and Organizations

Social Work Policy

Social Work with Communities

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-01-11 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-09-01 00:00:00 , International
- Apply before 2027-01-01 00:00:00 , National
Starting 2027-09-02 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-06-01 00:00:00

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

100

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Credits

122 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Kalamazoo, United States

Disciplines

Social Work View 779 other Bachelors in Social Work in United States

Join for free or log in to access our complete career info list.

Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

100

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

Copy of passport identification page

Proof of English language proficiency

Complete high school or post-secondary education transcripts

$100 non-refundable application fee

Proof of sufficient funds for the first academic year of study at WMU according to estimated cost of attendance

ACT or SAT Scores

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

20525 USD / year

≈ 20525 USD / year
Out-of-State

20525 USD / year

≈ 20525 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

16449 USD / year

≈ 16449 USD / year

Additional Details

Local Summer Tuition: 3,768 International Summer Tuition: 4,711

Living costs

Kalamazoo

United States

1000 - 1500 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Get Visa Support

Get personalized guidance from a certified VFS Global advisor and save 20% through Studyportals.

Avoid common visa mistakes and delays
Know exactly what documents you need
Get a clear checklist tailored to your situation

In order for us to give you accurate scholarship information, we ask that you please confirm a few details and create an account with us.

Scholarships Information

Below you will find Bachelor's scholarship opportunities for Social Work.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

About

Overview

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Additional Details

Living costs

Kalamazoo

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

Our partners