Master of Social Work, MSW
WE'RE HERE TO WORK WITH YOU
This page covers information related to a successful experience in the Master of Social Work program. To skip around the page, click the blue buttons below.
Progam Overview
The mission of the GVSU M.S.W. Program is to prepare advanced generalist social workers who enhance and sustain the welfare and wellbeing of the individuals, families, groups, organizations and communities of West Michigan, the state, the nation, and the world; and who further the goals of the University and of the social work profession in this region and beyond. This is accomplished through professional leadership, advancement of the social work field’s knowledge through research and evaluation, and a focus on diversity, social justice and human rights.
All M.S.W. Social Work classes, other than virtual classes, are held on the Downtown Grand Rapids, MI campus. with convenient student parking available.
Currently, GVSU does not offer an MSW degree that is fully virtual. In-person graduate classes typically meet 3:00-5:50pm and 6:00-8:50pm Mondays- Thursdays.
Information Sessions are held regularly (see the GVSU M.S.W. Admissions page) and are held virtually for convenient connections.
Curriculum Pathways
There are many pathways you can choose from that suit your goals and needs.
You should visit your faculty advisor to discuss your program of study before you first register. (Consult Banner to identify your advisor.) Return visits are encouraged, as updating your plan will likely be desirable as you progress through the program.
The MSW curriculum at GVSU is meant to provide a foundational curriculum and an advanced generalist social work curriculum that prepares graduates for autonomous social work practice that promotes social, economic and environmental justice and endeavors to address poverty and other social problems within individual, organizational and community contexts within, but not limited to, West and Northern Michigan and the state of Michigan.
ROADMAP TO SUCCESS
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GET SET UP BEST |
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Apply and get accepted into the program - Be sure to have met the requirements for admission into the program |
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Check out GVSU's Graduate School New Student Orientation webpage - Here, you can find resources you need to get an accurate read on what's expected of you as an admitted graduate student at GVSU |
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Review your Financial Aid package in Banner - Be sure to know what funds are available to you before you decide whether you'd like to study full time or part time at GVSU |
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Research any Graduate Assistantship opportunities - These positions on campus are limited and may be program specific. Check them out and see if any are a good fit for you |
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Review the video library at the Registrar's Office - These video tutorials cover topics related to class registration, myPath, and student information |
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Log into Handshake to browse on-campus employment opportunities |
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Check out the course catalogue to know what classes to take and in what recommended order! |
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Register for your classes through Banner |
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START YOUR SEMESTER STRONG |
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Review all the steps along the Graduate Student Checklist |
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Review syllabi and information about contacting your professors |
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Check out buying options at the Laker Store for books, supplies, and more |
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Make final tuition payment by the deadline |
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Purchase your parking permit and review campus maps/parking options and bus routes. |
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Attend your first week of classes -- Want to switch things up? Be sure to use Banner to add/drop any classes before the deadline |
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Get familiar with advising options available to you |
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Get to know your academic support services! Library, Knowledge Market, Statistical Consulting Center, Disability Support Resources |
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Check out the Graduate Student Association for information about becoming a member, finding resources on campus, and ways students advocate for each other |
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FINISH THE SEMESTER STRONG |
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Check out the CECI Fellows, where CECI students mentor other CECI students along their educational journeys |
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Make connections with classmates! Set up study groups, social hours, or just find ways to stay connected in between classes. Consider joining the MSW Honor Society! |
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Review other community building opportunities for graduate students |
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Finalize your FAFSA filing by the deadline for financial aid next year |
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Check in on your midterm grades and/or schedule a check-in with your professors |
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Meet up with your Subject Librarian, who can help you find information and resources related to your field of study |
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Check in with your favorite academic support service to help recover your grades or to stay on track with your current success |
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Make an appointment with the University Counseling Center - you get free sessions with a trained therapist |
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Prepare for final exams and projects |
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
Below are some excellent resources for your graduate studies.
Frequently Asked Questions
I did not major in social work. Can I still enter the M.S.W. program?
Yes. Applicants who meet the admission requirements are welcome from all majors and professions.
Over a five-year period, students came to us with 51 different undergraduate majors. Other than social work, the top 20 majors were psychology, sociology, criminal justice, family studies, health professions/science, human services, Spanish, behavioral science, English, international relations/studies, liberal studies, religion, biomedical sciences, women & gender studies, art, communication studies, film and video, legal studies, management, and philosophy.
Can I take an M.S.W. course if I have not been admitted to the M.S.W. program?
Applicants who are not seeking the MSW degree or have not completed all of the admissions requirements are considered to be Non-Degree seeking. These students may earn up to six social work credits in the School of Social Work by selecting up to two of the following courses: SW600, SW601, SW610 and SW620.
Can I apply for Advanced Standing?
Applicants can apply for advanced standing if they have earned a baccalaureate degree in social work through a CSWE-accredited program within the eight years prior to enrollment in the M.S.W. program. Advanced standing students may accelerate their graduate study by completing as few as 38 credit hours of curriculum in one calendar year.
What will I need to complete my application?
You can start your electronic application now, and save it to finish later. To complete it, you will need:
- Official transcripts from all institutions of higher education previously attended, other than Grand Valley, sent from those institutions directly to the GVSU Admissions Office.)
- Names and contact information for three professional or academic references (GVSU Admissions will collect references via online communication)
- Resume detailing work and volunteer experiences
- Coursework requirement form
- Five-page personal statement (see instructions under Program-specific Application Requirements)
- $30 nonrefundable application fee (unless you have previously applied to Grand Valley)
Can I get course credit for life experiences or previous work experience?
The School of Social Work does not grant academic credit for life experience and previous work experience, in whole or in part, in lieu of social work courses.
FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE MSW PROGRAM, PLEASE CONTACT THE PROGRAM DIRECTOR, Dr. Jaime Langlois.