Overview
Social Work courses were first offered in the Department of Sociology in 1970. A full social work major began in 1973. The Program has been affected by several reorganizations of the University. In 1974 it was placed in the College of Professions, in 1976 it was in the Division of Public Services, and in 1979 it was placed in the School of Arts and Behavioral Sciences where it has remained although the name School was changed to College of Arts and Behavioral Sciences in 1987.
In 1983, the Program at SVSU was fully accredited by the Council on Social Work Education, culminating an eight year effort to achieve this goal. The Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree that is offered is a professional degree that is recognized by the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) for full membership and by the State of Michigan for registration as a social worker. In 1989, the Program was re-accredited by the Council for a seven year period. In 1995, it was re-accredited for an eight year period. At the end of the 2000-2001 academic year, the program celebrated its 20th year of accreditation and graduated its 1000th BSW social worker.
Over the past 20 years, the Social Work Department has established an excellent reputation in the human services community throughout the region. It also has an outstanding reputation with the graduate schools in Michigan that offer a Master of Social (MSW) degree. Graduates find that the quality of the social work program at SVSU is unsurpassed and that they are well-prepared for professional social work practice and for graduate education. Employer surveys indicate an overwhelmingly positive view of BSW graduates from SVSU. Graduate schools describe students from the Social Work Program at SVSU as being second to none in their preparation for graduate education.
As an SVSU student, you will find several organizations that fit your interests.
On-campus opportunities include:
- The Student Social Work Organization (SSWO).
- Phi Alpha National Social Work Honor Society.
- The National Association of Social Workers (NASW).
Student membership in the National Association of Social Workers is encouraged as an avenue for you to gain a greater awareness of professional activities at the state and national levels.
Graduates with B.S.W. degrees may become employed in a variety of professional settings including:
- educational systems
- child and family agencies
- juvenile court systems
- hospitals and other health care facilities
- mental health programs residential facilities
- substance abuse treatment or prevention programs
- welfare agencies
- gerontology
- child or adult day care
Information about SVSU's Social Work Program
If you'd like more information about becoming a student in the B.S.W. program at SVSU.
Request an information packet by calling 989.964.4020, or write to:
Dr. Judy Berglund
Department of Social Work
Saginaw Valley State University
7400 Bay Road
University Center, MI 48710