Social workers make a difference every day by helping individuals, families, and communities overcome challenges and improve their quality of life. They work in a wide range of settings, including healthcare, mental health, schools, child welfare, residential programs, nonprofit organizations, and government agencies. With strong projected job growth and increasing demand for qualified professionals, social work offers a rewarding and impactful career.

Whether you're beginning your journey with a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) or advancing your career through a Master of Social Work (MSW), SVSU provides accredited programs that prepare graduates for meaningful careers and professional licensure. Explore the program that's right for you using the options below.

The department also offers a Youth Services minor and certificate programs in Child Welfare and Juvenile Delinquency.

For more information, contact Department Chair Catherine Macomber at camacomb@svsu.edu.

Department of Social Work & Youth Services Programs

Social workers help people in need in a variety of settings, including health, mental health, schools, residential settings, child welfare, and other government and private programs.  The employment outlook for social work graduates is very strong, with higher-than-average projected growth in available jobs through 2024.

The Department of Social Work & Youth Services offers the Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree to prepare students for generalist practice.  BSW graduates are eligible for licensure (LBSW) in the state of Michigan.  The department also offers a minor in Youth Services, and certificate programs in Child Welfare and Juvenile Delinquency.

The Master of Social Work (MSW) degree is required for advanced clinical practice and is in high demand for regional employers seeking social work professionals who can work with clients and provide leadership in the agency and community. Graduates from our program will be eligible for LMSW-Clinical and LMSW-Macro licensure in Michigan.

For more information about these programs, contact Department Chair Ashley Sanders at asande1@svsu.edu