Social Work Degree

The social work program at Grand Valley State University prepares students for careers as an adolescent specialist, child and family social worker, healthcare social worker, mental health and substance abuse social worker, and more. The program focuses on social welfare administration and counseling, as well as studying organized means of providing basic support services for vulnerable individuals and groups. Program courses include: social welfare policy, case work planning, social counseling and intervention strategies, and administrative procedures and regulations. Get more details below including other Michigan colleges that offer social work degrees.

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Grand Valley State University

143 Bostwick Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI

Grand Valley State University (GVSU) is a public research university in Allendale, Michigan, with additional campuses in Grand Rapids and Holland. GVSU has learning centers in Muskegon and Traverse City. GVSU has been voted one of "America's Best Colleges" and offers more than 200 areas of academic study. It has more than 80 undergraduate degree programs and 29 graduate degree programs. There is an emphasis on liberal arts at GVSU, and the school's excellent academic programs have earned it top rankings.

History

In 1958, a study by Dr. John Russell determined the need for a new four-year college in the Grand Rapids, Michigan area. Many locations were considered for a campus, and Allendale was identified in the early 1960s. In 1963, the Grand Valley State College was opened with 226 students enrolled.  The student enrollment increased significantly over the years as the curriculum and campus expanded, and the school was eventually renamed "Grand Valley State University.

Academics

The academic calendar for Grand Valley State University follows the semester format, with fall and "winter" semesters and a summer term.

Colleges and Schools

• The College of Community and Public Service
• The College of Education
• The College of Health Professions
• The Brooks College of Interdisciplinary Studies
• The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (CLAS)
• The Kirkhof College of Nursing
• The Padnos College of Engineering and Computing
• The Seidman College of Business

Student Life

Grand Valley students have more than 300 student organizations to choose from on campus, covering such interests as academic, professional, intramural sports, culture, faith, media, performing arts, volunteer service, and more. Greek life at GVSU is very active, with several local chapters of fraternities and sororities active on campus.

Many campus and area events are posted through the GVSU Office of Student Life or the University Promotions Office. There is an Arts Calendar available for those who wish to attend music or theatre performances, or attend art exhibits and galleries.

Student services available on campus at GVSU include academic advising, affirmative action, disability support services, career services, athletic/recreation facilities, a children's center, health center, counseling center, and more.

There are many options for campus housing available, as well as a variety of dining options or campus restaurants.

Traditions

The traditional school colors for GVSU are blue, white and black. The GVSU mascot is "Louie" the Laker, a nautical character. Prior to the inception of "Louie" the Laker as a mascot for GVSU in 1996, the school and the "Lakers" athletic teams were represented by a mascot dressed in the Old Man and the Sea costume, or other nautical costumes.

Athletics

The GVSU "Lakers" athletic teams compete in several intercollegiate sports, including:

Men's Sports:

• Baseball
• Basketball
• Cross Country
• Football
• Golf
• Swimming and Diving
• Tennis
• Track and Field 

Women's Sports:

• Basketball
• Cross Country
• Golf
• Lacrosse
• Soccer
• Softball
• Swimming and Diving
• Tennis
• Track and Field
• Volleyball

Satellite Campuses

In addition to its Allendale campus, GVSU has several satellite campuses and learning centers in Michigan, including:

• Richard M. DeVos Center
• L.V. Eberhard Center
• Cook-DeVos Center for Health Sciences
• Muskegon Regional Center at the Stevenson Center for Higher Education at Muskegon Community College
• Annis Water Resources Institute Lake Michigan Center
• Michigan Alternative and Renewable Energy Center
• Meijer Campus in Holland
• Traverse City Regional Center at the NMC University Center 

Community Life

Community engagement is fostered at GVSU through its Community Service Learning Center (CSLC). In collaboration with other areas at GVSU, students can volunteer to help the community through programs such as the Non-Profit Volunteer and Internship Fair, Make A Difference Day, Community Outreach Week, and an Overnight Service Program. Other community programs include an annual blood drive.

Michigan's West Coast area offers many recreational activities for students and visitors. There are many favorite beaches around the lakeshore, with many routes for scenic driving trips around Grand Rapids, and many beach towns and traditional midwestern villages.

Students Enrolled in the Social Work Program

Get more details below regarding enrollment, academics, and school demographics. Grand Valley State University has offered the following programs for students:

• Bachelor's Degree
• Master's Degree

Students by Academic Level (2019)

Students by Gender (2019)

Students by Race (2019)

Source: IPEDS Survey 2012-2020: Data obtained from the US Dept. of Education's Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). Data may vary depending on school and academic year.

Career Options for Graduates

Social and Community Service Managers

Description

Plan, direct, or coordinate the activities of a social service program or community outreach organization. Oversee the program or organization's budget and policies regarding participant involvement, program requirements, and benefits. Work may involve directing social workers, counselors, or probation officers.

Career Outlook & Projections ()

According to the BLS, social and community service managers employment is expected to grow at a rate of 9.5% from 2014 to 2024

Salary & Wages

• Grand Rapids-Wyoming, MI
  • Total Employment: 480
  • Average Hourly Rate: $29.62
  • Average Annual Salary: $61610

Marriage and Family Therapists

Description

Diagnose and treat mental and emotional disorders, whether cognitive, affective, or behavioral, within the context of marriage and family systems. Apply psychotherapeutic and family systems theories and techniques in the delivery of services to individuals, couples, and families for the purpose of treating such diagnosed nervous and mental disorders.

Career Outlook & Projections ()

According to the BLS, marriage and family therapists employment is expected to grow at a rate of 14.8% from 2014 to 2024

Counselors, All Other

Description

All counselors not listed separately.

Career Outlook & Projections ()

According to the BLS, counselors, all other employment is expected to grow at a rate of 11.0% from 2014 to 2024

Child, Family, and School Social Workers

Description

Provide social services and assistance to improve the social and psychological functioning of children and their families and to maximize the family well-being and the academic functioning of children. May assist parents, arrange adoptions, and find foster homes for abandoned or abused children. In schools, they address such problems as teenage pregnancy, misbehavior, and truancy. May also advise teachers.

Career Outlook & Projections ()

According to the BLS, child, family, and school social workers employment is expected to grow at a rate of 6.2% from 2014 to 2024

Salary & Wages

• Grand Rapids-Wyoming, MI
  • Total Employment: 1
  • Average Hourly Rate: $21.93
  • Average Annual Salary: $45620

Source: Job descriptions, estimated salary and wages, and projected job growth are taken from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).