Social Work Degree

The social work program at Western Michigan 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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Western Michigan University

2855 29th Street SE Suite B, Kentwood, MI

Western Michigan University (WMU), located in Kalamazoo, is Michigan's fourth largest institution of higher education and research. It is designated a high-research-activity university by the Carnegie Foundation, and is ranked in the top 100 American universities by U.S. News & World Report.

WMU offers more than 140 academic programs at the bachelor's degree level, and more than 65 at the master's degree level. WMU also offers 29 doctoral programs and one specialist program. Many of these programs receive high ranks among similar programs nationwide.  The engineering, nuclear physics, specialized education, flight safety and clean energy programs are particularly notable.

In addition to its traditional campus-based programs, WMU offers online programs for distance learning, and continuing education courses. It has six regional learning sites located throughout Michigan, which offer graduate and professional education.

The campuses of WMU boast excellent amenities in more than 150 buildings, including a student recreation center, and state-of-the-art facilities for science research, health and human services, visual and performing arts.

WMU offers a strong international education, with a majority of its faculty engaged in collaborative work or projects on six continents. International students represent nearly 95 countries around the globe, and study abroad programs are offered in 24 countries. WMU has many majors or minors that offer interdisciplinary study programs in global studies, comparative politics, international business, foreign languages, and more.

History

Western Michigan University was founded in 1903 as a regional teachers college called Western Michigan College. It became Western Michigan University in 1957, when it was designated a public university in the Michigan system.

Academics

The academic calendar for Western Michigan University follows the semester format, with fall, spring and winter semesters.

Colleges and Schools

• College of Arts and Sciences
• College of Aviation
• Haworth College of Business
• College of Education and Human Development
• College of Engineering and Applied Sciences
• College of Fine Arts
• Graduate College
• College of Health and Human Services
• Lee Honors College

Student Life

Students at WMU have roughly 300 student organizations and clubs available on campus for participation. These groups represent interests ranging from academics to politics, cultures and the arts. Student services including computing facilities, laboratories, and a stellar library system that includes the Archives and Regional History Collections, Education, Music and Dance, and the main Waldo Library.

Traditions

The WMU school colors are brown and gold, with black as an accent color. The school mascot is the bronco, and "Buster Bronco" can be seen at sporting events promoting the WMU Bronco team spirit.

Athletics

The WMU "Broncos" compete in 16 intercollegiate sports, including:

Men's Sports:

• Baseball
• Basketball
• Football
• Hockey
• Soccer
• Tennis 

Women's Sports:

• Basketball
• Cross Country
• Golf
• Gymnastics
• Soccer
• Tennis
• Track and Field
• Volleyball

Satellite Campuses

In addition to its main campus in Kalamazoo, Western Michigan University has the Parkview Campus, which houses its Business Technology and Research Park and Engineering College. WMU's Aviation College is housed at the W.K. Kellogg Airport in Battle Creek, Michigan.

WMU offers Extended University programs online and at six satellite learning sites around the state of Michigan:

• Battle Creek
• Benton Harbor-St. Joseph
• Grand Rapids
• Lansing
• Muskegon
• Traverse City

Community Life

There are many opportunities for recreation and entertainment in Kalamazoo, including historic walking tours of old Kalamazoo, exhibits at the Gilmore Car Museum, and activities at Kalamazoo Valley museum. There is also the Psycho Ward & Nightmares Haunted House on the Kalamazoo Speedway, for those who enjoy haunted attractions.

The Chenery Auditorium offers many orchestral concerts, including the musical works of Mozart, Schubert and Ravel. Students and visitors can enjoy theatrical performances at The New Vic Theatre.

Students Enrolled in the Social Work Program

Get more details below regarding enrollment, academics, and school demographics. Western Michigan University has offered the following program levels 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).