Social Work (BSW)
What is Social Work?
The Wayne State University Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree program prepares undergraduate students for ethical, competent, entry-level, generalist professional social work practice with diverse, poor, vulnerable, and oppressed individuals, families, groups, and communities.
BSW is offered full-time/part-time, on-campus and online. All BSW programs, including the online program, require an in-person Practicum in the senior year.
What can I do with a Social Work Degree?
Detroit's urban context provides rich and compelling experiences that aid BSW students in developing their professional competence and prepares them to uphold the core values of the profession. In the classroom and in the field, our faculty guide BSW students to make connections between social work practice and broader struggles to advance human rights and social, economic, and environmental justice. We help students understand the need for cultural and intellectual humility and to value and appreciate the strengths and expertise of the clients they serve.
Detroit Tri-County Social Work Health Career Opportunity Academy
The Detroit Tri-County Social Work Health Career Opportunity Academy (The Academy) has the goal of preparing current and future allied health and social work professionals to provide culturally responsive health care in the Detroit Tri-County area. The Academy offers three structured programs wherein students participate in seminars, self-guided learning activities, clinical training opportunities, case management, and mentorship. Participants receive a $2,100 scholarship and a $2,100 stipend.
Macomb Community College Associate degree options
- Associate of Arts (AA)
- Associate of Science (AS)
- Associate of General Studies (AGS)
- Pre-Social Work (AA)
- Pre-Psychology (AA)
- Law Enforcement (AAS)
- Other degree programs are possible but may exceed 120 total credits
Michigan Transfer Agreement (MTA) - Satisfies Wayne State University's General Education Requirements
| Goal/Area of study | Macomb Community College Course | Credits | WSU Equivalent |
|---|---|---|---|
| English Composition | ENGL 1181 Communication 1 (or ENGL 1210 or 1180) | 3-4 | ENG 1020 |
| ENGL 1190 Communication 2 (or ENGL 1220) | 3-4 | ENG 3010 | |
| Humanities/Fine Arts | See MTA; approved Humanities/Fine Arts | 3 | See advisor |
| See MTA; approved Humanities/Fine Arts | 3 | See advisor | |
| Mathematics | See MTA; approved mathematics | 4 | See advisor |
| Natural Sciences | BIOL 1000 General Biology 1 | 4 | BIO 1510/1511 |
| See MTA; approved Natural Science (non-BIOL course) | 4 | See advisor | |
| Social Sciences | PSCY 1010 Intro to Psychology | 4 | PSY 1020 |
| SOCY 1010 Intro to Sociology | 4 | SOC 1010 | |
| Social Work Pathway Courses | POLS 1000 Intro to American Government | 4 | PS 1010 |
| SOCY 1210 Intro to Social Work | 4 | SW 1010 | |
| Total Credits | 40-42 |
| Transfer Credit Summary | Credits |
|---|---|
| Pathway and Michigan Transfer Agreement (MTA) | 40-42 |
| Associate degree requirements and additional electives * -See advisor for course recommendations based on associate degree requirements, educational interests, and career goals. | 20-27 |
| Total Transfer Credits | 60-69 min. |
*The range of credit hours allows for earning credentials, such as certificates, or additional transfer credit while completing an associate degree. Some course(s) not included in the pathway may satisfy Wayne State requirements. See advisors for more information.
Macomb Community College recommendations: Pre-Social Work (AA)
| Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) | Credit Hours |
|---|---|
Fall & Winter Year One | |
| SW 3010 Social Work Practice Method I | 4 |
| SW 3030 Professional Writing for Social Workers | 2 |
| SW 3510 Human Behavior in the Social Environment | 3 |
| SW 3710 Social Welfare and the Social Work Profession | 3 |
| SW 3020 Social Work Practice Method II | 3 |
| SW 3810 Research Methods, Data Analysis/Practice Evaluation I | 3 |
| SW 3110 Diversity, Oppression and Social Justice | 3 |
| SW 3410 Foundations of Ethics and Values in Social Work | 3 |
Fall & Winter Year Two | |
| SW 4010 Social Work Group Theory/Practice | 3 |
| SW 4710 Social Welfare in the United States | 3 |
| SW 4810 Research Methods, Data Analysis/Practice Evaluation II | 3 |
| *SW 4998 Field Practice in Social Work | 5 |
| SW 4441 Field Education Seminar | 1 |
| SW 4020 Social Work Macro Theory/Practice | 3 |
| SW 4997 Integrative Seminar | 3 |
| *SW 4998 Field Practice in Social Work | 5 |
| SW 4442 Field Practicum Seminar | 1 |
| Total | 51 credits (minimum) |
NOTE: Students may apply to the BSW WOW! program (online). All courses can be completed online, but the 460-hour, two-semester internship cannot be completed online. The field experience requires students in their senior year to be placed in an organization working with clients so that they can develop the skills to apply their classroom learning to actual real-life social work experiences.
| Wayne State credit summary | Credit |
|---|---|
| Major | 51 |
| Wayne State electives and/or additional degree enhancements (see WSU advisor) | 0-9 |
| TOTAL WAYNE STATE CREDITS | 51-60 min. |
| TOTAL WAYNE STATE and TRANSFER CREDITS | 120 min. |
BSW Admission requirements
The School of Social Work offers admission to the BSW degree program in the fall semester.
- Submit to the Wayne State University Office of Undergraduate Admissions the Application for Undergraduate Admission with the appropriate fee and official transcripts from colleges or universities.
- Submit to the School of Social Work's Office of Admissions and Student Services, the Application for Admission, Bachelor of Social Work Degree Program.
- Applicants must have 1) earned a minimum overall grade point average of 2.50; 2) completed 16 social service volunteer hours; and, 3) submitted a copy of transcripts from all colleges attended, current resume and personal interest statement demonstrating the ability to pursue successful undergraduate professional social work education.
- Applicants must have completed (or be in the process of completing) 60 credits (which must be transferrable to Wayne State if taken elsewhere) as well as the pre-professional coursework required by the School of Social Work. These courses are:
- Introduction to Social Work
- Introduction to Psychology
- Introduction to Sociology
- American Government
- Human Biology
BSW information meetings
The School of Social Work hosts informational meetings on its programs. Potential applicants are encouraged to attend one of these meetings prior to applying.
For additional information on the BSW program or your application, please contact the Office of Admissions and Student Services at (313) 577-4409 or sswadmissions@wayne.edu or Skype us at wsuschoolofsocialwork.
Primary contacts
Macomb Community College
Counseling & Academic Advising
586-445-7999 | askanadvisor@macomb.edu
Transfer Student Success Center
Transfer Advising
313-577-2487 | transfer@wayne.edu
Wayne Advantage-Macomb
Get a jump-start on your Wayne State University classes while earning your associate degree at Macomb Community College with Wayne Advantage-Macomb. As a Wayne Advantage-Macomb student, you are admitted to Wayne State while enrolled at Macomb, which means you can take courses at one or both institutions in the same semester.
In Wayne Advantage-Macomb, you'll enjoy all the benefits that come with being admitted to Wayne State and attending a major urban research university, including:
- Access to Wayne State's libraries
- A multipurpose WSU OneCard
- Access to the Academic Success Center and Career Services
- Comprehensive academic advising
- Wayne State events and student organizations
- Study abroad opportunities
Notes
- You can review how all courses transfer using the course equivalency tool. For a self-service, customized WSU degree audit, please visit https://wayne.edu/transfer/tess
- Wayne State requires a minimum of 30 credits in residency.
- The pathway allows multiple associate degree options with the flexibility to customize your degree path. The minimum eligibility to participate in the Wayne State Transfer Pathways is a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or above, Michigan Transfer Agreement (MTA), and an associate degree (earned or Reverse Transfer). See transfer credit guidelines.
- All college-level (non-developmental), non-duplicated courses with a 2.0 (C) grade point average (GPA) or above will be considered for transfer credit. Earned credit will transfer as 1) direct course equivalency, 2) major/department credit, or 3) elective credit. Credits not earned at Macomb Community College will need to be taken at WSU.
- These pathways do not replace the importance of Macomb Community College and Wayne State academic advising. The pathway provides a general roadmap to degree completion.