Welcome!

To the Michigan State University School of Social Work! The School is dedicated to the preparation of students for a rewarding profession in which we have the privilege of working with diverse individuals, families, groups, communities, and organizations to assist in achieving goals, solving problems, and promoting social justice. The School of Social Work at MSU is a special and unique place to prepare for this career of leadership and service as it combines the historic strengths of a Land Grant University–valuing access and public service–with the knowledge construction and application of a major Research University, while encouraging the Global awareness and interests that are integral to our engaged international University. MSU brings together the resources of one of the largest universities in the United States and the vitality of a Big Ten University with a personal commitment to each student's learning and professional development.

Through our BASW Program with its signature themes of diversity and knowledge development, our MSW Program with concentrations in clinical practice and organizational and community leadership, and our PhD Program with its dedication to social work leadership enriched by interdisciplinary perspectives, the School of Social Work is an important part of MSU's goals of advancing knowledge and transforming lives.

This website will introduce you to the School of Social Work's academic programs, our commitment to life long professional continuing education, special programs for student and community members, faculty and staff resources, and will share a wide range of resources to advance best practices in teaching, outreach, and community engagement.

Whether you want to learn about the nature, scope, and impact of catastrophic events by preparing for the Zombie Apocalypse, or you are interested in current issues in the lives of individuals and families, the FULLY ONLINE electives offered this summer by faculty in the School of Social Work provide you the opportunity to expand your horizons, cover new territory, and have some fun while you complete your electives. These courses are open to all students at MSU and beyond.

New section added here!

Summer 2012's SW 290: Surviving the Coming Zombie Apocalypse has been selected as the first place fully online course winner in the MSU-AT&T Instructional Technology Awards Competition.

Course information | Frequently Asked Questions | Fiscal Times article

2013 Annual Margaret Nielsen Diversity Award recipients pictured.
From left: MSW student Jazmyn Holley, BASW students Sophia Estrada, Kasandra Freeman, and Isabel Zepeda, PhD candidate Rita Walters, and DeLois Caldwell (National Association of Black Social Workers-Lansing Chapter). Dr. Nielsen is seated at left. (Not pictured: Brian Rice, manager, Delta Township Bob Evans Restaurant.)