Social Work

Program Requirements

Social Work, BSW Program Checksheet

Includes:

• Major Courses and General Education Courses
• Admission and Transfer Requirements
• Graduation Requirements

Why Choose Social Work? - Program Spotlight

The social work curriculum includes a strong liberal arts foundation, consisting of courses in communication, biology, natural sciences, math, history, politics, psychology and sociology.  These general education courses are integrated with the social work foundation curriculum that develops knowledge, skills and values relating to interviewing, problem solving, social research, and understanding the complexities of social welfare policies and services. 

Social work majors complete 600 hours of field instruction in two different social work agencies. The first field placement requires 120 hours and is scheduled in the summer between the student's first and second years in the program. It is usually completed in the student's hometown. The second field placement requires 480 hours over the senior year and is usually located in the region surrounding Ferris. The Ferris Social Work program has been fully accredited by the Council on Social Work Education since 1989.  Social workers at both the Baccalaureate and Master's level are licensed in the State of Michigan. 

Career Opportunities

Social workers help to bring about individual and social change in a wide variety of settings.  Veterans facilities, hospitals, schools, mental health clinics, substance abuse agencies, foster care and adoption centers, nursing homes, and are just a few of the settings where social workers practice.  Social Workers also have opportunities to practice internationally and in public office.   

There are over 700,000 social workers in the US with substantial growth forecasted over the next 8 years.  Social workers are therapists, executive directors of nonprofit organizations, community organizers, and professors. They are corporate leaders and members of Congress.  If you see yourself in any of these roles, you may consider joining the social work profession. 

https://www.socialworkers.org/Careers/Career-Center/Explore-Social-Work/Why-Choose-the-Social-Work-Profession

More Information

PROGRAM COORDINATOR: Michael Berghoef  
PHONE: 231-591-2765
EMAIL: [email protected] 

PROFESSIONAL ADVISOR: Dave Schrock
PHONE: 231-591-3705
EMAIL: [email protected] 

Department of Social Work
Ferris State University
820 Campus Drive/ASC 2108
Big Rapids, MI 49307-2225
Phone: 231-591-2737