Grand Valley State University · Allendale, Michigan
Bachelor of Social Work
What Should You Know About Bachelor of Social Work at Grand Valley State University?
Bachelor of Social Work is a BSW program at Grand Valley State University in Allendale, Michigan, offered on campus. It requires 120 credits. Published tuition: $16,520 per year (resident rate). Grand Valley State University's BSW is listed as accredited in CSWE's directory (September 2026); the accreditation covers this format.
Program Details
| Degree | BSW |
|---|---|
| Format | on campus |
| Credits | 120 semester hours, including 44 credit hours in the major |
| Admission to the major | Apply for BSW Candidacy in the sophomore year; minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA, C or better in pre-candidacy courses (SW 150, BIO 104, PLS 102, PSY 101, SOC 101, SW 300, PSY 303/324, a social problems course), MTH 110 proficiency, application with personal statement and resume |
| Transfer pathways | Incoming transfer students apply for BSW Candidacy by a separate summer deadline after orientation |
| Field practicum | SW 490 First Senior Level Field Practicum requires 225 hours per semester in an approved field education site |
| Tuition | $16,520 per year resident and $23,492 non-resident (0-54 credits earned); $17,252 resident and $24,184 non-resident (55+ credits earned), for 12-15 credits per semester (2026-27) |
| MSW route | Graduates of an accredited BSW program who meet the requirements may enter GVSU's Advanced Standing MSW, exempting 22 hours of foundation courses and completing the remaining 38 hours in one calendar year |
From gvsu.edu, reviewed October 1, 2026. Check start dates, deadlines and current tuition with the school before you apply.
How This Program Compares
- Grand Valley State University's federal tuition and fees, $14,628 a year in-state (2023-24), compare with a median of $13,212 across schools with a CSWE BSW.
After This BSW: Licensing in Michigan
- First years: general education and intro coursesPsychology, sociology, human biology, intro to social work
- Apply to the social work majorUsually in the second year, with a GPA minimum
- Senior field practicumAt least 400 supervised hours in an agency
- License: Limited SST (none)Or an MSW in about a year with advanced standing
Michigan licenses BSW graduates as the Limited Social Service Technician (Limited SST). Michigan BSW license from its board. Online students licensed in another state follow that state's board.
BSW Programs at Nearby Schools
Bachelor of Social Work at Cornerstone University
Cornerstone University school profile · Grand Rapids, MIFormatOn campus400-hour practicumTuition$22,000per yearAccreditationCSWESocial Work Major (BSW) at Calvin University
Calvin University school profile · Grand Rapids, MIFormatOn campusTuition$42,120per yearAccreditationCSWEBachelor of Social Work (BSW) at Kuyper College
Kuyper College school profile · Grand Rapids, MIFormatOn campusTuition$26,390per year, tuition and fees 2023-24 · NCESAccreditationCSWE- FormatOn campusTuition$46,450per yearAccreditationCSWE
Bachelor of Social Work: Common Questions
How Much Does Bachelor of Social Work at Grand Valley State University Cost?
$16,520 per year resident and $23,492 non-resident (0-54 credits earned); $17,252 resident and $24,184 non-resident (55+ credits earned), for 12-15 credits per semester (2026-27). Federal undergraduate tuition and fees for 2023-24: $14,628 in-state, $20,820 out-of-state. Grants lower most students' price; confirm current rates with Grand Valley State University.
How Do You Get Into Bachelor of Social Work?
Apply for BSW Candidacy in the sophomore year; minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA, C or better in pre-candidacy courses (SW 150, BIO 104, PLS 102, PSY 101, SOC 101, SW 300, PSY 303/324, a social problems course), MTH 110 proficiency, application with personal statement and resume, according to Grand Valley State University's pages.
Can You Transfer Into Bachelor of Social Work?
Incoming transfer students apply for BSW Candidacy by a separate summer deadline after orientation.
How Many Field Practicum Hours Does Bachelor of Social Work Require?
SW 490 First Senior Level Field Practicum requires 225 hours per semester in an approved field education site, according to the school's program page.
Can Graduates of Bachelor of Social Work Go on to an MSW?
Graduates of an accredited BSW program who meet the requirements may enter GVSU's Advanced Standing MSW, exempting 22 hours of foundation courses and completing the remaining 38 hours in one calendar year. Grand Valley State University's own Master of Social Work (Advanced Generalist) admits BSW graduates with advanced standing. Any CSWE BSW qualifies you for advanced standing at other schools too.
Is Bachelor of Social Work CSWE Accredited?
Grand Valley State University's BSW is listed as accredited in CSWE's directory (September 2026); the accreditation covers this format.