Michigan State University · East Lansing, Michigan
Bachelor of Arts in Social Work (BASW)
What Should You Know About Bachelor of Arts in Social Work (BASW) at Michigan State University?
Bachelor of Arts in Social Work (BASW) is a BASW program at Michigan State University in East Lansing, Michigan, offered on campus. Published tuition: $8,828 per term (resident rate). Michigan State University's BSW is listed as accredited in CSWE's directory (September 2026); the accreditation covers this format.
Program Details
| Degree | BASW |
|---|---|
| Format | on campus |
| Admission to the major | Competitive application to the upper-level BASW program, usually in the spring of the sophomore year, with about 60 credits and junior standing at entry; six admission documents; transfer students apply to MSU first, then to the School |
| Transfer pathways | Upper-division transfer students admitted competitively, usually after the sophomore year, and begin in the fall semester |
| Start terms | Fall |
| Tracks and focus areas | Child Welfare Certificate (3.0 overall GPA) |
| Tuition | Flat rate per semester (12-18 credits), core units: resident $8,828 freshman, $9,023 sophomore, $10,012 junior; non-resident $22,520 freshman and sophomore, $23,188 junior (2026-27) |
| MSW route | BASW and MSW can be earned in five years when paired with MSU's Advanced Standing MSW |
From socialwork.msu.edu, reviewed October 1, 2026. Check start dates, deadlines and current tuition with the school before you apply.
How This Program Compares
- Michigan State University's federal tuition and fees, $15,988 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
Social Work (BSW) at Spring Arbor University
Spring Arbor University school profile · Spring Arbor, MIFormatOn campusTuition$36,200per yearAccreditationCSWEBachelor of Social Work (BSW) at Eastern Michigan University
Eastern Michigan University school profile · Ypsilanti, MIFormatOn campusTuition$8,550per term · resident rateAccreditationCSWESocial Work Major (BSW) at Calvin University
Calvin University school profile · Grand Rapids, MIFormatOn campusTuition$42,120per yearAccreditationCSWEBachelor of Social Work at Cornerstone University
Cornerstone University school profile · Grand Rapids, MIFormatOn campus400-hour practicumTuition$22,000per yearAccreditationCSWE
Bachelor of Arts in Social Work (BASW): Common Questions
How Much Does Bachelor of Arts in Social Work (BASW) at Michigan State University Cost?
Flat rate per semester (12-18 credits), core units: resident $8,828 freshman, $9,023 sophomore, $10,012 junior; non-resident $22,520 freshman and sophomore, $23,188 junior (2026-27). Federal undergraduate tuition and fees for 2023-24: $15,988 in-state, $43,372 out-of-state. Grants lower most students' price; confirm current rates with Michigan State University.
How Do You Get Into Bachelor of Arts in Social Work (BASW)?
Competitive application to the upper-level BASW program, usually in the spring of the sophomore year, with about 60 credits and junior standing at entry; six admission documents; transfer students apply to MSU first, then to the School, according to Michigan State University's pages.
Can You Transfer Into Bachelor of Arts in Social Work (BASW)?
Upper-division transfer students admitted competitively, usually after the sophomore year, and begin in the fall semester.
Can Graduates of Bachelor of Arts in Social Work (BASW) Go on to an MSW?
BASW and MSW can be earned in five years when paired with MSU's Advanced Standing MSW. Any CSWE BSW qualifies you for advanced standing at other schools too.
Is Bachelor of Arts in Social Work (BASW) CSWE Accredited?
Michigan State University's BSW is listed as accredited in CSWE's directory (September 2026); the accreditation covers this format.