Western Michigan University · Kalamazoo, Michigan
Bachelor of Science in Social Work (BSW)
What Should You Know About Bachelor of Science in Social Work (BSW) at Western Michigan University?
Bachelor of Science in Social Work (BSW) is a BSW program at Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo, Michigan, offered on campus. Federal tuition and fees: $15,298 a year in-state (2023-24). Western Michigan 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 |
| Admission to the major | Admitted first to the pre-social work curriculum; competitive application to the major after SWRK 2100 and at least 30 credit hours, minimum 2.5 overall GPA, transcripts and personal statement; applications due March 15 and September 15 |
| Field practicum | 400 hours of internship experience over two semesters |
| MSW route | WMU offers a 39-credit Advanced Standing MSW in full-time and extended study formats |
From wmich.edu, reviewed October 1, 2026. Check start dates, deadlines and current tuition with the school before you apply.
How This Program Compares
- Western Michigan University's federal tuition and fees, $15,298 a year in-state (2023-24), compare with a median of $13,212 across schools with a CSWE BSW.
- Its 400-hour field practicum compares with a median of 430 among programs that state their hours (CSWE requires at least 400).
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
- FormatOn campusTuition$46,450per yearAccreditationCSWE
Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) at Andrews University
Andrews University school profile · Berrien Springs, MIFormatOn campusTuition$33,710per year, tuition and fees 2023-24 · NCESAccreditationCSWESocial 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 Science in Social Work (BSW): Common Questions
How Much Does Bachelor of Science in Social Work (BSW) at Western Michigan University Cost?
Federal undergraduate tuition and fees for 2023-24: $15,298 in-state, $19,098 out-of-state. Grants lower most students' price; confirm current rates with Western Michigan University.
How Do You Get Into Bachelor of Science in Social Work (BSW)?
Admitted first to the pre-social work curriculum; competitive application to the major after SWRK 2100 and at least 30 credit hours, minimum 2.5 overall GPA, transcripts and personal statement; applications due March 15 and September 15, according to Western Michigan University's pages.
How Many Field Practicum Hours Does Bachelor of Science in Social Work (BSW) Require?
400 hours of internship experience over two semesters, according to the school's program page.
Can Graduates of Bachelor of Science in Social Work (BSW) Go on to an MSW?
WMU offers a 39-credit Advanced Standing MSW in full-time and extended study formats. Western Michigan University's own Master of Social Work (Kalamazoo and Grand Rapids) admits BSW graduates with advanced standing. Any CSWE BSW qualifies you for advanced standing at other schools too.
Is Bachelor of Science in Social Work (BSW) CSWE Accredited?
Western Michigan University's BSW is listed as accredited in CSWE's directory (September 2026); the accreditation covers this format.