NMU’s Global Campus Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) Program is an ideal option for students who are looking for affordability and flexibility in obtaining their BSW degree. All classes are taught online using a combination of the Zoom and Moodle-based EduCat platforms.
The BSW Global Campus program is fully accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). Courses are taught by the same high-quality faculty who teach courses on campus. Interactive online tools such as video lectures, discussion boards, simulations, social media, and multimedia software make it possible for students to complete the same assignments, learning activities and other requirements experienced in an on-campus classroom.
Student support is available through Global Campus and Social Work faculty advisors, online mentoring, writing support, tutoring, the Olson Library, and involvement in campus-based activities through Zoom participation.
Things to Consider
- Online learning is a challenge and aside from travel, takes the same amount of time and effort as attending in-person. To be successful in online education, global campus students must be more disciplined and self-directed than on-campus students, and must set aside a sufficient amount of time to study and participate in classes. Generally, one four-credit course equals about eight hours of time weekly; about four hours completing class work (watching or participating in lectures and/or engaging in online coursework) and four hours of additional time spent reading and completing assignments.
- Working full-time while attending college is an immense task; students who do so report challenges balancing coursework with other commitments. Students can work with advisors to come up with a flexible, part-time option for those whose schedules are already demanding.
- Students must have a computer with a web camera, microphone or headset and a high-speed internet connection. Students must be comfortable with multiple forms of software and media, or willing to learn. NMU’s help desk is available to provide students with NMU-related software support, and NMU offers a laptop rental program.
- Scholarships and funding may apply differently to Global Campus students. You may consult the Financial Aid Office to learn more about this.
- Although many assignments will be completed on the student’s own time, learning activities may require working in online groups for group projects.
- The Upper Level Curriculum cohort program, which occurs during the last three semesters, assists students in feeling a sense of community. However, online students must make an active effort to stay engaged with courses, work through feelings of frustration or isolation, and maintain motivation. Students must be comfortable reaching out for assistance when necessary.
- Before applying, take time to think about your needs as a learner and carefully examine your readiness for online learning. If this is not the best option, you may apply to our on-campus BSW program, another college in your area, or another online BSW program more suited to your needs.
"The Social Work program provides many opportunities for experiencing social work within the community and the faculty are extremely supportive towards students. I think it’s important to be able to create connections within your department and I knew NMU would give me that opportunity."
Savannah Stein '23
NMU’s Global Campus BSW Course Layout
- Courses will be held in synchronous, asynchronous, and hybrid formats. The NMU Social Work Department holds courses at times that are most convenient for students, such as asynchronously and in the evenings, however cannot guarantee that all courses required for the major will be held during these times.
- Many of the other required courses not taught by BSW program faculty, such as General Education courses and those in the required Human Behavior Cluster minor, are held asynchronously, but a few may be held synchronously at various times. Students can work with advisors to find courses that meet their scheduling needs.
- The SW100 Exploring Social Work and SW230 Human Behavior in the Social Environment courses are held asynchronously.
- Some 300- and 400-level Social Work courses have synchronous meeting times that students must attend. These courses are held in the late afternoon and evening.
- In order to complete the requirements for the BSW degree, students must apply to the BSW Upper Level Curriculum at the beginning of their Junior year (56+ credits). Courses in the upper level curriculum will be held as follows:
- SW 370 Practice Methods I and SW 372 Practice Methods II are held in the Winter semester of the Junior year. These will be hybrid courses and will meet synchronously on Tuesday evenings.
- SW 473/474 Senior Seminar (both semesters of the senior year), SW 472 (Fall semester of the senior year), and SW 476 (Winter semester of the senior year) will be held on Monday evenings
- All BSW students are required to successfully complete a 400-hour practicum in a social service organization during the senior year. Students work together with the Practicum Director to identify and secure a placement within the geographic area of their home communities.
- Additional communication will take place through NMU’s email and Google Suite application systems, Zoom, newsletters, social media and EduCat platforms.
Application, Pre-Admission, and Admission to the Upper Level BSW Program
Students declaring a Social Work major at NMU are considered a “Pre-Social Work” major until being admitted into the Upper Level Curriculum. The BSW Upper Level Curriculum is held during the last three semesters prior to graduation and begins during the Winter semester of the Junior year. Students must meet criteria and be admitted to the Upper Level Curriculum in order to receive their BSW degree. Students must also maintain retention standards while in the Upper Level Curriculum. These standards can be viewed in full in the BSW Program Handbook.
While some students complete their entire degree at NMU, others may transfer to NMU. NMU has articulation agreements with many regional community colleges to prepare students and ensure a smooth transition to NMU’s BSW program. Students transferring to NMU at junior-level standing (56+ credits) should develop a degree plan with an advisor and determine eligibility for applying to the Upper Level Curriculum. This may need to occur soon after admission to NMU, to ensure a spot in the Global Campus BSW Program. Students applying to the Upper Level Curriculum must complete the BSW Program Orientation and complete a quiz to ensure understanding of program requirements.
Global Campus students are strongly encouraged to complete the Pre-Admissions application by June 1 for priority consideration. Due to accreditation requirements, online seats are limited. After the initial priority consideration, applications will be reviewed monthly until October 1 or the program reaches capacity. Minimum criteria for admissions are as follows:
- The student’s GPA must be at or above 2.50 in at least five of the seven courses within the Human Behavior Cluster minor.
- The student’s GPA must be at or above 2.50 in the two social work pre-admission courses (SW 100 and SW 230).
- Students must complete the full BSW Upper Level Curriculum application, including the necessary attachments (transcript and personal statement).
Students can enroll in the courses required for admission (below) and complete those courses during the summer or fall semester in which they apply. Requirements must be completed by the end of the fall semester in which the student seeks admission.
Priority will be given to students who meet criteria and:
- Are already enrolled at NMU as Global Campus students
- Are enrolled in a community college under an articulation agreement with the NMU Social Work Program
- Reside within the geographic region (Upper Peninsula and Northern Lower Peninsula)
- Have a GPA above 3.0, particularly in areas related to the Social Work major or required Human Behavior Cluster Minor.
Following the pre-application due date on the first of each month, the BSW Program Director will notify students of their Upper Level Curriculum admission status within 30 days. Students may be accepted, waitlisted, or denied admission based on the above criteria.
Questions? Please feel free to reach out to check availability for our next Global Campus Cohort, or if you have any other questions regarding the Global Campus BSW Program.
