Social Work Department at NMU

Welcome to the NMU Social Work Department

The mission of the Social Work department is to prepare competent professionals committed to advancing social justice, human rights and the dignity and worth of diverse individuals, groups, families and communities through social work practice.

Social Work Department at NMU

Accredited Bachelor Program

The Baccalaureate Social Work (BSW) degree is a gateway to career fields such as child protective services, juvenile probation, substance abuse treatment, services to the aging and more. Our graduates are eligible for licensure throughout the U.S. In addition to entering professional employment upon graduation, many BSW graduates opt to complete an advanced degree, such as an MSW.

Social Work Department at NMU

Take Your Career to the Next Level

NMU's new Master of Social Work (MSW) program is an exciting opportunity for human services professionals to earn a graduate degree and take their careers to the next level. 

Students in the NMU Social Work Department

Experience Learning

Our social work majors serve as volunteers in the introductory course and later, as seniors, undertake more than 400 hours of field experience and intensive practice skills labs. You’ll not only develop skills for directly helping individuals but also for advocating on their behalf.

Social Work Department at NMU

Meet The Faculty

Our highly qualified faculty, with extensive practice and academic experience, and our host of community professionals who serve as field instructors, guide students to graduation ready to start their own careers.

Why Study Social Work at NMU?

  • Small class sizes
  • Connection with peers and instructors
  • Learn at a CSWE-accredited institution
  • Hands-on and research-based curriculum
  • Opportunities to learn and practice in an urbanized rural area
  • Tribal connections and learning opportunities
  • Collaborate with a Native American Studies program

Career Opportunities in Social Work

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, overall employment of social workers is projected to grow 13% from 2019 to 2029, much faster than the average for all occupations.

  • Employment of child, family, and school social workers is projected to grow 12%
  • Employment of healthcare social workers is projected to grow 14%
  • Employment of mental health and substance abuse social workers is projected to grow 17%

Frequently Asked Questions

The Social Work department has put together a list of frequently asked questions about the new Master of Social Work (MSW) program and the Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) program.

  • What kind of career advantages does a degree in social work provide?
  • How do I apply for admission to NMU?
  • How difficult is it to transfer to NMU from another institution if I am interested?
  • And more
Social Work Department at NMU

"We are a department with a highly-regarded history, a dynamic present, and an exciting future for students who want to make a career out of serving others. I am personally thrilled to be a part of the team of educators that make up this department. I hope you will support and engage with us in empowering students to realize their own potential who in turn, empower others toward positive social change."

Abigail Kauffman Wyche, PhD. MSW

Head of Northern Michigan University’s Social Work Department

Contact Information

To contact the Social Work Department, e-mail sosw@nmu.edu or call 906-227-2706.

University Business Hours

University business hours are 8 a.m.–5 p.m. during the fall and winter semesters (late August through early May) and 7:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. during the summer (early May through late August). Northern Michigan University is located in the Eastern time zone.

Campus Location

The Social Work Department is located at 2400 Jamrich Hall, which is connected to the Edgar L. Harden Learning Resource Center through an indoor walkway (see campus map).

Mailing Address

Social Work Department
Northern Michigan University
1401 Presque Isle Avenue
Marquette, MI 49855