Bachelor of Social Work (BSW)

Do you want to make a positive impact in the world?

University of Detroit Mercy's Bachelor of Social Work program prepares you for understanding the role of human diversity in a complex, multicultural world as you develop in the skills of leadership in service and in the promotion of social justice. By the end of the program, you will have gained a strong foundation in understanding human behavior and the social environment, social welfare policy and services, research methods and social work practice methods and skills.

In addition to a solid foundation, you will also complete 400 hours of hands-on experience at a human service agency where you will be supervised by a qualified social worker. The program prepares you for entry-level generalist social work practice, rooted in values and ethics, and instills a commitment to knowledge development and to continuous professional life-long learning.

Transferring from a community college?

Did you know students can transfer up to 63 credits earned at a community college? As a community college transfer student, you are already on your way toward earning a Bachelor of Social Work degree at Detroit Mercy. 

Register for virtual information sessions just for transfer students

Each session is live and interactive using Zoom. You will learn about the BSW program, how to transfer credits, types of financial aid and scholarships and more! You will also be able to ask questions directly to Social Work faculty and a representative from the Office of Admissions.

For questions about the information session, contact joinerjm@udmercy.edu

Shakesha K. Alexander '19 speaks of her success

Shakesha K. Alexander '19, Director of Animal-Assisted Interventions at River Rouge School District, Mich, values the importance of human relationships and the human-animal connection. Responsible for pioneering the Pup Culture Lab at River Rouge High School, Alexander serves as the first female African American Veterinary Social Worker to work in a School District. She uses the trauma-informed approach to help students overcome adversity and create habits to be successful in life through positive interactions with therapy animals. Her kindness, forward-thinking and compassion is something that needs to be duplicated in every district.

Graduate Studies

Kamaria Norwood
MSW Student, Case Western University

My BSW journey at the University of Detroit Mercy was truly transformative. Coming to UDM as a transfer student, I immediately felt a sense of belonging. My professors were consistently supportive, whether for school-related or personal matters, making UDM a nurturing place that laid the groundwork for my MSW pursuit. The program provided a solid academic foundation and prepared me to engage with real-world challenges faced by diverse, often underserved communities. Through my field placements, I had the privilege of supporting families facing food insecurity, mental health concerns, and systemic barriers. These experiences taught me the importance of meeting people where they are, offering empathy, and advocating for justice in impactful ways. The mentorship and guidance I received instilled resilience and confidence, shaping my understanding of compassionate, effective social work.

As I entered my Advanced Standing MSW program, I carried these values forward, eager to deepen my skills and continue this journey with a commitment to meaningful change. Looking ahead to my dream of becoming a travel social worker, I know that beginning my path at UDM was one of the best decisions I've made.

Student Leadership

Anisa Cekrezi
Detroit Mercy NASW-MI BSW Student of the Year 2023

Cekrezi was selected as the NASW-MI Student Social Worker of the Year from the department of social work for 2023-24.

"The purpose of my life is to offer happiness and service to others. As an immigrant from Albania, I am determined to fulfill my obligations toward American society because I found a second home in this country. I believe I can make a positive change in society, and I am determined to give back to American communities. I believe this country deserves love and service, so my mission is to become a school social worker. I want to assist, guide, lead, and support children in school settings, because I believe together, we are stronger." —Anisa Cekrezi

Veterinary Social Work

Shakesha K. Alexander '19
Veterinary Social Worker, River Rouge School District

Shakesha Alexander is a 2019 graduate of the Detroit Mercy BSW degree program. Alexander earned a Master of Science in Social Work and a certification in Veterinary Social Work, an evolving area of social work practice, from the University of Tennessee. River Rouge School District (MI) issued a press release about Alexander, indicating, "We have spent the past several years working on the development of animal-assisted interventions and that work led us to the development of therapy dog teams to help our students cope with increased stress levels, anxiety, depression, and other issues that have only been heightened because of the COVID crisis. ...Mrs. Alexander brings a wealth of experience and compassion to this role."

Alexander's future goals include attaining a doctoral degree, while continuing to advance Veterinary Social Work as a clinical treatment modality with school-age children.

Sports Social Work

Moné Knowles
Social Work Major and Student Athlete

Moné Knowles is a senior student-athlete with the university’s track and field team. Knowles indicated that she chose to major in social work because she wanted to help a variety of people, and enjoys working with children. She currently helps coach a middle school volleyball team and finds volunteering her time rewarding because she is able to make a positive impact with children. After graduation, Knowles plans to secure employment in child welfare; working with foster care and child protective services to improve the lives of children. She believes working in child welfare will allow her to be a voice for children who are voiceless.

Knowles indicated that being a college athlete and social work major are similar, both roles take hard work and dedication. She loves being a student-athlete, and had this to say about the atmosphere before a competition: “I can tell you with certainty the bond you create with your teammates are bonds you will cherish forever.” Knowles went on to say that while in retrospect she had no idea what she was getting herself into as a college-athlete, she worked very hard setting goals every season. Establishing regular goals like measuring her personal best performance helped her achieve success on the track and in the college classroom.