UM-Flint's Bachelor of Social Work lauded by Forbes as one of the nation's best

Share or print this article
Photo of Saginaw St and the University Pavilion
In addition to being recognized as one of the nation's best, UM-Flint's Bachelor of Social Work program can be completed entirely online.

The University of Michigan-Flint's Bachelor of Social Work program has been ranked as one of the country's best for 2024 by Forbes Advisor.

Forbes ranked 40 accredited, nonprofit colleges offering an online Bachelor of Social Work degree using 17 data points in the categories of credibility, affordability, student outcomes, student experience and application process, using data from resources including the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System; private, third-party data sources; and individual school and program websites.

UM-Flint's BSW program can be completed 100% online through both asynchronous and synchronous courses. Synchronous courses require students to attend live meetings via Zoom, while in-person internships are conducted at a social service agency in the student's area of residence.

Julie Ma
Ma

"The flexible online coursework and hands-on internship that our program offers prepare students for impactful careers in social work and a strong foundation for those pursuing a master's degree," said Julie Ma, associate professor and director of the Social Work Department. "As a Community Engaged campus recognized by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching, UM-Flint proudly offers transformative learning opportunities through our variety of community partnerships and our program is happy to be among them."

In addition to the standard program, the university also offers a Bachelor of Social Work Honors program. This option provides the opportunity to gain off-campus research experience and complete a thesis.

UM-Flint's BSW program is fully accredited by the Council on Social Work Education, thereby assuring students that the program meets high educational standards.

In addition, since a BSW degree from a CSWE-accredited program is required for advanced standing in Master of Social Work programs, obtaining a BSW degree from UM-Flint sets the stage for cost-efficient graduate school pursuits. UM-Flint's MSW program will admit its first cohort of students in fall 2025. 

Robb King is the director of marketing and communications at UM-Flint. He can be reached at [email protected].