Michigan State University College of Social Science

Master in Social Work

Social work is a profession that focuses on helping vulnerable and oppressed people improve their lives. Social work uses a wide range of approaches toward this end, with the intent of improving both personal life circumstances as well as the broader institutions and social forces that affect these populations. Our field stresses the interaction between the person and the person’s environment as we develop solutions. Social work is guided by a code of ethics that encompasses values fundamental to our practice, such as respect for diversity, self-determination, empowerment, and focus on the most vulnerable members of society.