New Funds for Master of Social Work Students

From the Michigan Department of Health & Human Services

The School of Social Work is housed in Nethery Hall on the campus of Andrews University. (Photo by Justin Jeffery)

The Michigan Department of Health & Human Services (MDHHS) has awarded Andrews University’s School of Social Work a grant to help students pursuing a master’s degree in social work. Andrews is among 12 Michigan universities that received grants from MDHHS. Out of the $5 million awarded to the schools, Andrews’ School of Social Work received $208,236 for their master’s level program.

In March of 2024, Shannon Trecartin, Master of Social Work program director and associate professor in the School of Social Work, helped apply for the statewide grant on behalf of the University. After the official grant announcement from MDHHS, the School of Social Work created a scholarship plan with a portion of their funds. Six scholarships of $30,000 each over the course of three full-time academic terms—which will cover tuition costs for the entire Master of Social Work program—are being offered for Advanced Standing Master of Social Work students.

To obtain status as an Advanced Standing Master of Social Work student, one must have already obtained a Bachelor of Social Work degree and met a certain grade point average. To qualify for one of the six scholarships, applicants must also reside in the state of Michigan by August 2025, seek full-time employment in the public behavioral health sector in Michigan immediately after graduating, work in Michigan for at least two years in such a position, and answer any surveys or follow-up questions asked by MDHHS regarding this opportunity.

Trecartin expressed the immense appreciation that she and the School of Social Work have for this grant. “Our School of Social Work greatly benefits from scholarships like these, which not only help infuse the local workforce with diverse, well-trained professionals but also reduce barriers to higher education and provide advanced degrees for underrepresented students,” she says. Additionally, the grant allows students who recently graduated with a Bachelor of Social Work degree at Andrews to continue their academic journey with the University’s Master of Social Work program.

Over the past several years, the social work industry has grown. It meets many different needs and has become increasingly necessary for Americans in various stages of life, offering assistance during pregnancy, infancy, aging and end of life. According to Trecartin, “Receiving training as a social worker equips you with the knowledge, values and skills to provide professional guidance throughout these experiences. You are never bored in this profession.”

In addition to the new scholarship opportunities, the School of Social Work has several other ongoing program developments. The Master of Social Work degree can now be completed both in person and fully online, making its curriculum and accreditation available to more students globally. The school’s International Center for Trauma Education & Care also provides the community with several academic and spiritual initiatives by partnering with various departments on campus.

The School of Social Work seeks to open some of its courses to more students at Andrews, as well. Trecartin shared that the school’s “Understanding Trauma” courses (SOWK 347 and SOWK 547) will provide greater comprehension to those who want to learn more about social workers, trauma awareness and other aspects of social work careers. No particular major, class standing or prerequisites will be required. Students interested in the social work programs or those eligible for the MDHHS scholarship can contact the Andrews’ School of Social Work for additional information.