Bay College and Northern Michigan University Create Social Work Pathway

News

Graphic of the Upper Peninsula showing the network of possibility between Bay College and NMU

By Jessica Van Slooten
Published March 12, 2024

Bay College and Northern Michigan University (NMU) proudly announce an articulation agreement designed to streamline academic pathways, offer online degree opportunities, and empower aspiring social workers.

The agreement, signed by Bay College President Dr. Nerita Hughes and NMU President Dr. Brock Tessman, outlines a seamless transfer process for students completing their Associate of Arts in Social Work degree at Bay College to pursue a Bachelor of Social Work degree at Northern Michigan University. This partnership aims to eliminate barriers to educational attainment and facilitate a smooth transition for students seeking to advance their careers in social work.

Both Bay College and NMU have created online courses to enable students to complete degrees while remaining in their home communities. “This transfer agreement creates a more dependable and easy-to-navigate course plan for students wanting to pursue a BSW degree,” said Ann Crandell-Williams, NMU Bachelor of Social Work Program Director and Associate Professor. “NMU's new, totally online BSW Global Campus program now makes it possible for students to start at Bay and, if they choose, complete their degrees online while remaining in their home communities.”

The partnership between Bay College and Northern Michigan University represents a collaborative effort to address the growing demand for qualified social workers across the Upper Peninsula. Mary Beth Bergeron, Delta Schoolcraft Intermediate School District Social Worker and School Psychologist, stated “We need social workers, and clinical social workers in particular, to support children, adolescents, adults and families. The shortage of social workers is severe. Thank you, Bay College and Northern for this opportunity to expand mental health supports in our area!”

Jessica Van Slooten, Bay College Dean of Arts and Sciences, added, “We’re thrilled to formalize this pathway and continue to build relationships with our colleagues at NMU. Collaborating to develop clear pathways benefits everyone.”

For more information about this transfer agreement, please contact the following individuals:

Jillena Rose, Transfer and Advising, Bay College

p: (906)-217-4047 | e: jillena.rose_FROM_BAY_COLLEGE

Tanya Savage, Assistant Director, Transfer Pathways and Partnerships, Northern Michigan University

p: (906)-227-2644 | e: tsavage@nmu.edu

Bay College is the community’s college with a mission of: Student Success, Community Success. Culture of Success. Bay is devoted to each individual’s achievement in the classroom, on-campus, online, in the community and into the workforce by providing certificates and associate degrees,  transfer credits to universities, and workforce training programs which develop skillsets and advance careers. #BayIsTheWay