Change the big picture with a career in social work.
School of Social Work
VIEWBOOK 2013/ 2014
The University of Washington School of Social Work is a recognized leader in solving the most demanding social issues of our day through rigorous research, academic innovation and public service. Among the nation’s top-ranked schools of social work, we recruit the best and the brightest, nurture groundbreaking ideas, and partner strategically to challenge limits, redress inequities and strengthen communities. Our fundamental purpose is to educate tomorrow’s social work leaders, discover solutions that work in the real world, and build human capacity for lasting social change.
Discover how you can be an agent of social change.
FAST-GROWING CAREER Opportunities According to the U.S. Department of Labor, social work is one of the fastest-growing careers in the country, particularly in high-demand areas such as mental health, public health and medical social work.
As a social work student, you’ll acquire a strong grounding in human behavior, economic drivers and social welfare. You’ll develop a deep respect for individual experiences, differences and identities. You’ll understand the importance of critical thinking and rigorous research in solving persistent social problems. You’ll learn to challenge social norms, build networks and tap resources that empower and sustain. Social work is your chance to change the big picture by transforming lives and creating a more just world.
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learn at one of the nation’s best Social Work schools.
Our programs The University of Washington School of Social Work offers top-ranked academic programs plus research and public service opportunities that build professional expertise, hone research skills, and foster the ability to lead and serve in a multicultural world.
Bachelor of Arts in Social Welfare (BASW) If you have a strong interest in social justice and community service, this undergraduate program is the right choice for you. Core classes focus on human welfare, policy impact, cultural diversity, research methods, practice skills, and effective intervention strategies to improve lives. During the course of study, students develop social work skills in a wide range of settings that include working with individuals, families, communities, nonprofit organizations and government systems. This professional degree program prepares participants for graduate study in social work and related fields such as law, education and public health. We offer a unique opportunity to combine critical thinking, classroom learning and civic engagement through field placements that develop vital skills while addressing local needs. Students who want a strong professional foundation while making a difference in their community are well suited for this generalist course of study in social welfare.
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Master of Social work (MSW) Our MSW program prepares you for social work practice within a broad range of professional settings, from direct service with individuals, families and communities to policy analysis and organizational leadership. We offer a dynamic classroom experience where faculty and students engage one another and explore strategies and skills to effect social change. To accommodate a wide range of talented students and working professionals seeking an MSW degree, we offer three distinct degree paths as well as concurrent-degree programs. MSW Day Program
The traditional two-year full-time day program combines classroom learning with hands-on community service work. Course work centers on social justice principles and core social work practice skills in six concentration areas — mental health, health care, aging, management and policy, community-centered social work, and children, youth and families. The MSW Day Program also offers concurrent degrees that combine a master of public health (MPH) or master of public administration (MPA) with a master of social work.
PUBLIC SERVICE enhances OUR academic PROGRAMS Each year students contribute more than 176,000 volunteer service hours through our field education program with placements at more than 300 Puget Sound area nonprofit and public service organizations.
MSW Advanced Standing Program
The 10-month full-time program is for students with an undergraduate degree in social welfare from a school accredited by the Council on Social Work Education. The program begins in the summer, preparing students with foundation classes not previously covered in their undergraduate program. In the fall, advanced standing students join the second year of the two-year day program with the same concentration options and a wide range of field education opportunities. MSW Extended Degree Program
The three-year extended degree program offers students a part-time path for earning their master’s in social work. With classes in the evening and on Friday and Saturday, the program attracts a diverse group of engaged and experienced learners, including working professionals and rural practitioners. Students earn their degree during nine to 11 consecutive academic quarters with a combination of classroom experience and field placements in their communities. The first half of the program centers on social justice principles and core social work practice skills, while advanced classes in the second half focus on one of two concentrations: children, family and elders or mental health and health care.
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Field Education
Your field education experience is the professional cornerstone of your social work education. The purpose is to strengthen and develop critical social work skills by integrating social work theory with hands-on practice. The School offers undergraduate and graduate students field education placements in sites ranging from hospitals and nonprofit organizations to mental health centers and policy development agencies. Field education provides an opportunity to learn under the supervision of a seasoned social work professional and to grow from a deeply rewarding experience outside the classroom.
OUR research centers focus ON the science of prevention With 10 nationally recognized research centers, we provide opportunities for students, at all degree levels, to learn from groundbreaking projects led by renowned social work scholars.
Doctor of PHILOSOPHY IN Social Welfare (PhD) Social work researchers address the critical human needs of our increasingly global society. The School’s doctoral program ranks as one of the nation’s best in preparing tomorrow’s social work scholars and educators for roles in research, teaching and leadership. Working closely with faculty mentors, our doctoral candidates design individual programs of study responsive to pressing social issues. We offer interdisciplinary opportunities, research and teaching preparation, training in multiple methodologies, as well as financial support. The University of Washington flagship campus in Seattle features 15 colleges and schools including arts and sciences, education, public affairs, public health, law and medicine. The breadth of this highly recognized research university ensures student access to a wide range of disciplines in social and health sciences through coursework and research opportunities. Our graduates serve as faculty in social work programs throughout the country and are in high demand for their skills in advanced research and scholarship.
Our programs are designed to connect knowledge with experience, and scholarship with action so that you’re equipped to succeed when faced with the challenge of social change.
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Live in one of the world’s most Vibrant cities.
Top Ranked among SOCIAL WORK Graduate Schools In 2012, the U.S. News and World Report ranked the University of Washington School of Social Work third among the nation’s 153 social work graduate schools.
Seattle is a hub of philanthropic and social innovation, exemplified by leading institutions such as the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and Casey Family Programs. Dramatically situated between Puget Sound and the Cascade Mountains, the city offers an array of educational, cultural and recreational opportunities. With its mix of urban energy and natural beauty, Seattle will bring a rich new dimension to your education, friendships and commitment to social change.
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At the School of Social Work, we’re in the business of seeking solutions to the most intractable social issues of our day. We do this by modeling what a great university can and must do to serve society. We have an unwavering commitment to scientific research, academic strength and public engagement. In the Pacific Northwest, collaboration comes naturally. We live and work in a culture where community service, risk-taking and innovation are the norm. When we add hands-on research, high ideals and hard work — social work becomes social change. I hope you will take the time to explore what we have to offer. I think you’ll find that our School is an inspiring place where you can learn and grow in a challenging and supportive environment. Eddie Uehara Professor and Ballmer Endowed Dean in Social Work School of Social Work
We are committed to educating the next generation of social work leaders who will change the field in unexpected and remarkable ways.
School of Social Work University of Washington 4101 15th Avenue NE Box 354900 Seattle, WA 98195-4900
Degree Programs • Bachelor of Arts in Social Welfare (BASW) • Master of Social Work (MSW) • Doctor of Philosophy in Social Welfare (PhD)
Admissions Tel: 206.543.5676 Email: sswinfo@uw.edu
Find out more about the School of Social Work at socialwork.uw.edu
Redefining what’s possible
Box 354900 Seattle WA 98195-4900
socialwork.uw.edu
Rev. 9/2012