Download - School of Social Work Viewbook
School of Social Work
VIEWBOOK2013/2014
Change the big picturewith a career in SOcIal WOrK.
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.
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DIScOVEr hOW you can BE an agEnT of SOcIal changE.
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.
FAST-GROWING CAREER OppORTuNITIESAccording 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.
lEarn at one of the naTIOn’S
BEST Social Work SchOOlS.
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OUr prOgramSThe 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 abilityto 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.
lEarn at one of the naTIOn’S
BEST Social Work SchOOlS.
OUr prOgramS, continued
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.
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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.
puBLIC SERVICE ENhANCES OuR ACADEMIC pROGRAMSEach 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.
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 prOgramS, continued
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.
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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.
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.
lIVE in one of the WOrlD’S most VIBranT cITIES.
lIVE in one of the WOrlD’S most VIBranT cITIES.
TOp RANkED AMONG SOCIAL WORk GRADuATE SChOOLSIn 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.
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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.
at the School of Social Work, we’re in the business of seeking solutions to the most intractable social issues of our day. We dothis 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-takingand 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 youcan learn and grow in a challenging and supportive environment.
EddiE UEharaProfEssor and BallmEr EndowEd dEan in social workschool of social work
School of Social WorkUniversity of Washington4101 15th avenue nEBox 354900Seattle, Wa 98195-4900
Degree Programs• Bachelor of Arts in Social Welfare (BASW)• Master of Social Work (MSW)• Doctor of Philosophy in Social Welfare (PhD)
admissionsTel: 206.543.5676Email: [email protected]
Find out more about the School of Social Work at
socialwork.uw.edu
WE arE cOmmITTED TO EDUcaTIng ThE nExT
gEnEraTIOn OF SOcIal WOrK lEaDErS
WhO WIll changE ThE FIElD In UnExpEcTED
anD rEmarKaBlE WaYS.
Box 354900 Seattle Wa 98195-4900 SocialWork.uW.edu
Redefining what’s possible
rev. 9/2012