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: sswinfo@uw.edu

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