School of Social Work
VIEWBOOK 2015-2017
Change the big picturewith a career in social work.
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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.
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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 how to work collectively and
how to apply rigorous research to help solve some of society’s
most persistent problems. You’ll learn to challenge social
norms, build networks and think independently. social work
is your chance to change the big picture by transforming the
lives of society’s most vulnerable members, which in turn
transforms the future for us all.
FAST-GROWING CAREER OppORTuNITIESAccording to the u.S. Department of Labor, jobs in social work are expected to grow by 19 percent by the year 2022, particularly in high-demand areas such as mental health and medical social work.
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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 community service and social change, this
undergraduate program provides classes in human welfare, policy impact,
cultural diversity, social justice and intergroup dialogue. Additional classes
on research methods, practice skills and effective intervention strategies
help you learn ways to improve lives and strengthen communities.
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. We offer
a unique opportunity to combine critical thinking, civic engagement and
social justice leadership through classroom learning and field placements
that develop vital skills while addressing local needs.
This professional degree program prepares graduates for individual
practice as well as graduate study in social work and related fields
such as law, education and public health. 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.
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The mentorship from my professors is exceptional. It’s a key factor in my growth in the MSW program and in my career goals. My field education advisers are an incredible source of support, and I’m excited to start my advanced year of practicum in the pediatric pulmonary center at Seattle Children’s Hospital.
I spent a month in Cambodia, where I was paired with a Cambodian social work student on a research project involving diabetes patients. It was an eye-opening experience and gave me a greater understanding of critical global issues. I selected the School of Social Work because it offers such incredible opportunities.
GEORGINA MENDOZALos Angeles, CaliforniaMSW Extended Degree ProgramHealth-Mental Health
RIABELLE VIVASTacoma, WashingtonBASW
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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 and diverse 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 practice experience through our field
education placements. course work centers on social justice principles
and core social work practice skills in concentration areas such as
administration and policy practice; children, youth and families, and
multigenerational practice; community-centered integrative practice;
and health-mental health.
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.
MSW aDvanceD StanDing PrograM
The 10-month full-time program allows eligible students to complete
an msw in one year instead of two. it is aimed at students who have
an undergraduate degree in social work or social welfare from a school
accredited by the council on social work education. The program
begins in the summer, preparing students to enter the advanced year
of the graduate program. in the fall, advanced standing students join
the second-year cohort of the two-year day program, selecting a
concentration and field placement opportunity.
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 evenings and
on Fridays and saturdays, the program attracts a diverse group of working
professionals including 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 a
concentration, such as multigenerational practice with children, family
and elders or integrative health-mental health advanced practice.
EXTENDED DEGREE pROGRAM OFFERS GREATER CONVENIENCE Nearly 50 percent of all MSW students are enrolled in the School’s extended degree program where classes are held in the evenings and on Fridays and Saturdays—a plus for working adults who cannot carry a full-time course load.
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The School of Social Work was my first choice because it gave me the opportunity to pursue a double degree program in social work and public health. Both of these fields focus on our most vulnerable populations and share a common grounding in prevention and community involvement—which is where I plan to focus my future work.
My professors encourage me to think about social justice issues, from the individual to the community to society in general. I’m learning more about the connection between structural inequality and individual experiences, giving me a different perspective on policy that I would not have gotten anywhere else.
DIONNE FOSTERYorktown, VirginiaMSW Day Program, Administration and Policy Practice
ERNESTO SOSALos Angeles, CaliforniaMSW Day Program, Administration and Policy PracticeMPH, Health Services
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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 seattle campus 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.
FielD eDucation
Field placements are the cornerstone of social work education,
where students integrate the intellectual theory from the classroom
with the hands-on practice that comes from real-world experiences.
our goal is to provide students with a supervised and supportive
learning environment where they can master and synthesize social
work knowledge, values and skills. placements are available to both
undergraduate and graduate students at more than 300 sites, from
hospitals and mental health centers to a variety of nonprofit agencies,
such as the asian counseling and referral service (photo, below).
we work closely with community agencies and organizations to
ensure that field placements complement and expand upon the
content received in the classroom. Field education is invaluable in
helping our students master competencies and model behaviors
that will lead to their successful, independent practice in the future.
oUr programs, continued
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 CREATE CHANGE THROuGH SCIENCEOur nationally recognized research and innovative centers provide rich opportunities for all our students to impact real-life problems and learn from faculty who are noted scholars in their fields.
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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 nearly 220 advanced social work degree programs in the nation.
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 a mix of urban energy and natural beauty.
with a wide array of educational, cultural and recreational
opportunities, seattle and the University of washington 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 demanding 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 academic strength, scientific inquiry and public engagement.
in the pacific northwest, we encourage and embrace new ideas. we live and work in a culture where creativity, risk-taking and innovation are the norm. when we add hands-on research, high ideals and hard work—social work becomes social change.
we’ve created a dynamic and diverse learning environment where you can challenge yourself and the world around you. i think you’ll find that our school is an inspiring place where science, collaboration and community come together to transform lives and improve futures. i hope you will take the time to explore what we have to offer.
EDDIE UEHARAPROFESSOR AND BALLMER ENDOWED DEAN IN 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.s
ss
Box 354900 Seattle Wa 98195-4900 SocialWork.uW.edu
Redefining what’s possible
rev. 6/2014