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: 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.s

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Box 354900 Seattle Wa 98195-4900 SocialWork.uW.edu

Redefining what’s possible

rev. 6/2014