Faculty and students from the college and our five centers and institutes work on leading evidence-based research. While working in cooperation with local, state and national agencies and organizations, we collect data to help solve issues in social policy and family and community development. 

Our fully-accredited programs provide field education at professional sites with our community partners and the opportunity to conduct research alongside our faculty.

The College of Social Work drives positive change through innovative teaching, dynamic research, public service and experiential learning to empower communities, expand belonging, transform systems and prepare the next generation of social work leaders.

Our vision is to be a leading institution for innovative, interdisciplinary approaches to educating social work practitioners and scholars, conducting research, and serving as a catalyst for positive social change.

Community, Excellence, Competence, Fairness, Integrity, Relationships.

The College prepares BSW graduates for ethical, competent, and culturally relevant generalist practice with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities.

The College’s social work minor prepares University undergraduate students from other academic programs for responsible citizenship by introducing them to social work as a means to helping people enhance their well-being.

The College prepares MSW graduates to work effectively and ethically within public and private agencies, including interdisciplinary settings, where they will serve primarily those vulnerable populations who experience problems related to economic and social deprivation and the consequences of institutional discrimination and oppression.

The College also produces Ph.D. graduates who are able to perform all the role expectations of academicians within social work degree-granting colleges and universities. Graduates are effective in transdisciplinary, community-engaged social work research and education and possess a commitment and a capacity to meet University and community service expectations through both graduate and undergraduate courses.

The College advances the knowledge base of the profession and translates research into practice in order to reduce poverty and oppression and promote social and economic justice in global society.

The College provides faculty consultation and service to local, state, national and international organizations; student provision of services to consumers in supervised field agency settings; and leadership as a catalyst in positive social change.