University of Washington
School of Social Work
socialwork.uw.edu | sswinfo@uw.edu
 

Live your passion for social change! UW is home to innovative research centers including the Latino Center for Health, Indigenous Wellness Research Institute, Center for Integrative Oncology and Palliative Care Social Work, Forefront Suicide Prevention Center, and the Center for Women's Welfare.  

Students find community in affinity groups including the Native Circle Alliance, Association of Black Social Work Students, Colectiva de Latin American Social Workers, Transracial Adoptee Group, and the Anti-Racism & White Allyship Group. In 2019, 48% of UW School of Social Work students identified as students of color. We have a student retention rate of over 98%, and an average class size of just 25 students. The UW School of Social Work is proud to work with and for undocumented students, and our university is home to many first-generation college scholars -- including our Director of Admission (Jenn). Prospective graduate students of color are encouraged to explore resources offered by UW's Graduate Student Equity and Excellence office.

Ranked a #2 best graduate school of social work in the nation (U.S. News & World Report, 2023), the University of Washington School of Social Work turns powerful ideas into lasting social change. Our graduates thrive as mental health counselors, nonprofit leaders, policy advocates, research scholars, child welfare specialists, hospital social workers, school social workers, and more. 

Come chat with us! We also invite you to join a prospective student information session (online or on-campus in Seattle), explore socialwork.uw.edu, and learn what makes UW special. We invite you to book a Zoom or phone appointment to talk with Maria or Maura, MSW student ambassadors.

Learning that values diversity, teaching recognized for excellence, and data-driven research that sparks real change: these are the hallmarks of our School and the mainstays of an advanced scientific social work practice that is critical to solving the pressing social issues of our day.  We are committed to promoting social and economic justice for poor and oppressed populations and enhancing the quality of life for all. Join us!

Master of Social Work (MSW) 

Autumn 2023 MSW applications are now available with a January 4th, 2023 application deadline. Visit our Apply to MSW page for details. The GRE is not required. All majors are eligible to apply (for MSW Day & Extended Degree Programs). Advanced Standing applicants must hold a CSWE-accredited BASW/BSW degree.  

MSW Day Program | Starts September 2023

- 2 years, full-time
- Weekday, daytime classes + field education (practicum) 

Specialization areas:
Administration & Policy Practice
Community Centered Integrative Practice
Clinical Social Work

 

MSW Advanced Standing Program | Starts July 2023

- 11 months, full-time
- Weekday, daytime classes + field education (practicum) 

Specialization areas:
Administration & Policy Practice
Community Centered Integrative Practice
Clinical Social Work

OR

- 17 months, part-time  
- Evening track: weeknight evening classes + field education (practicum)
- Friday/Saturday track: Fri/Sat classes approximately four times per quarter + field education (practicum)
 

Specialization areas:
Clinical Social Work

MSW Extended Degree Program | Starts September 2023

- 3 years, part-time, 9 to 11 consecutive quarters (including summer)
- Evening track: weeknight evening classes + field education (practicum)
- Friday/Saturday track: Fri/Sat classes approximately four times per quarter + field education (practicum)
 

Specialization areas:
Clinical Social Work

Traineeships

Behavioral Health Workforce Development Initiative

The Washington State Behavioral Health Workforce Development Initiative will expand the number of masters-level social workers and mental health counselors in Washington state who serve individuals and families experiencing severe mental health or substance use issues. Students receive multi-year grants, totaling up to $51,500, to offset their graduate education expenses in return for serving three years in approved community-based behavioral health agencies or tribal health centers in Washington state. 

Child Welfare Training and Advancement Program (CWTAP)

CWTAP promotes training excellence for Washington state’s child welfare workforce through the financial support of social work students and professionals. This state-funded partnership links the resources of UW School of Social Work, Alliance for Child Welfare Excellence and the state’s Department of Children, Youth and Families (DCYF).  CWTAP provides qualified participants with specialized field education focused on casework in select DCYF offices. Once students complete their MSW studies, they commit to seeking employment with the DCYF and agree to work for a time period equal to the time they received financial assistance.

Social Work Practice with Latinx Communities

All MSW students can also participate in an additional Latinx focused traineeship. This traineeship offers seminars and advanced skills for specialization students committed to the health and well-being of Latinx communities. The program equips students to be effective practitioners by deepening their understanding of practice models and interventions that resonate with Latino/a individuals, families and communities. 

Concurrent Degree Opportunities

Earning a dual degree may be possible, in approximately 3 years + 1 quarter. At UW, the most common concurrent degrees that align with an MSW are the Master of Public Health or Master of Public Administration degrees.
 

PhD in Social Welfare

The UW School of Social Work doctoral program stands out among advanced social welfare programs by offering an array of academic resources available at one of the nation’s premier research universities. Transdisciplinary opportunities and faculty mentorship enrich the learning experience and help to shape a viable career path in social justice teaching, research or public service. It’s one of the key reasons our graduates find work in highly regarded social work programs throughout the country. 

PhD students are guaranteed funding for their first four years in the program. Is a doctoral education in your future? Find answers to some of your questions: FAQ About the PhD Program and visit the PhD in Social Welfare website for details about information sessions. Questions? Contact Shirley Chu-Torres at sctorres@uw.edu for information.

Message from the Director
I am delighted to welcome you to the PhD Program at the UW School of Social Work.  Based in one of the leading Schools of Social Work in the world, our doctoral program attracts a cadre of students committed to research and teaching that makes a difference in the world.  With over a dozen thriving research centers and faculty who are at the cutting edge of research in a variety of fields, students in the UW doctoral program have the opportunity to work with leading scholars in social welfare.

Bringing a social justice lens to translational and cross-disciplinary research is at the core of our educational mission. Our School is leading research responses to several of the Grand Challenges in Social Work, a groundbreaking national effort to use science to create social progress in strategically determined areas.  Faculty at the School are part of the research leadership for the following Grand Challenges: Reducing Extreme Economic Inequality, Ensuring Health Development for All Youth, Closing the Health Gap, Advancing Long and Productive Lives and Creating Social Responses to a Changing Environment.  By addressing these core social problems, social work students and scholars are at the front lines of developing practice and policy changes to improve the lives of communities experiencing systemic oppression.

We invite you to learn more about our doctoral program and the future scholars who are at the heart of our program!

- Dr. Roberto Orellana