The Top 10 Social Work Schools
When deciding where to study for your social work degree you'll want to look into which schools are objectively considered the best. We've provided some information here about the ten schools ranked best in the U.S. for social work graduate degrees by the prestigious U.S. News and World Report. This should give you an idea of the size, philosophy, and concentrations available at the top-ranked schools in the country. If you have any more questions about finding a great school, ask us on Facebook. Best of luck making your choice!
1. University of Southern California
Los Angeles, CA
The School of Social Work at the University of Southern California offers a Master of Social Work and a Doctor of Philosophy, with a large number of concentrations and sub-concentrations to choose from. This program also offers dual degrees, allowing students to earn a degree in Business Administration, Gerontology, Jewish Communal Services, Law, or Public Administration alongside their Master of Social Work.
Located in Los Angeles, the school offers community immersion experiences in local urban neighborhoods, plus international study opportunities in China, India, the Philippines, Puerto Rico, and the United Kingdom.
The school consists of 934 Master of Social Work students and 35 Doctor of Philosophy students.
The University of Southern California now offers a Master's in Social Work (MSW) program online. Click here to learn more about the program and request information.
2. Washington University in St. Louis
St. Louis, MO
The Brown School of Social Work at Washington University in St. Louis educates social work and public health students in policy, practice, and research. A leader in its field, this school has influenced policy strategies at the local, national, and international levels.
Prospective students can choose from a Master of Public Health, Master of Social Work, and Doctor of Philosophy in Social Work. Once enrolled, you can choose from six areas of concentration: health; mental health; gerontology; children, youth, and families; social and economic development; or an individualized program.
The number of students enrolled each fall is typically 220 in the masters program and 58 in the doctorate program.
3. University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor, MI
The School of Social Work at the University of Michigan prides itself on its internationally recognized faculty and its culturally diverse student body. Its mission is to prepare graduates to serve society at the local, state, national and international levels.
The school offers both a master's and a doctorate course of study. Those accepted into the Joint Doctoral Program in Social Work and Social Science can select one of five specialization areas: anthropology, economics, political science, psychology, or sociology. The Master of Social Work degree allows students to select a concentration from nine practice methods and areas.
The total size of the MSW program is 575 during the fall term, with students enjoying small classes of no more than 32.
4. University of Chicago
Chicago, IL
The School of Social Service Administration at the University of Chicago is one of the oldest graduate schools of social work. It aims to prepare students to become leaders in the human services field by fostering a commitment to social and economic justice.
The school offers both master's and doctoral programs. The core master's curriculum provides students with a solid foundation in administration, policy, and direct practice with individuals, families, organizations, and communities. You can also choose a concentration in either clinical practice or social administration. Classes at the school are no larger than 30 students and can be as small as 6-10.
5. Columbia University
New York, NY
The master's in social work program at Columbia University prepares students who wish to provide direct social work services to client populations. With a well-renowned faculty boasting 64 Nobel Prize winners, Columbia is known for its cutting-edge research.
Columbia offers a Master of Science in Social Work, and also a Doctor of Philosophy for those interested in careers as researchers and educators. The school gives students a wide selection of academic choices including dual degrees and minors. The curriculum covers a range of subjects including community outreach, court advocacy, and crisis intervention.
Located in the diverse, cosmopolitan city of New York, Columbia offers many local opportunities for social work service delivery, policy development, and research.
6. University of Washington
Seattle, WA
The University of Washington's School of Social Work offers both master's and doctorate degree programs. The Master of Social Work program gives students a broad understanding of social welfare; a basic foundation in social work knowledge, skills, and ethics; and requires advanced study of social work interventions. The PhD Program in Social Welfare prepares small cohorts of students for academic and research careers.
With a strong commitment to diversity, the department works to recruit students dedicated to working with diverse populations. Taking advantage of community relationships, faculty work with local Seattle human service providers to place students in internships, where they work under the supervision of an experienced social worker.
7. University of California, Berkeley
Berkeley, CA
The School of Social Welfare at the University of California offers master's and doctorate programs as well as an undergraduate major. With a nationally and internationally recognized faculty, the school conducts cutting-edge research on major local and foreign issues.
Students in the Master's in Social Work program choose one of five concentration areas to specialize in, selecting from: direct practice in child and family services; community mental health; health; gerontology; or management and planning.
The school also offers concurrent degree programs, allowing social work students to earn an additional degree in law, international and area studies, or public health.
8. University of Texas, Austin
Austin, TX
The University of Texas at Austin School of Social Work offers doctorate, master's, and undergraduate degrees for those interested in social work practice, policy, administration, and academia. The school is committed to promoting social justice on a global level, communicating its worldwide focus to students with international field placements, research and teaching programs, and faculty and student exchanges.
The Master of Science in Social Work degree program allows students to choose one of two areas of concentration, either Clinical Social Work or Community and Administrative Leadership. The School of Social Work also offers four dual degree programs, allowing students to earn an additional degree in theology, public health, law, or public affairs.
9. University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill, NC
In addition to studying a core curriculum, students enrolled in the University of North Carolina's Master's in Social Work program choose one of three concentrations: Direct Practice; Management and Community Practice; or a self-directed concentration. Students work with faculty and staff to design a plan of study tailored to their own personal, academic, and professional goals.
Students can choose to expand their studies by participating in the School of Social Work's dual degree program partnerships with the School of Public Health, Department of Public Administration, and School of Law, and with Duke University's Divinity School.
There are more than 300 students enrolled annually in the master's program, and 45 doctoral students.
10. Case Western Reserve University
Cleveland, OH
Located in Cleveland, the Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences at Case Western Reserve University offers both a Master's degree program and a Doctor of Philosophy. The Master of Science in Social Administration has an average class size of just 12 students.
The school offers two concentrations: Community and Social Development, and Direct Practice. Those choosing the Direct Practice Concentration specialize in one of five areas: Aging; Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse; Children, Youth, and Families; Health; Adult Mental Health; or Child/Adolescent Mental Health. At the master's level, joint degree programs are also offered in the areas of law, nonprofit management, business administration, and bioethics.
The number of students enrolled annually in the master's program is around 333.