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Which colleges are great for social work?

Hi! To be honest, I'm was at a lost when trying to find a career path. But once I found social work, I felt like I knew where I was heading. It's about time to research colleges, but I'm not sure which colleges would help me to become a social worker. #social-work #education #social-worker

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Dr. Carolyn’s Answer

I would suggest that you research social workers whom you admire, or who have made a significant contribution to the field. Then reach out to them. Ask them what they would recommend. In my experience, people in the helping professions (all areas of mental health and wellness) are usually very generous about sharing their recommendations and advice to students. But importantly, you need to determine what kind of program would be right for you. There are many considerations to think about so that you will be happy in your chosen program. The best program in the world will not be of value to you if it's not what you want. Great professors make a difference. Great supervisors make a difference.

I was not a social work major, but I reached out to a very famous social worker with a distinguished research career, because he had researched something that I wanted to research. He didn't know me at all. I didn't go to his university. I wasn't a social work major - yet he took the time to share information with me, and followed up with me on several occasions to see if I had gotten what I needed to move forward in my research. He teaches at Arizona State University, and he is amazing. If I had wanted to go into social work, I would probably have studied with him - BUT he researches something that interests me. So find out what interests you, and find experts in social work that also research that. Reach out to them and ask questions. They may help you narrow down your search. Good luck!
Thank you comment icon Good morning Dr. Carolyn! Thank you so much for answering my question. It really helps. I have been told to research programs and to reach out to people, but I've never really known how to start- maybe that will be my next question! Honestly, I applaud you for reaching out to that social worker. I would have hesitated to do so. And it's great that you learned so much and progressed in your own research! I agree with you that it is important to find what interests me and reach out to people in that area. Only then will I settle on the best program for myself. I'm sorry if this is a really long comment, but I just really want to thank you for your time and advice. It really means a lot, thank you! Stephanie
Thank you comment icon I'm so glad! I learned to be fearless in asking for advice and seeking out experts to try to learn from them. I contacted top mental health professionals, and some responded! They gave great suggestions and were so gracious. And because I had gained so much confidence from asking experts for their advice, when it came time to do my dissertation research, I never struggled! It would have been a lot harder for me if I hadn't reached out to others, because they helped me become aware of rabbit holes to avoid. So believe in yourself and your goals and ASK. Ask everyone. Some will respond, some won't. But always ask so that you set yourself up for success! And remember, you may be the one to change the world and make it a kinder, better place for everyone! Dr. Carolyn Cowl-Witherspoon
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James Constantine’s Answer

Hello Stephanie,

Top-Rated Colleges for Social Work Studies

Social work is a fulfilling profession that revolves around aiding individuals, families, and communities to improve their overall well-being and overcome life's hurdles. Earning a degree in social work can unlock a myriad of career paths, and selecting the right college is a crucial part of this journey. Here are some top-notch colleges for social work studies.

1. University of Michigan - Ann Arbor

The University of Michigan’s School of Social Work consistently ranks among the nation's best graduate schools for social work. It offers a Master of Social Work (MSW) program with diverse specializations like Interpersonal Practice, Community Organizing, and Policy Practice. The school also has a PhD program for those keen on a research or academic career.

2. Washington University in St. Louis

The Brown School of Social Work at Washington University provides a Master of Social Work (MSW) program emphasizing evidence-based practice and social innovation. The school offers specializations in Direct Practice, Management and Leadership, and Policy, with opportunities for students to focus on areas like mental health, aging, and child welfare.

3. University of California - Berkeley

The School of Social Welfare at the University of California - Berkeley offers a Master of Social Welfare (MSW) program centered around social justice and community empowerment. With specializations in Macro Practice, Direct Practice, and Policy and Administration, students can focus on areas such as health, mental health, and criminal justice.

4. University of Chicago

The University of Chicago’s School of Social Service Administration provides a Master of Arts (MA) program in social work, concentrating on advanced practice and policy analysis. The school offers specializations in Clinical Practice, Social Administration, and Policy, Research and Practice, with opportunities for students to focus on areas like child welfare, mental health, and community development.

5. University of Washington - Seattle

The School of Social Work at the University of Washington offers a Master of Social Work (MSW) program centered on social justice and diversity. The school provides specializations in Direct Practice, Administration and Policy Practice, and Research and Evaluation, with opportunities for students to focus on areas such as health, mental health, and aging.

Reliable Reference Titles

U.S. News & World Report: Best Graduate Schools - Social Work (2022)
Graduate School Guidebook: Top Social Work Programs (2021)
Social Work Degree Center: Best Social Work Programs (2021)

Stay Blessed!
James Constantine.
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alan’s Answer

This is a short answer. In my years of work in the fields of psychology and education I found the best training for social work was at Case-Western University in Cleveland, Ohio. The quality of their staff, their history of being in the forefront on social work, and their community work provides excellent opportunities to learn social work.
Good luck to you.
Thank you comment icon Thank you so much for your answer! I have heard about the school and have already signed up for an information session. Getting college ideas are very helpful and I appreciate your help. Thank you. Stephanie
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Simeon’s Answer

Baylor University in Waco, TX has an amazing social work program. Plus, there are many active social work and non-profit organizations to check out in Waco, so I'd recommend looking them up and seeing if it's a good fit for you!
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Mark’s Answer

Hi Stephanie,

I'm not sure if you are completely open or if there's a certain part of the US you're interested in.

Here's a list to start with!

University of Michigan--Ann Arbor
Washington University in St. Louis
Columbia University
University of California--Berkeley
University of Chicago
University of North Carolina--Chapel Hill
University of Washington
University of Texas--Austin

Hope this helps!
Mark
Thank you comment icon Hi! First things first, thank you for answering! While I have been advised to research types of programs, seeing a list helps a lot. Funny thing about this is that most, if not all, of the schools you provided have been suggested before through websites like Niche and Naviance. Even so, I still want to thank you for your response. I at first wasn't sure if these schools were any good. But now, I just have to research more and I will definitely look into these schools! Thank you! Stephanie
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