The UW School of Social Work is celebrating its rise in the U.S. News & World Report graduate school rankings from sixth place to a shared third. The rankings for social work are for the 130 master’s degree programs in the nation.

The University of Michigan ranked first in social work this year, and Washington University in St. Louis was second. The other two schools sharing the third rank are the University of California at Berkeley and Columbia University in New York City. The University of Chicago is sixth.

“We are very pleased that the accomplishments of our faculty, staff and students have been recognized by this rise in the rankings,” said Dean Nancy Hooyman. “Among the top schools, we are known nationally for being first in terms of external research funding, for our success in recruiting students and faculty of color, for our focus on prevention and practice-research collaborations, and for our outstanding doctoral program.”

In addition to the MSW degree, the school offers bachelor’s and doctoral degrees in social welfare. The MSW is offered within four areas of study: children, youth and families, multi-ethnic practice, health and mental health, and social work administration. A two-year day program is augmented by a three-year evening program and a distance learning program.

The UW School of Social Work was established in 1935 and now has about 450 students, more than 300 of those in graduate programs. There are 42 faculty members and 250 practicum instructors. ¶

Claire Dietz