Welcome to the School of Social Work
The University of Alabama’s School of Social Work prepares scholar-practitioners and researchers committed to ending adverse social conditions and promoting societal well-being through teaching, research and service.
Learn more about the School of Social Work, our degree programs, and how we work with our communities to make the world a better place.
Our Academic Programs
BSW
Graduates are prepared to assist people of all ages, from all walks of life, in a variety of settings. Students learn valuable professional skills while improving the health and wellbeing of individuals, families, and communities
MSW
Our nationally ranked MSW Program is fully accredited by the Council on Social Work Education & structured to meet the needs of today’s working professionals. Our distinctive and flexible program is open to all undergraduate degrees.
DSW
Prepares social work practitioners who have an MSW to become leaders within organizational settings, work with the highest degree of independence, and/or pursue a social work faculty appointment in higher education.
PhD
OUR PHD PROGRAM PREPARES LEADERS IN SOCIAL WORK SCHOLARSHIP, RESEARCH, AND TEACHING. THE CURRICULUM ADDRESSES THEORY, RESEARCH METHODS, AND THE CRITICAL EVALUATION OF SOCIAL WORK POLICIES AND PRACTICE.
Coordinated Degree Programs
Our top-ranked MSW degree can be combined with either a Master of Public Health (MPH) from The University of Alabama at Birmingham or a Juris Doctorate (JD) from The University of Alabama School of Law.
Certificate Programs
Discover a suite of dynamic graduate certificates designed to elevate your MSW experience, empowering you to build specialized expertise, stand out in a competitive field, and position yourself as a leader in high‑impact areas of social work practice.
1 SIGNATURE PRACTICUM PEDAGOGY
Practicum agency opportunities for BSW and MSW students
Best grad school and 18th among top public graduate schools according to U.S. News & World Report
Alumni worldwide, leading in policy, advocacy, and research
UA School of Social Work in the News
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University of Alabama School of Social Work Named SGPI Program of the Year Following Successful Summer Research Experience
Read more: University of Alabama School of Social Work Named SGPI Program of the Year Following Successful Summer Research ExperienceThe University of Alabama School of Social Work is proud to celebrate an extraordinary summer of scholarship, mentorship, and student success.
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Commencement Summer 2026
Read more: Commencement Summer 2026Dr. Sherron Wilkes, Clinical Assistant Professor and BSW Program Director, was honored to serve as the Commencement Marshal for Summer 2026 and represent both the University of Alabama and the School of Social Work. Her leadership and service reflect the values and excellence of the University and the social work profession. Congratulations to all Summer 2026 graduates. You have earned every moment of this achievement, and we celebrate your success.
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University of Alabama Social Work Students Partner with WACH to Advance Food Justice in West Alabama
Read more: University of Alabama Social Work Students Partner with WACH to Advance Food Justice in West AlabamaMaster of Social Work (MSW) students in The University of Alabama School of Social Work are partnering with the West Alabama Cardiac Health Program (WACH) to explore barriers to healthy food access and develop recommendations that support healthier communities across West Alabama.