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Social Work At UAB

Our Bachelor of Science in Social Work (BSSW) program prepares students for generalist social work practice with diverse populations. Our Master of Social Work (MSW) program is one of the few in the nation that has a sole focus on clinical/medical social work, and it prepares students for practice in health and behavioral health settings. Both programs are fully accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).

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UAB Department Of Social Work Debuts In The U.S. News & World Report Rankings

Why Study Social Work?

Welcome to the UAB Department of Social Work! Below are a few reasons why you should choose to get your degree in social work at UAB:

  • Social work is one of the fastest-growing professions in the nation and is expected to grow by 12 percent by 2030 (Bureau of Labor Statistics).
  • Social workers are the largest providers of mental health services, and social work is recognized by federal law and the National Institute of Health as one of five core mental health professions in the U.S. (National Association of Social Workers).
  • Our Bachelor of Science in Social Work (BSSW) and Master of Social Work (MSW) programs prepare students for practice in health and behavioral health care settings.
  • Our MSW program is one of a few in the nation that has a sole focus on clinical/medical social work.
  • Our faculty are passionate leaders in the areas of HIV/AIDS, HCV epidemiology, mental health, health risk behaviors, social work education, social determinants of health, health equity, international social work, diversity, social justice, and anti-oppression.
  • Our curriculum utilizes cutting-edge instruction and inter-professional simulations alongside numerous health professions across campus.

Latest News

  • Clinical/Medical Master of Social Work program utilizes ‘the vast resource that is UAB’
    “There are about 330 accredited Master of Social Work programs around the country, and in some fundamental ways we’re similar to all of them. What sets us apart is that unique clinical/medical focus,” said program director Colleen Fisher, Ph.D., MSW.
  • Experience refugees’ compelling stories of resilience through a photo exhibition Feb. 2-March 1
    “Refugees, Empathy, and Human Rights” is a nationwide traveling exhibition featuring contemporary portraits and poetic stories illustrating the challenges of refugees building new lives in the United States.
  • Department of Social Work featured in recent CIPES newsletter
    The Center for Interprofessional Education and Simulation (CIPES) highlighted the Department of Social Work in two stories in its recent newsletter.