When School of Social Work students arrive on campus for classes starting September 28, they will come from 29 states and nine foreign countries.
Some 270 new students will enter the School’s MSW program, and more than 50 students will be part of the BASW program. Both degree programs deliver leading-edge learning opportunities that engage students inside and outside the classroom. This fall, most classes have returned to in-person instruction.
“We are delighted to have our incoming and continuing students join us for Autumn 2022,” said Michael Spencer, associate dean for academic affairs. “During the coming months, I encourage students to get involved on campus, engage with their fellow students, and be ready to delve into some of the most challenging social issues of our time. We look forward to helping you have a wonderful start to the academic year.”
‘We are very excited about the start of the new school year,” said Edwina (Eddie) Uehara, professor and Ballmer Endowed Dean in Social Work. “Our deans, esteemed faculty and dedicated staff look forward to welcoming and working with all social work students. And I’m extremely proud of the support we are able to provide our students, especially through our innovative grant and scholarship programs.”
Uehara noted that the School awards nearly $5 million in student grants, including scholarships to those participating in the cutting-edge Washington State Behavioral Health Workforce Development Initiative (WDI). Under WDI, students at 13 universities throughout the state who are enrolled in social work or mental health counseling masters-degree programs can receive two-year scholarships for serving three years in community-based behavioral health agencies and tribal health centers after they graduate. The UW School of Social Work developed and leads the initiative that was made possible in 2021 by a $24.8 million gift from Ballmer Group.
A full-time faculty of 81 highly diverse and widely recognized scholars gives new and returning students access to some of the nation’s top researchers. In March 2022, U.S. News & World Report ranked the School No. 2 in the nation among graduate schools of social work— the highest ranking the School has received since this national survey began. Additionally, nine School researchers were ranked among the top 2% of the world’s most influential scientists in their fields, according to a 2021 Stanford University-Elsevier study, published in spring 2022.
“The School is home to more than a dozen research and innovation centers that provide opportunities for students at all degree levels to learn, explore and accelerate social change,” added Uehara. “I encourage all our students to take advantage of the many outstanding opportunities that our School provides.”