Where can I find the best social work schools?

Hi everyone! I'm starting to narrow down my college choices, and I'm really passionate about pursuing a career in social work. Can anyone suggest some top schools known for their social work programs? If you have any info on the programs themselves or the schools in general, please share!

Hi there! I'm glad you're passionate about pursuing a career in social work as it's a field that truly makes a difference in people's lives. To help you on your journey, I'd recommend taking a look at the following schools, which are recognized for their strong social work programs:

1. University of Michigan-Ann Arbor: Their School of Social Work is consistently highly ranked and offers both Bachelor and Master's degree programs in social work. The curriculum emphasizes community engagement, and there are many opportunities for practical experience through internships.

2. Columbia University: Columbia's School of Social Work offers a Master of Science in Social Work, and additionally, undergraduates can pursue a minor, though there isn't an undergraduate major in social work. The program is focused on innovation and leadership in the field, and there are ample opportunities for research and practice experiences.

3. Washington University in St. Louis: The Brown School at WashU offers a top-ranked Master of Social Work program, but no undergraduate degree in the field. However, undergrads interested in social work can pursue a minor in social policy offered by the Brown School.

4. University of California, Berkeley: While there isn't a specific undergraduate social work major, students can pursue a Social Welfare major which provides an excellent foundation for a career in social work. UC Berkeley's graduate School of Social Welfare focuses on a broad range of social issues, from child welfare to aging populations.

5. New York University: NYU's Silver School of Social Work offers both undergraduate and graduate programs in social work. Their Bachelor of Science in Social Work program has a strong focus on hands-on experience and social justice.

6. University of Texas at Austin: UT Austin's Steve Hicks School of Social Work offers both undergraduate and graduate programs. As an undergraduate, you can pursue a Bachelor of Social Work degree which is highly focused on preparing students for entry-level social work positions, as well as advanced study in the field.

This is not an exhaustive list, but these schools are recognized as leaders in social work education. When researching and comparing programs, be sure to consider factors such as location, school size, and available resources such as faculty expertise, internships, and research opportunities. Good luck on your college search!