The University of Iowa offers the highest-ranked Social Work programs in Iowa. Here are some of the ways we excel compared to our peer institutions, in our state and across the nation.

BA Program

• Earn a degree (BASW) with a clear path to professional licensure—and employment—in 41 states
• Affordable tuition at a premier public university
• Opportunities to specialize with certificates in Critical Cultural Competence, Resilience and Trauma-Informed Perspectives, and Aging and Longevity Studies
• Preparation for culturally competent professional social work practice
• Emphasis on Social Justice, preparing students for active engagement with issues of oppression, inequality, and social welfare
• Embedded in a large Liberal Arts college, drawing on diverse perspectives of:
  • social and behavioral science theory
  • social research
  • social policy development, analysis, and implementation
  • culturally competent intervention and prevention approaches in working, with individuals, families small groups, organizations, and communities
  • social integration
  • multiple systems assessment and evaluation
  • knowledge pertaining to diversity, equity, and inclusion
• Big Ten University experience on a beautiful campus

MSW Program

• #1 Master of Social Work (MSW) program in Iowa, according to U.S.News & World Report
• Affordable tuition at a premier public university – among the most affordable graduate tuition rates in the U.S.
• Earn a degree with a clear path to professional licensure—and employment—in all 50 states

• Phenomenally high average pass rate on licensure test (90.4% compared with national average of 73%)

  

• New, innovative curriculum focusing on skill development, social justice, ethics, critical thinking, and other Enduring Understandings
• Reduced hours required in new curriculum—so it saves you time and gets you back in the workforce sooner with deeper skills
• University of Iowa offers many benefits that other schools can’t offer, like world-class medical facilities, researchers and research infrastructure, libraries, and specialized librarians
• Full-time and part-time options
• Combination of in-person and online instruction
• Three locations in Iowa to learn in person, plus an online program
• In-state tuition for all students in Sioux City and Online programs—no matter where you’re learning from
• Choose between Clinical Practice or Leadership Practice specializations
• Online MSW Program is ranked #19 nationally
• Extensive specialization opportunities
• Graduate Certificate in Aging and Longevity Studies

PhD Program

• Substantial mentoring by nationally recognized scholars in:
  • Gerontological Social Work
  • Child Welfare
  • Family Violence
  • Diversity & Social Justice
  • Community Development 
• Individualized and interdisciplinary curriculum (Social Work study is combined with study in sociology, psychology, public health, or education)
• Competitive financial support
• Part-time program available
• Proven track record of placing graduates in academic positions
• GRE Exam not required