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About

The University of Maryland School of Social Work (UMSSW) is one of seven University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB) professional schools dedicated to improving the human condition and serving the public good of Maryland and beyond.

Mission

Our mission at the University of Maryland School of Social Work is to develop practitioners, leaders and scholars to advance the well-being of populations and communities and to promote social justice. As national leaders, we create and use knowledge for education, service innovation, and policy development.

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SSW School Building

Vision

At the University of Maryland School of Social Work, we envision a future where social work research, practice, and policy come together to drive social justice and equity, strengthen communities, and improve lives locally, nationally, and globally.

Learn More and Join Our Community

Nationally recognized by U.S. News and World Report, UMSSW is one of the largest and most respected schools of social work in the country. We offer enriching academic experiences through 3 graduate degree programs, certificate programs, and over 200 continuing professional education workshops. UMSSW excels in translating research to practice through partnerships with agencies and community organizations.

 

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Our Vision In Action

Research
  • As part of the University of Maryland, Baltimore, UMSSW holds the distinction as a  Research 1 (R1) Institution by the American Council of Education (ACE) and the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education (Carnegie Foundation).
  • UMSSW’s research initiatives – grounded in social work principles – span multiple focus areas including mental health, substance use and violence, children and families, communities, health and wellbeing, workplace culture and organizations.
  • UMSSW faculty, staff and students publish over 150 articles, journals, and research papers annually. 
Practice
  • UMSSW educates the vast majority of social workers in Maryland with over 17,000 alumni.  Graduates report a 94% job placement rate within 3 months and a 99% licensing pass rate according to responses from a recent survey.   
  • UMSSW provides approximately 500,000 hours of social work services a year within Maryland and beyond through practicum placements.
  • The Ruth Young Social Impact Institute provides training, evaluation and support to public agencies, practitioners, and community providers with over 250 training events reaching more than 4,000 individuals. 
Policy
  • UMSSW consults with and evaluates policies for multiple state agencies including the Maryland Departments of Human Services, Education, and Juvenile Justice.
  • UMSSW’s Leadership, Policy and Social Change concentration, formerly referred to as Macro, equips future social workers to create equitable policies through advocacy, community building, and organizing. 
Social Justice

UMSSW provides access to academic courses, training and workshops rooted in social justice to students, organizations and community members including SHARP Framework Training,  the annual JEDI Summit, and the Leading for Engagement, Access and Dialogue (L.E.A.D.) Institute.   

Community

The Center for Restorative Change supports communities in West Baltimore through its programs including the Positive Schools Center, Family Connections, Rise Family Support Center, and B’more for Healthy Babies. 

  • Your Support Makes A Difference. There are multiple ways to support the school of social work including making a financial contribution to support our students, volunteering your time, or engaging in our events and offerings. Learn more about our fundraising initiatives.

    School of Social Work Fundraising Initiatives

UMB Experts Guide

The School of Social Work was founded in 1961 and has grown to become one of the largest and most respected schools of social work in the United States. In a short period of time, the school has emerged as the leader in social work education in Maryland and become known to national and international audiences.

 

View UMB Experts From the School of Social Work

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