School of Social Welfare

The School of Social Welfare is one of the best social work programs in the U.S.. The quality and productivity of the faculty have been rated in the top five programs nationally. The 1994 U.S. News & Workl Report's report of America's best graduate schools ranked the Albany M.S.W. program as 14th of 120 M.S.W. programs. It is a professional school designed to meet social needs by providing leadership in the development of social policy and practice in the field of social welfare. The mission of the School is education and knowledge development for the professional practice of social work that enhances the social functioning of individuals, groups, families, and communities and promotes the development of equitable social policy. The School is committed to the pursuit of excellence in teaching, scholarship, and public service; to knowledge development and professional education that promotes social justice; and to social work practice that serves the vulnerable and oppressed. The M.S.W. program is fully accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). Ph.D. programs in Social Welfare are not subject to CSWE accreditation.

The School of Social Welfare includes two research centers. The Ringel Institute of Gerontology sponsors interdisciplinary research and education in the field of aging. The Center for Social Work Practice Research links faculty and community agencies in collaborative research. Faculty and students in the School participate in collaborative service learning and research programs with community-based agencies. The school also sponsors the largest continuing education program in the nation.

Social Welfare, Ph.D., M.S.W./ Ph.D., M.S.W., M.A./M.S.W. in Criminal Justice (Concentrations in Direct Practice or Management) Accredited by the Council on Social Work Education, the 60 credit M.S.W. program begins with a 31-credit core curriculum. Areas of advanced concentration are direct practice and management. A 39 credit Advanced Standing M.S.W. Program is available to graduates of accredited social work baccalaureate programs. The dual-degree with Criminal Justice focuses on community-based corrections, mental health service with offenders and as alternatives to traditional criminal justice processing, and delinquency. See Criminal Justice. The Ph.D. program prepares candidates for careers in education, research and leadership roles.